Gartcosh English Tutors and Gartcosh English Tuition

Personal Description:
Recently retired. Able to work away from home and willing to travel but charge £1 per mile to cover car expenses and time travelling. You can come to me. Married with son and grandchildren.

Teaching Experience:
35 years' teaching in junior and secondary schools. Head of English, Schools' Inspector and consultant. Dip. Sp.L.D. qualification. Recently, eight years' tutoring.

Tutoring Approach:
One-to-one, perhaps in your house. friendly, individual, personalised service, according to need and based on assessment and pupil or parent wishes. Normally one hour per week. Preferably for a year, at least, to achieve best results.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher with 2 children. I've been teaching for over 20 years at a variety of schools within Hampshire and across the primary phase. I tutor mainly Maths and English and over the past 7 years I have successfully tutored children through their SAT's exams.

In addition to this I have been teaching adults at a local college since 2016. I teach Functional Skills Maths and English, conquering fears and supporting students to reach their potential. Daytime adult tuition is also available.

Teaching Experience:
I have a B'Ed (Hons) specialising in Religious and Theological studies and through my teaching career I have specialised in DT, Music and RE. I have knowledge of current teaching methods from Reception up to Year 6.
Having also taught adults for the past few years I have developed more teaching skills to break down the barriers to learning.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that everyone has their own way of learning and once this is known they can go far. Learning should be fun and relevant. Confidence is often a barrier to success. Improve confidence and success will follow.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm amazing!!!
And I help other people be amazing too!!!
My aim is to increase everyone's understanding of everything!!!

I've been tutoring Maths, Science and English since 2007, for ages 5 to 50. However, I mostly help teenagers with their SATs, GCSEs and A Levels.

Maths, Science and English are the three main subjects that people tend to want tutoring in. (Actually it's five subjects if you break the Science down into Biology, Chemistry and Physics.)

Anyway, as I tutor all of these subjects, my students find it very useful that I can potentially cover a different subject each week, or I can do two hours a week and cover a different subject in each hour.

This obviously makes it much easier for the parents too, because they don't have to find a separate tutor for each subject, or leave their child without the valuable one-to-one support in any of the core subjects.

I've also helped my students with pretty much every major school subject; from History and Religious Studies, to French and Spanish, and even Psychology and Health and Social Care. In fact, experience has shown me that I can help anyone to better understand anything - even something that I didn't even know myself a minute earlier!

Teaching Experience:
Educational Employment

Private Home Tutor
The Right Line
2007 - present
Tutoring GCSE and AS Level Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Tutoring GCSE English Language and English Literature.
Tutoring Numeracy and Literacy (including Phonics) for ages 7 and up.

Life Improvement Course Director
COSRECI
2001 - 2012
(A community education and counselling organisation.)
Assisting students on courseroom-based life improvement courses.
Marking and returning lessons for home-study life improvement courses

Tutoring Approach:
Initially:
I find out the student's strengths and weaknesses.
I find out what they want to achieve from the tutoring.
Together we draw up a plan of action to achieve this.

While tutoring:
I ensure the student understands every word of the subject as it comes up.
I aim for a full, conceptual understanding of each point to the best of their ability.
I keep motivation high with reward stickers! (IT WORKS!!!)

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been teaching for 12 years in a variety of educational settings in Further Education, Adult Education and working in Primary schools delivering courses to children and parents. I am currently up to date with primary school methods of teaching English and Mathematics - the latter has changed significantly over the years and parents may find methodology different to their own learnt methods which can cause problems when helping their children with homework.

I have a friendly approach, and encourage learning in a safe environment that enables learners to feel happy and stimulated to learn. But I still expect learners to work hard for me and complete homework when given it. I am a mature person, reliable and punctual, and interested in my students progress in their subjects. I have been so happy over this past year with exam results, raises in grades and the positive feedback from pupils and their parents.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching since 1999, and have a varied experience due to working in larger colleges and smaller learning establishments. I have worked in Adult and Further Education teaching English and Mathematics, and also have worked with youth offenders.

