Piers - Charlton tutor






Information About Piers:


Personal Description:

My name is Piers von Berg. I graduated in 2000 from St Andrews University with first class honours in International Relations. I recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Law and Bar Vocational Course at City Law School, London; in my second year I tutored Criminal Law at City Law School. From 2000-2004 I worked for the George Soros Foundation lecturing conflict studies and globalisation.



Teaching Experience:

I have taught international politics for four years and criminal law for one year at university level. I have taught first and second year undergraduates and have much sympathy for those grappling with these subjects for the first time. I have also tutored final year and Masters students.

I have taught a lot of basic and advanced essay writing skills for social sciences and law (including legal problem questions).

I currently provide tutorials on a private basis. Please note - I have just registered with UK Tutors and I am awaiting my CRB check (I have no previous convictions).



Tutoring Approach:

My first aim is to identify at what stage students are at in their studies and what tasks they have as regards exams or coursework. I would then discuss areas of difficulty with the student, and with younger pupils, their parents. I then discuss and agree with the student how we will go forward together to address these needs.

At university level, I find that law and politics students often have difficulty with particular topics which need simple and precise explanations (diagrams also come in useful). For example, telling the differences between subjective and objective recklessness in criminal law, or between neo and classical realism in international relations. In addition, there is no substitute for exam and essay practice, and I always follow this up with extensive and constructive feedback, ideally in discussion with the student to build confidence levels.

At A-level social science (e.g. history and politics), there are similar issues such as confidence in exams, exam technique, and discovering what approaches turn a B plus into a strong A grade. For example, learning how to strike balances in "discuss" type essay questions or, being able to use "spider" or "fish" charts to organise thoughts and ideas before writing. Again, practice questions are essential to developing technique and confidence, especially when followed with constructive and affirmative feedback.

At GCSE level, I understand a need for shorter and more carefully managed tasks to build up confidence and understanding. For example, 30-40 word answers to several questions on a set text, or a longer 300-400 composition on a particular event or period. This is prefaced by an oral explanation, discussion and question and answer session, as well as set reading. Writing and research tasks are then followed by assessment, discussion, feedback and often, repeat tasks.

Across the age-groups I find that identifying mistakes must go hand-in-hand with inviting or suggesting alternatives. Most importantly, students thrive where a teacher can convey an enthusiasm for the subject and find ways to engage the student's interest and attention.



Map showing Piers's location

Qualifications:

  • Bar Vocational Course, Inns of Court School of Law, Very Competent (2:1) 2008
  • Graduate Diploma in Law, City University, Commendation (2:1) 2007
  • Masters of Arts in International Relations, St Andrews University (1st) 2000
  • A-levels: Politics A, History A, General Studies A, English B, French C

Further Information:

Availability:  Weekends / Weekdays (all times)
Types of Tutoring:   Travels to you / From their home / Online
References Supplied?   Yes