Catriona Ramsay - Private Tutor in Hong Kong and Singapore

I graduated from Cambridge University (Newnham College) with a 2:1 in Social Anthropology (and a 1st in Development Studies) in 2009. I have been tutoring private clients since 2005 in subjects ranging from English, Maths, English as foreign language, Interview Technique and Preparation, Test & Exam Preparation and Mentoring. However, my current focus and speciality is tutoring students for all levels of the ISEE and SSAT test as well as tutoring the 11+ and 13+ entrance exams. As a child, I attended the Chinese International School in Hong Kong and Alice Smith International School in Kuala Lumpur and then boarded at school in the UK as an overseas student. As a consequence, I particularly enjoy working with students based in Asia applying to international schools and preparing them for the cultural and curriculum adjustment of becoming an overseas student. I am now based in Singapore and tutor students of all ages here and in Hong Kong primarily. I have an excellent track record of increasing test scores and helping tutees to have the confidence and ability to achieve the grades required for their desired schools whilst also acting as a mentor throughout the preparation process.

My Education & Qualifications

• University of Cambridge, 2008 – 2009
  Social Anthropology (MA): 2:1
• University of Cambridge, 2006 – 2009
  Archaeology & Anthropology (BA): 2:1/1st
• School: King's School Canterbury, 2000-2005
  Art Scholar Art, French, Spanish A-Levels- all high A grades
• School: Ashdown House Preparatory School
  
• School: Chinese International School, Hong Kong
  

My Tutoring & Teaching Experience

I began tutoring in 2005 and have really enjoyed meeting so many varied, talented and interesting individuals along the way. I began by tutoring the Common Entrance 13+ syllabus followed by GCSE English, Maths, Art and French. Later I specialised in interview practice and exam technique, both of which focused on building confidence. I have worked with adults learning English as foreign language and spent time tutoring children in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kazakhstan, Portugal and Scotland and even spent time in London teaching British Etiquette and Culture! I have worked as a mentor for students often in the capacity as guardian, but now focus on tutoring primarily the ISEE and SSAT for clients (of all levels) wishing to apply to American private schools and also the 11+ and 13+ entrance exams for students applying to popular British schools. I am now based in Singapore and provide skype and in-person tutoring to students based here and in Hong Kong and skype tuition for all other overseas students.

My Approach to Tutoring

Every student is unique, learns differently and requires a different approach. I love working with students of all ages and abilities and my sessions are tailored to suit each person individually but always involve a balanced mix of friendly support, trust and encouragement with a firm hand to make sure they can improve and achieve their very best. I aim to make sure the student concerned is either ahead of or at the top of their class but, most importantly, confident in their own abilities and talents. With confidence comes success!

Fun Facts About Me

Aside from tutoring, I spend most of time running my swimwear brand, Lilliput & Felix, which launched in late 2014! I also sculpt, paint and taxidermy and am a keen runner and yogi. I come from Scotland (which is where my family still live) but grew up in Asia (Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur) so love to travel.

• CTP
  "We loved working with Cat. She was very thorough in researching the exact books we needed for my daughter’s exams and level. My daughter not only learned a lot but had a lot of fun with her as well!"
• SSAT/ISEE
  "We are back from our US school trip. Everything went well and I’m optimistic the girls will get into both schools and then have their choice of where to go. Their ISEE results are in and they are strong (99th percentile and mostly stanine 9). Thanks so much for all your help."
• English
  "(Our daughter)'s teacher has remarked on (her) vast improvement these last few weeks in English and she has received an award for her creative writing. Thank you!"
• Grade 6 English & Maths
  "Thank you. (She) was over the moon with confidence!"
• ISEE
  "...Cat’s experience with the ISEE and her deep knowledge of exactly what we need to focus on make[s] her a [great] fit for what we need..."
• ISEE Lower Level
  "Catriona Ramsay is a fabulous tutor - we've never engaged one before and I must say we are very pleased to know such a competent, conscientious and brilliant professional. Catriona 'got' [our daughter] immediately and understands what [she] likes and dislikes. She knows how to negotiate working on the subjects [she] is less keen on (i.e. maths) and devises creatives ways to make learning these topics more fun."
• ISEE Lower Level
  "Catriona has advised us on various aspects of the ISEE test for which I am very grateful as this is our first experience of taking an exam for an American primary school. Her knowledgable comments and calm demeanor have been very reassuring these past months! [Our daughter] looks forward to her sessions with Catriona and respects her highly. The tutorials are always very lively with lots of ideas sparking interesting conversations."