I started private tutoring in 2011, and found it a rewarding and enjoyable form of teaching. My learners have varied from 5 year olds & primary learners, those studying for GCSE's, secondary school pupils, English for speakers of other languages and those in Further Education that need extra help with English and Maths one-to-one (extra to their college courses).

Tutoring Approach:
I find it best to discuss with the students their learning needs, then create an 'Individual Learning Plan' with targets we can work towards. I do like to encourage learners to do their best, learn through doing and working out answers. Not so much focusing on 'wrong' answers - but the process of getting there - and realising where problems lie. Then we can remove the misunderstandings and misconceptions that lose them marks (especially with mathematics) and make new connections that enable learners to produce the 'right' answers.

I use all forms of learning through not just text books - but through games of mental maths or spelling, interactive work (if pc supplied in learners house) & help with school set 'mymaths' site, 'doing tasks' from counting money to making maths drawing with isometric paper and many more methods that stimulate a learner to make long term deep memory learning.

Students can feel in control of their learning, and see their progress in their Individual Learning Plans which can be shown to parents and adapted to suit the needs of the learner, either in long term courses or short intensive sets of lessons.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have completed a Masters degree in Creative Writing. I completed my undergraduate studying BA Creative Writing and English Literature with 2:1. I'm aware that English and History are complex and intriguing subjects but I firmly believe that a thorough understanding and practise of techniques will enable to provide you with a firm base for any student to succeed. I am keen, conscientious, hardworking and reliable person.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring privately for 14 years. I have worked with a wide range of ages and academic abilities from different schools such as private, public, grammar, boarding, faith schools and academies.
I worked as an Literacy Assessment Assistant where i taught Year 8, Year 10, Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13.
I worked as an Exams Officer Assistant for 6 months. I was a English Graduate Assistant in a high school where I had exposure to lesson and administration relating to the curriculum.
I have completed a Literacy Leadership Award and I was assessed on my ability to plan and prepare a literacy activity. I had to show communication and motivational skills through delivering literacy across the curriculum. Having observed teachers, I was able to learn interesting techniques that are used to teach Key stage 3 and 4 students. From this experience, I was taught how to plan and structure a lesson i.e. the starter, an introduction, an interactive main activity and the plenary; how to use verbal and non-verbal communication successfully.
I have also worked closely with my peers on A Level courses such as English and History by delivering revision sessions and presenting my ideas on literary texts, articles and academic research.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tuition includes a variety of techniques and strategies in order to guide and motivate the learner. I will set personalised targets with my students and their parents in order to achieve the desired results. I also intend to provide you with a personalized programme that is best suited to your individual needs. I'm very enthusiastic and try to make learning a fun experience, using different ways of learning. Prices of lessons can be negotiated.
"She's a good listener. She tries to make people understand something in a way that makes you feel comfortable. She involved everyone in the discussion even the quiet ones and always tries to find new ways of explaining things. Revision sessions were really useful and I think the main reason was because she just loves helping other people whether it is people younger or the same age. Everyone went home feeling slightly more confident about the exam including me. She makes sure that everybody understands even if it has to be explained more than once." (Aarti, 18, student)
"Charnjit has a way of making the impossible- possible. She is patient with her students and will try her hardest to make people understand. She has a way of teaching which involves a lot of group work and a one-one session where she will answer any questions from the stupidest to the smartest. After having few sessions with her I went into my exam confidently. Most importantly, she never gives up on anyone." (Rahwa, student)
"Charnjit's teaching style is unique and possesses many qualities. She is patient and constantly checks for understanding in order to go over things if the topic is not understood straight away. She uses a variety of techniques such as group brain storming in order to get the class involved which is very effective. During our group revision sessions she used this technique which worked well as it got everybody thinking, talking and interacting which was useful when remembering theorists and certain dates. She also categorised the theorists into groups based on their research which was also helpful for revision as it broke down the amount of theorists into smaller groups which were easier to remember. In addition, Charnjit is very good at keeping the class' attention which is very important as a teacher." (Stefanie, student)

