Patricia Giannola

Member since May 2020

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Details

Key area of interest

11+

My background

Tutor Bio

Empathetic Learning Support/Gifted Instruction

I use a very flexible, student-centred approach, catering to the individual needs of students who learn differently. I believe building confidence and self-advocacy goes hand-in-hand with teaching skills and metacognitive strategies. With over 3 decades’ experience working with gifted, dyslexic, AD/HD, Aspergers and other neurodivergent and exceptional students, I focus on discovering the STRENGTHS of pupils to mitigate their needs. All students learn differently and all students can learn once we find their cognitive style.

I hold an MSEd in Exceptional Educational Needs and a BA in English as well as a PGCert in Information & Library Studies.

I have worked mainly at the secondary International High School level teaching in all subjects. I specialise in the American AP and International IB curriculum and in research and essay-writing skill development. I prefer to use a "live videoconferencing" approach using ZOOM whiteboard or Google docs to share documents. The Edit-Suggesting tool allows students to show their work and follow my written editorial suggestions in a real-time 1:1 intensive session while I simultaneously provide oral feedback.

I also specialise in preparation for American examinations including College Board AP (Advanced Placement) ACT, SAT and PSAT exam preparation.

I am also qualified in psycho-educational and psychometric testing by the BPS (British Psychological Society) and can provide pre-diagnostic testing and screening for suspected dyslexia and dyscalculia and IQ testing for cognitively gifted and twice-exceptional students.

Experience

I have enhanced DBS clearance, having worked for many years in independent schools and with HNW families in Surrey. As a teacher as well as the parent of a teen with dyslexia who is also gifted, I have a unique insight into the strengths and needs of twice-exceptional students and familiar with the emotional sensitivity that such students often possess.

I have worked mainly within the International school system with “Third Culture Kids” and dependents of foreign nationals and expats living in the Greater London area.