Lydia Johnson
Founder and Tutor
PGCE (QTS) Primary Education
BA (hons) Philosophy with Psychology
4 A Levels
10 GCSEs
What makes me, me...
A Bit About Me
As someone who has had the privilege of travelling the world from a young age, experiencing different cultures and being part of a range of societies and networks, I've always had a drive to understand those around me and help regardless of their circumstances or backgrounds. This developed into a desire to become a teacher from an early age; something that was made concrete thanks to the amazing teachers I had during those early school years.
I was determined to take advantage of all the opportunities within my grasp, benefiting from a highly- structured and routine-based schooling that involved not only important classroom-based learning but a wide range of extra-curricula studies; sports, music, art, adventure, leadership. These opened up an exciting, and ever-growing list of achievements and memories that have ingrained in me the principles of hard-work, perseverance, resilience, teamwork and inter-personal skills that lend themselves to finding success with, and celebrating alongside, those around you.
I went on to study Philosophy with Psychology at the University of Warwick, a course that opened my mind to a broader understanding of those around us - what people may think about things and why they may think about them in this way. Covering a range of topics that included insights into early brain development, particularly within children and how the factors outside of their control can have lasting effects on them, how different environments and the required structure (or lack thereof) can influence thought, belief and regulating capabilities in growing people, and the different ways the community around us and voices heard while we grow and develop can shape the critical thinking and understanding people have for others.
All of this hugely impacted my approach to teaching and creating safe environments in which children can explore their own amazing capabilities and work alongside their barriers and learning difficulties. I carry a strong conviction in the joy of learning to learn and inspire, not simply learning to pass a test.
My further qualifications and teaching experiences are set out below. I have included some statistical and general information about the groups and classes of children I have taught for greater contextual understanding of who I am as a tutor, and what I can offer your child. In short, cutting edge and proven teaching techniques that I know, from my studies and teaching experience, will have significant positive impact in 1-2-1 settings outside the classroom. I want to widen access to these techniques in tailored tutoring sessions, to the benefit of your child.
You will also find below some testimonials and messages from parents, children and colleagues about working with me, and the positive impact I have made. These real-life outcomes are the primary motivator for creating LCMJ Tutoring.
Work Experience
2020-2021
2021-2022
2022-2023
2023-2024
PGCE (QTS) Primary Education, ages 5-11
Completed through the University of Warwick and the state sector in the Rugby area. This included two placements within different schools. My main placement was in a primary school on the site of an old secondary school which opened opportunities for me to participate in delivering a wider curriculum. I worked within a Year 3 class for one term, and then a Year 5 class when I returned for a further term. Through a 'classic' structure and timetabling I had the chance to teach all subjects and develop my practice within large class sizes while still focussing on individual needs. My secondary placement was in a much smaller local primary school that included a wide variety of family dynamics and backgrounds, including members of the Traveller community. I spent the second term here in the Nursery/Reception class in which I had hands-on experience of early years schooling, the creativity and inspiration needed to engage, and how seemingly simple tasks can unlock important developmental and learning 'checkpoints' for the young pupils.
Year 3 Class Teacher at Repton Prep
I improved the writing levels of a mixed class by an average of 20%, and improved the Arithmetic and Problem-Solving levels of the Maths set (3/4) an average of at least 10%. This included working with pupils who had dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, as well as pupils within the EAL program, alongside the highest-ability students.
Year 3 Class Teacher at Repton Prep
I improved the writing levels of a mixed class by an average of 11%, and improved the Arithmetic levels of the Maths set (2/2) by an average of 27% and their Problem-Solving levels by an average of 12%. This included working with pupils who had developmental deficiencies preventing connections between phonetical sounds and understanding, impairing their speech and auditory functions, as well as others with a range of ASD needs and dysgraphia and dyscalculia, alongside the highest-ability students.
Year 4 Class Teacher at Repton Prep
I led a mixed-ability class, and Maths set (2/2), to improve writing levels by an average of 5% and Problem-Solving levels by an average of 13%. This class included pupils with ASD, ADHD, high sensory needs and no EHCP, other pupils with unilateral hearing loss wearing hearing aids with loops, ASD and an EHCP and 1-1 assistant. As well as pupils with a range of ASD, dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, alongside pupils within the EAL program, the highest-achieving pupils within the year group and all the pastoral and developmental support needed for each child within this environment.
'I can't thank you enough for all the support with *...it has been a joy to see him blossom and he is a totally different boy - you have been amazing. You're an incredible teacher and your students next year are so lucky to have you. You're a credit to the school and I've told everyone who will listen that!'
'Thank you for making me a better person and being the best teacher ever. My best memories are being with you'
'Thank you so much for being so awesome with *. He has had the best year and has come on so well under your guidance. We are so thankful that you have joined Repton Prep and look forward to you having * next term.'
'Thank you so much for providing such a welcoming environment for * this year. Right from the transition week last year, through to today, he's been supported and cared for, and has thrived even when things have been challenging.'
'I just wanted to email to say thank you for the lovely end of year report regarding *, you have got to know him so well! Thank you for all your help, support and understanding that you have shown *, especially with his diagnosis of Dyslexia at the beginning of the school year. It's very much appreciated. * loves coming to school and that is a reflection on you.'
'...my deep appreciation for everything you have done this year. * has really grown up this year and that is in huge part because of you and the time you have taken with her. I really do appreciate it and can't wait for another year come September.'
'Thank you for the laughter and help throughout my boarding journey and for always being there in the sad times. You will be missed.'
'Thank you so much for being such a positive part of *'s boarding experience. She talks so fondly of you and we are so grateful to you for being so supportive.'
'We can't thank you enough for all you have done for * during her time in Year 3. She has thrived thanks to your support and we are all very sad to be losing you!'
'I so loved popping into your classroom (and probably disturbing your lessons!) because the atmosphere was always such a positive one. I enjoyed sharing a smile with you and your teaching style and commitment to your pupils always inspired and encouraged me - you are amazing.'
'I just wanted to say a massive thank you for being such a great teacher for * this year! We've really noticed a change in *'s attitude towards school this year which has been a real pleasure to see. We've always felt that * responds well to being pushed and challenged and she seems to have had that throughout this year. * is always saying you're the best teacher she's ever had and she's absolutely thrilled to be in your class again next year.'
'* has greatly benefitted from your kindness and patience this year...and we must thank you for all your hard work.'