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am fluent in and specialise in French tutoring. I have been speaking French since I was very young, and like to pass on my knowledge and enthusiasm to others. I am an expert in tutoring to GCSE/A level and have been teaching to this exam for over 20 years with 100% pass rate, and with most students achieving grades 7 to 9 in GCSE and A*, A or B at A level. I upgrade my knowledge of the courses as soon as they update or change (which they do fairly frequently). I am also extemely knowledge about France, its current affairs and culture as I have and do spend time in the country.

I tutor both in person and online.Each lesson can be tailored to the student's individual needs.

Other subjects taught::
- beginner to GCSE Italian
-English language (primary to year 11,)

I have dbs certification, a degree in French language and literature, and teaching certificate.

Teaching Experience:
Teacher, private tutor, small group tutor

Tutoring Approach:
I offer a learning experience tailored to your requirements. Lessons can be casual or or exam focused.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a british born multi-skilled Business Management Post-Graduate with a flexible and proactive approach to work. I hold many transferable skills gained in positions, detained alongside studies since leaving school. I am a friendly, approachable individual with a smart appearance and professional manner. My fee is dependent on lesson plans, books/course materials required, travel time/expenses incurred and the number of hours requested.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as a p/t Tutor for 7 years, Assisting primary school students up to Key Stage 3 in English, Maths and preparing for 11+/SATS Exams. I have also worked at various tuition centres and colleges.

Completed:

Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adult's training
Child Protection training
Childcare & Classroom Work programs
Support Work in Schools course
Training, Assessment, Quality & Assurance course
Enhanced CRB
Employment Related Services course

Additionally, I help adults with ICT, Business studies and Employment Advice e.g CV'S, Cover Letters, Application Forms and Proofreading. I am based in Kings Heath but can also do home visits. Please email me for further information.

Tutoring Approach:
I am passionate about helping pupils and strive to improve their learning. I have a strong belief in getting students to reach their full potential and even exceed it. I can build good relationships with students and have a caring nature. I believe that every child matters and that understanding a child's individual needs is paramount to their academic success. I also believe that confidence in their ability has a lot to be accounted for. Therefore, I offer not only a boost to their ability but to increase their academic success!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Primary trained school teacher with experience in both KS1 and KS2.
I am a mother with three children, one of which had learning problems as a KS1 child, and understand the frustration of the learner and anxiety the parent feels.

Teaching Experience:
Special needs teaching 1:1
1:1 private tuition
10 years Primary KS1 & KS2

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy helping children reach their potential by being patient and understanding and helping my tutee's discover their most suited method and style for learning, in the area that they find challenging.
I teach using visual, auditory and kinesthetic methods, depending on my pupils learning style.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been a fully qualified teacher for over 6 years and I absolutely love what I do! I have particular interest in working with children on a 1-1 basis as I love to personalise their learning and help them to see things in a different way then they may have been taught and not quite understand before.

I strongly believe that if children are having fun then they will learn and be able to reach their full potential. I have seen such wonderful results with this over my teaching career so far. I create small achievable targets for my children so not only their learning can progress but so can their confidence!

No child should ever be worried about learning as we all learn things at different rates and in different ways! It's our job as teachers to ensure we find the best way for them!

Teaching Experience:
I have been a qualified teacher for over 6 years and I have been lucky enough to teach in London and in Wales. I am currently a full time class teacher in a Welsh primary school.

I have been running my own private tuition sessions for over a year now. We do have lots of positive feedback that has been left and there are lots of lovely pictures of the children on there taking part in some of the activities we do.

Tutoring Approach:
I tutor children in my own purpose built classroom in Mold - just off the A55.

