Hello there! I’m Catherine, your tutor, and here’s a little bit about me.
After completing my BA, PGCE and MA at Liverpool and York universities, I became a professional writer for a couple of decades until my son came along and priorities changed. For several years I became a full-time mum and I educated my son at home from the age of five. I’m very familiar with the joys and challenges of home-education and the frustrations of school-orientated teaching materials!
For 12 years I taught Creative Writing and Humanities at the Open University as an associate lecturer. It was a fantastic experience and it was here that I learned about distance learning. I also have several years experience as a private tutor and have taught most age ranges, preparing students for GCSE and A level English. In 2008 I established my tutoring company and since then have helped thousands of children achieve their GCSE level qualifications in English. I also work with younger children.
My teaching experience includes a stint as a tutor in Creative Writing and A level Critical Thinking at the National Extension College. I’ve been an examiner for A level English Literature for one of the major exam boards too (where I was commended as a 'Grade A' examiner).
In 2013 I fulfilled a life long ambition to become an illustrator and completed a degree in Contemporary Art Practice at Stafford University. I did a further diploma in oil painting and now divide my time between teaching and painting. You can find my illustration and painting work here: www.catherinemooney.co.uk.
I love both teaching and painting although they don’t leave me a lot of free time. What time I do have is usually spent with friends or reading and hanging out with my pet cat, Alfie.