While there are simply too many stories to list here, we'd like to share some of the transformations our students have gone through after working with Oxford Specialist Tutors.
Having both Dyslexia and Asperger’s, I feel that I would never have achieved quite as much as I did if it wasn’t for the ‘free range’ support I received from Margo. Having experienced many different methods of tuition throughout my life, Margo was the only one who appeared to bend the rules when it came to offering me support.
I remember that something as simple as allowing me to stand up and work on my feet really helped me to focus my attention and improve the quality of my work. I would never have thought that something as simple as thinking in my own space would have such an impact on my ability to concentrate.
Nice work Margo!
Duncan
Dyslexia & Asperger’s
Meeting my tutor changed my life. I went from someone on the verge of dropping out of university, barely able to read more than a few paragraphs of text without difficulty, to someone who is now well read in classic literature (Verne, Dickens, Dumas). Academic text books are now fun and engaging.
Margo is an extremely warm and kind-hearted individual who excels at providing not just academic, but pastoral care to her students and friends. Margo is always available for someone, even late into the evenings or on weekends, and her energy and enthusiasm are infectious.
A specific example of her pastoral care was during my final year, when my student financial aid application was on hold due to errors with paperwork. I emailed Margo on the weekend and she not only helped me understand the letters and instructions I had been given, but also contacted the relevant departments within the university to bring about a prompt resolution that allowed me to secure financial aid, remain in my accommodation, and ultimately complete my studies.
After completing university, I struggled at work, as my coworkers didn’t understand my additional needs and how to best communicate with me. Margo’s support has allowed me to clearly articulate that to them. Because of her I now have long-term, highly fulfilling employment in my dream career.
Jeremy
Autism
My tutor excelled in helping me find ways to understand complex subjects where other tutors had failed. The constant support and guidance provided by my tutor was phenomenal, helping me to develop my written communication to a point that no one, not even me, thought possible.
This has helped me to match and even exceed other students in my field. Since working with Oxford, my grades have consistently been in the top 5% of my class.”
Amy
In the short space of one lesson and a brief chat Russel has progressed from being almost dejected about reading to actively asking me to let him write the names of things in our environment on little cards as we go about our daily activities. You really have a wonderful gift! Thank you so much.
Helen, mother of 7 year old Russel
Dyslexia/Autism spectrum
Without Margo, I wouldn’t have gotten my degree. She would listen to me attentively about any issues. I often struggled with putting my thoughts and ideas to paper and she would help me get things down without getting lost in the essay. Margo treats everyone individually based on their specific needs. Without her, I wouldn’t have even considered applying to do my masters.
Kristine
Dyslexia
I have no idea how I would have survived university without Margo. Margo is fantastic in so many ways and will do whatever it takes to get you the results you need. She’ll support you not only in your studies or job, but in your life.
Diana
Dyslexia
Margo was my dyslexia tutor at university, and changed my life in so many ways, which I’m grateful for. She taught me how to retain information when I read, something I previously had a lot of difficulty with. I also had extreme difficulty with math. Margo figured out the root cause, and while I’ll never be a mathematician (nor want to be), I’m now confident with math and numbers in general.
Anne
Dyslexia
When I started with Margo, I wasn’t really sure what a specialist tutor could do for me. I had only just been diagnosed as dyslexic, but doing an arts degree I didn’t do much written work. What I didn’t realize was just how valuable it would be to have someone to talk through my ideas with, and to help me organize all my different projects. I doubt I would be getting the grades I am now without her.
Sandy
Dyslexia
Margo always goes above and beyond for her students. She helped me get through my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and I couldn't have done it without her.
Andrew
Dyslexia
Margo has helped with both my professional and personal development. There's something about a lesson with her that not only inspires, but fills you with a confidence that words cannot describe. Before meeting Margo I was mostly getting B’s. Now with her help and expertise almost all of my essays are getting an A+. However, despite her knowledge and ability to communicate with my dyslexic and dyspraxic thinking styles, the most important thing that Margo has taught me is to believe in myself. And that is a lesson that I can't thank her enough for!
Clair
Dyslexia and Dyspraxia
Through working with Oxford Specialist Tutors, I’ve learned a lot about how my ADHD - Hyperfocus brain works, and how to harness it to my best advantage.
In the mornings, I sometimes wake up in hyperfocus mode, in which case I get straight to work.
But most mornings, I wake up in full-on ADD mode. My brain is filled with a thousand thoughts and ideas, and flits from topic to topic in rapid fire. I cannot focus on one thing, but I am having useful thoughts about everything that’s on my mind. And there are a LOT of things on my mind!
When that happens, I used to try to force myself to focus, but it never worked. And I’d get really stressed in the process.
Now, instead, I let my brain flit around for as long as it needs to - while I take a walk, drink a coffee, or just gaze out of the window.
Once my brain is ready to settle, only then do I bring my focus down to just one thing.
When my brain is ready, that’s really easy to do, and I get into a hyper focused state of extreme productivity. “In the zone” as some people call it.
I’ve also learned that I need time to switch from one focus to another. If I try to switch too fast, again I get stressed out and cannot focus.
So instead, I always take a break between different topics of focus.
Overall, understanding how my brain works, and how to manage my ADD and hyperfocus has made my life a lot less stressful, and a lot more productive.
David
ADHD - Hyperfocus
If you would like to talk with one of our experts to discuss what would be the best approach to supporting your child, book a free consultation today.