There is a coffee shop 2 mins drive away if parents want to stay close by or a soft play center (Infinity) just on the corner if little ones need entertaining whilst waiting for a sibling.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Edouard was born and educated in England. He has resided in Canterbury, Leeds, Oxford, London, Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Oswestry. He gained five 'A Levels' (AAABC) at Notre Dame 6th Form College (Leeds) before attending Oxford University where he obtained Degrees in Philosophy and French. He proceeded to do Postgraduate studies in London where he was semi-resident at the British Library (1993-1998).

He has been a widely published author since 1999, being the author of dozens of essays and monographs in Philosophy, Comparative Literature, Poetry and Psychology. He is co-author of the self-help book 'Reading in No Time' and author of the forthcoming publication 'French in No Time' (2020). He is a member of MENSA, the BAJ (British Assoc. of Journalists) and A3M (Academy of the 3rd Millennium). He is currently editor of the 'Nobel Prize Collection' for Living Time Books.

Teaching Experience:
Edouard has taught pupils from KS1 to Postgraduate Level in the UK and abroad. He undertakes an equal amount of group-teaching (lecturing/seminars/classroom) and individual tutoring (mentoring/coaching/private tutorials).

He has taught in Switzerland (Geneva, Basel), France (Paris), Germany (Berlin, Munich), Italy (Milan) Poland (Krakow, Warsaw) and Slovakia (Bratislava). He is a native English speaker and also a fluent speaker of French and German.

Edouard is highly experienced in teaching children and adults with special educational needs - including Autistic Spectrum Disorders (Autism, Aspergers, Pathological Demand Avoidance), ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and other developmental conditions. He is quoted as saying: "Everyone can learn - it doesn't matter how differently we do so!"

He specializes in tutoring for GCSEs, A Levels, Entrance Exams and assistance with Dissertations, Essays, Theses & Coursework.

Tutoring Approach:
Edouard has explained his approach to teaching in the following way: "With every person that I teach, whether they are before me as an individual or as part of a group, first of all I take time to observe the way in which they learn - their own particular mode of processing information. Then, once I have understood their learning processes - be they visual, verbal, concrete, mathematical, or a combination of these - I customize my own teaching approach to that student's optimum mode of intake. This usually goes a large way toward maximizing their learning experience. What I find is of vital importance in the learning journey - and which is largely responsible for making it successful - is identifying with crystal clarity the exact goals which are to be attained. I make sure that my students do not lose sight of their goal and I make sure that their 'will-to-achieve' stays at a top level throughout the educational process. Without a goal, motivation falters".

Edouard specializes in enabling his students to apply 'Advanced Learning Techniques' in the mastery of their learning goals. These include: visual reading skills, memory techniques, thought-mapping, accelerated learning and the use of 'progress planners'. Through his publications and courses he has enabled thousands of students to achieve their dreams already. - Could you be next?

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a well-qualified and experienced private tutor working online, providing preparation and support for GCSE and IGCSE in English Language, English Literature and French (AQA / Edexcel / Cambridge etc) and for 11+ entrance exams in English and Verbal Reasoning (including CEM/GL style 11+).

I also teach English as a foreign language at all levels, including preparation for PET, FCE, CAE & CPE exams and IELTS and 'Life in the UK' for UK Citizenship, covering all aspects of English from Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing to Grammar and Pronunciation.

Teaching Experience:
On leaving Oxford University, I started out as a lecturer in French and English at Fareham College, Hampshire, where I taught Higher Education courses to both young and mature adults and was commended by the Principals for my students' achievements.
I used this initial experience to launch a successful career of private tutoring in England and France, with many students coming to me through personal recommendation.

Now, with over 20 years of teaching experience, I privately tutor a range of school-aged pupils from 6 to 16, both native English speakers and those for whom English is a second language. At 11+, 13+, GCSE and IGCSE, most of my pupils have successfully obtained places at top private secondary schools and 6th form colleges.

I also have a portfolio of private Chinese, Ukrainian, Russian, French and English adult students learning English as a foreign language, many of whom return year after year to pursue their learning to ever-higher levels and for the considerable pleasure that brings.

Tutoring Approach:
In my opinion the huge advantage of private one-to-one tuition, for both student and tutor, is that each lesson can be tailor-made to suit the student's particular needs perfectly, targeting and strengthening weaker areas while continuing to develop all-round confidence and ability. Lesson content can adapt flexibly from session to session and skills needing more attention can be frequently revisited.

My approach is caring and friendly, and I possess both endless patience and a sense of humour! I am enthusiastic about the subjects I teach and time and again I have seen that enthusiasm transfer itself to students as lessons progress. Encouragement is a great aid to achievement and it is very rewarding to see how this, in turn, leads to excellent results.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Ive been teaching since 2000, my career started at durham university as a lecturer for education and ICT. I then went on to teach secondary ict then secondary english. I now teach Computer Science.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught mainly English and Computing for over 20 years.
My strengths in English are definitely Creative writing, and I have obtained an MA in Creative writing. I have taught KS2 - KS4, mature students and undergraduates at university .

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly and approachable and would concentrate on building relationships with my students as well as teaching them relevant skills in their particular subject.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Free 30-minute introductory session to ensure we are a good fit.

I specialise in KS2 and KS3 English and creative writing with a particular focus on 11+ exam prep. To date, my students have a 100% pass rate for their intended independent schools.

I was not a great student as a child. Rigid and rote teaching sucked all the appreciation I might have had from learning. That is, until I returned to education in my late 20s and, over the course of two bachelor's and master's degrees, discovered just how rewarding it can be. Partly because of this reason (and partly because I simply love sharing knowledge!), I began a new career in teaching and for the past 9 years - with over 600 hours of teaching logged - I have made a point of injecting colour into a learning world that, for many students, has become drab and monochrome.

Outside of teaching, I love my arts and crafts - from drawing and painting to cross-stitching and model-building. I love being creative! And that feeds into my teaching. I'm fairly laidback and relaxed and try to instil that in my students as well and give them the confidence to ask questions without the fear of being rebuked or ridiculed.

Teaching Experience:
My experience as a tutor ranges from lecturing screenwriting at Anglia Ruskin University, where I am an associate lecturer, to almost ten years of tutoring at an advanced studies summer school at one of Cambridge's prestigious colleges, and over 600 hours of private 1-to-1 tuition. In addition to these regular teaching commitments, I am often asked to give lectures on the art of creative writing to visiting international students at Cambridge University.

After some less than pleasant experiences at school, I returned to education in my late 20s. I attended an Access to HE course specialising in creative writing, English literature and journalism, from which I graduated top of my class with a distinction.
I then achieved a BA (with honours) degree in Writing and Film Studies, graduating again top of my class with a first. In addition, I was awarded the McLeod Prize for highest average mark for any student within the entire faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and the award for Best Major Writing Project, which were the opening chapters of a novel which went on to win numerous literary prizes.

I followed this up with a master's degree in creative writing on one of the top master's programmes in the world (at the University of East Anglia), from which I graduated with a distinction.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that confidence is a big part of success, and confident students make emboldened decisions in their learning, so I will be your child's biggest supporter. Every child is a unique individual who has their own way of learning so every lesson is tailored to their needs with no comparisons or judgements.

The following topics are covered in both KS2 and KS3:
Comprehension; reading; inference skills/verbal reasoning
Grammar; spelling; vocabulary expansion
Creative writing; sentence and story structure; description and characterisation.

Monthly reports will be issued to parents of students to keep you up to date with your child`s progress.

I also provide creative writing for all ages and novel-writing mentoring; and for older students: essay writing skills and editing of university papers. I am the author of eight published novels, which have won numerous awards, and one screenplay/film. I am so passionate about writing that I am constantly reading about it and keeping on top of new techniques. As a result, I have a wealth of knowledge that is wasted on just me alone and I wish to share it with equally motivated people who want to learn more about English and/or creative writing.

Subjects

Personal Description:
18 year old A level student and high achiever at GCSE looking to help younger students.
I am currently studying Biology, Psychology and English Literature at Churston Ferrers Grammar School in the UK and have a strong passion for my studies.
I'm very much into my sport and exercise, I play wheelchair basketball for Plymouth Fusion and enjoy going to the gym a few times a week for how it makes me feel. I'm an overall advocate for all people (but particularly young people) taking care of their own physical and mental health through the right activities and approach to life.
Also, I enjoy playing music, mainly singing, as well as acting. I have performed in various shows and concerts in my school throughout the years which is something I really enjoy and a great way to boost my own confidence.
Finally, at the beginning of 2022, I began a YouTube channel with the aim of helping people start good habits (like that of studying) and build positive mindsets to approaching life in an enriching way.

Teaching Experience:
At my young age, I have no prestigious teaching qualifications. However I have two incredibly helpful experiences/characteristics to be an effective tutor:

1. Very high GCSE exam results that were achieved recently (2021)
2. I am a young person passionate about studying and can be a relatable tutor for my students as I am a member of their generation and have completed my GCSEs very recently.

My GCSE results were:

Maths - 9
English Literature - 9
English Language - 9
Biology - 9
Chemistry - 9
Physics - 9
Music - 9
Drama - 9
Religious Studies - 9
Spanish - 8

9 being equivalent to a previous A** and 8 an equivalent to a previous A*

I have also volunteered within school working as a teaching assistant in classes with younger years and have found it very easy to get along with students of all varieties.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to apply the same principles I used to achieve my own GCSE results, as they have been proven to work very recently to achieve high marks.
I will aim to create a fun working environment for my students where they look forward to working with me.
I will aim to be encouraging and empower my students to find their own love for learning.
I will aim to show all my students that they have potential to succeed and that they do not have to be demoralised by perfectionism and comparing themselves to others.

My lessons will be engaging and interesting for my students, due to my age and first hand experience of the current education system. I will hope to not only be my student's tutor, but also a friend in which they can ask any questions about their education.

My first session is free and from then the price will remain at £20.00 an hour for all of my subjects (maths, english, biology and drama) for the time being.
The best time to work with me are weekends and weekday evenings at around 7-9 pm.

I look forward to hearing from you and to begin learning some interesting stuff! :)

Subjects

Personal Description:
I hold a MSc in Molecular Life Sciences from Université de Lausanne Switzerland and a BSc in Biology from Imperial College, specializing in Molecular Biology, Genetics and Neuroscience. Before this, I completed my A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Math (3A*) and Physics (A), successfully bridging knowledge gaps betweeen them and their counterparts within the Ontario Secondary School Curriculum.

I believe that science can be both fun to learn and personally beneficial to anybody. As such, I will offer tutoring in the four STEM subjects I have experience in. I will also tutor English, as a good command of the language can be as critical to understanding the sciences as the arts.

Teaching Experience:
From 2013 to 2015, I tutored 13-16 year olds in Ontario Secondary School English, Math, and Basic French, oftentimes also taking the subjects that I tutored. I also tutored an 11-year-old student Primary School English and Math from 2016 - 2017.

During my second year at Imperial College, I was a Peer-Assisted Learning program mentor, where I advised ~15 first year students how to do well in Biology coursework and exams, created activities to hone scientific communication skills, and provided constructive feedback on their coursework performance if requested.

Additionally, throughout both my degree programs, I regularly presented talks on cutting-edge Biology research to fellow students and non-experts. As such, I have experience in simplifying difficult concepts to lay audiences.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient individual who will tailor tutoring sessions to address the goals, needs and learning preferences of my tutees. This is so that tutees feel comfortable yet personally engaged in their learning.

Regardless of the strategy we adopt, I am one to emphasize grasping fundamental concepts, asking questions, and making connections between what is being learnt and what tutees already know or might find personally interesting.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a mother of a child who has dyslexia and I have always supported her overcoming her barriers to learning. We both love reading, getting outside and playing card and board games together.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working in education for almost 30 years. For over a decade, I have previously worked as a teaching assistant supporting individual children, adapting classroom learning to meet their specific needs, both academic and emotional.
I am now a qualified teacher working full time in a local school.

Tutoring Approach:
My passion about children's education has led me to develop a deep understanding of how children learn and how to support children along their learning journey. I believe in a holistic approach and suit my teaching to the needs of each child with adaptive and adjustable methods so that they can achieve to their best potential.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I offer personalised, structured tutoring for the 11+ entrance exams in Greater Manchester and Trafford, alongside private schools like William Hulme, Stockport Grammar, Cheadle High, MGSB, MGHS & Withington Girls, and many more, tailored to each child's strengths and learning needs. Lessons focus on English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with clear explanations, strong exam technique, and regular practice using 11+ style questions. My supportive approach builds confidence, accuracy, and readiness for grammar school entrance and beyond.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 20 years' experience as a tutor, having been tutoring since 2006. I began by supporting my own children as well as friends and family, and have since built a strong track record of success, with pass rates consistently exceeding 95%. I offer both one-to-one and small group tuition, supporting students of all abilities to achieve excellent results in entrance examinations.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching is structured, supportive, and student-focused. Each lesson is carefully tailored to the individual child, with strong foundations established before introducing exam techniques and timed practice. Through clear explanations, regular revision, and targeted feedback, I help students develop confidence, accuracy, and independent learning skills. My aim is for every student to feel well-prepared, motivated, and confident in their abilities.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Former Assoc. Prof. at Durham | Experienced teacher | Published novelist

I'm a full-time, professional tutor with a unique breadth of experience across a two-decade career:

• Associate Professor at Durham University
• Teacher at a top London independent school ("Excellent" rated)
• Published novelist of Roman historical fiction
• Archaeologist and active academic researcher

I love combining the joy of one-on-one tutoring, seeing students grow and learn, with my life-long passions for history, politics and literature.

For me, tutoring does not stop with passing exams, vital as that is. Just as important is learning how to push intellectual boundaries, encourage creative thinking, and expand the imagination. I want my tutees not just to realise their full potential at school, but to be ready for the challenges that await them beyond.

I take on a limited number of tutees so that I can tailor my approach to each tutee's specific needs, with concrete targets and an approach that will engage, challenge and inspire. I prepare bespoke resources carefully prior to lessons as well as detailed feedback on written work (this is all included in my fee - I will never charge for anything outside contact time). Please get in touch to ask me about my availability.

One of the great things about my varied career track has been the chance to live and work in other countries, with all the mind-expanding experiences that brings. Before my doctorate I also worked as a professional archaeologist. Over the years I have pursued historical and archaeological research in the USA, Mexico, Austria, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.

TESTIMONIALS

"My child went from a predicted D to achieving an A in one year. John gave her confidence, a much better understanding of core concepts and an enthusiasm for the subject. All delivered in a clearly structured digestible way with kindness and patience. I would highly recommend his tutoring skills." - Parent of A Level Politics student

"John was the perfect tutor, helping my son to reengage with English after he lost some confidence based on feedback from his school teachers. My son managed to improve his GCSE grade from 6s at the begginng of the year to 7s in his mock exams to 9s in the final exam. To say we are over the moon is an understatement." - Parent of IGCSE English student

"Thank you so so much - I'm thrilled that I came so far in history - from a C to an A*!! It's such a relief I'm getting into where I want to go on my own merit and I'm so so grateful to you again." - A Level History student

"John has tutored my daughter during the Sixth Form and helped her success in gaining an offer to study PPE at Oxford University. In Politics, particularly, he has boosted her confidence and provided invaluable coaching on exam technique. Because he was so knowledgeable and great at explaining, he also engaged her in discussions on topics which she had otherwise struggled to embrace and understand. Also his manner and kindness helped her to enjoy and flourish from his teaching. He is an excellent tutor, and we are very grateful for all his teaching and expertise." - Parent of A Level Politics student

"John's enthusiasm for the Ancient World is very clear but his ability to understand the needs of his student is what sets him apart from others. John delivers clear and memorable lessons. He takes the time to engage and check M's understanding of the topic in a way which makes him feel more confident about his own abilities. […] John genuinely wants M to succeed. Towards the end of the summer, they will visit the British Museum together and this is an example of John's commitment to his student." - Parent of GCSE Ancient History and Latin student

"I recently got my GCSE results, and I got a 9 in history. I wanted to thank you as your tutoring helped me so much and there is no way I could have achieved this result without your help." - GCSE History student

Teaching Experience:
PROFESSIONAL FULL-TIME TUTOR, 2022-present

I have successfully tutored students of various abilities at GCSE and A Level across a range of subjects and exam boards:

• Classical Civilisation and Ancient History (OCR)
• Latin (OCR)
• History (OCR/AQA/Edexcel)
• Politics (Edexcel)
• English (AQA/Edexcel)

I have expertise in UCAS applications, Oxford HAT and Cambridge HAA and interview technique; since 2022 six of my students have received Oxbridge offers, with many others going to top Russell Group universities

HISTORY AND POLITICS TEACHER, 2020-2023

• ISI "Excellent"-rated independent school
• Taught History at KS3, GCSE and A Level
• Taught Politics at A Level
• Sixth Form tutor (particular strength in UCAS applications and personal statements)
• Detailed understanding of the specifications and marking criteria for English, History and Politics at GCSE and A Level

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, Durham University, 2010-2020

• Taught History lectures, seminars and supervisions at every level (undergraduate to PhD)
• Taught Creative Writing lectures and tutorials at MA level
• Pastoral officer for 1st year undergraduates
• Departmental admissions officer (responsible for accepting/rejecting UCAS applications)
• Multiple academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals, as well as papers at international conferences
• Visiting fellowships at the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna (2009-2010) and Institute for Research in the Humanities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2015-2016)
• Interviewed as an expert in my field on several BBC documentaries and podcasts, and as a guest speaker at the BBC Radio 3 Free Thinking Festival
• I remain an Honorary Research Fellow of Durham and an active researcher in my field

Tutoring Approach:
TUTORING

My approach is based on empathy, encouragement, and enthusiasm. Often students have great potential in a subject, but for whatever reason lack the confidence to realise it. Other times a student has the confidence, but haven't quite learned the skills they need to reach that elusive target grade.

Wherever they are coming from, as a tutor my first goal is to understand my students and see things from their perspective. Then I provide the structure and support they need to achieve their goal. This might be through weekly essay writing and feedback, talking through tricky concepts, providing curated resources to help their development - in fact, whatever they need to succeed.

PERSONAL STATEMENT ASSISTANCE

My career path has given me unique experience of teaching before, during, and after A Levels. This means I understand the student experience from all perspectives. I have seen the pressures and demands of GCSE and A Level study, and as Sixth Form tutor have guided dozens of students through the UCAS process, including multiple successful Oxbridge applications.

My experience as a Durham University admissions officer taught me that, when it comes to the most competitive universities, the personal statement is very often the deciding factor. My experience as a published author means that I can help my tutees sculpt their perfect application, one that showcases academic skill while bringing out their uniqueness and passion.

Just as important, I understand the transition from school to university, and all the challenges it brings. During my time at Durham University I also served as pastoral officer to first-year undergraduates, which involved helping students make the (often difficult) jump to a new level of independence and academic demands. For tutees about to take their A Levels, part of my approach is therefore to help them prepare mentally and practically for that transition.

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