Avoch History Tutors and Avoch History Tuition

Personal Description:
Hello,
I have completed my PhD in Creative and Critical Writing at UEA. I also have an MA (Distinction) in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, and a First Class Honours Degree in English Literature. I also have a good Fine Art degree from Chelsea College of Art and Design. I have been a private tutor for twenty years, and have taught many children in that time.

I am currently tutoring in Wadebridge in Cornwall but can offer Skype or Zoom lessons.

I'm 49, married and am an aunt and godmother.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at undergraduate level at university as well as writing skills in an academic skills centre. I have also taught SATs to thirteen year olds. I have a PTTLs degree level 4 qualification and taught on an Access Course to adult learners.

I have taught AQA and EDEXCEL syllabuses at GCSE and AQA at A-Level.

Please note that I do not teach any Eleven-Plus or verbal reasoning syllabuses and that I prefer to teach older children (13 plus)

Tutoring Approach:
I use past exam papers, model essays, and devote time and attention to close reading of set texts at GCSE and A-Level. I have also given art lessons.

I can also provide Skype and Zoom lessons and find this has been successful with older and university level students.

I have a friendly, professional approach and find I develop a real rapport with my pupils, who find their results and confidence improving with my tutelage.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am currently experienced in Science, English and History predominantly, and am fluent in 3 languages, with a basic knowledge of some European languages.

I have also been involved in setting up a Limited Company which aims to provide academic resources to students in Higher Education (at University level).

My work experience in the healthcare, higher education and training business sectors over the last 13 years has also given me the opportunity to develop a range of teaching / training styles that will suit most learners very well.

Teaching Experience:
Over 9 years experience, delivering 1-2-1 tuition to students aged predominantly 6-18.

Most common subjects taught - English / Maths / Science (up to GCSE). Also worked extensively with adults in the local community, training people in basic computing skills relevant to their specific needs.

For those interested in Business Studies, or how to set up your own business, I can offer lessons on these topics as well, including topics on where to go to get your funding, and how to market yourself effectively (including networking) etc.

Below is a more complete and comprehensive list of subjects which I am able to teach. All subjects can be taught from primary level, up to the level specified, and can also be taught as Adult Learning classes - unless otherwise stated.

Biology - GCSE
Business Related - All
Chemistry - GCSE
Citizenship - All
Combined Science - GCSE
Computer Studies/ICT - A Level
Craft and Design - 11-14
Drama - GCSE
Earth Science - GCSE
English - A Level
English (Foreign Language) - All
Entrance Exams - KS3
Film Studies - KS3
French - 11-14
Geography - GCSE
German - 11-14
History - A Level
Life Science - All
Maths - 11-14
Physics - GCSE
Politics - All
Psychology - GCSE
Reading and Writing Skills - All
Religious Studies - A Level
Sociology - GCSE
Urdu - 11-14

Tutoring Approach:
I follow the National Curriculum, with set lesson plans for each tutor session.

We will follow a learning plan that will run alongside school teaching. I do not help with school homework on a regular basis. Instead, I use the time I spend with each student, to improve their areas of weakness, so that they can do their homework and coursework / assignments with confidence themselves.

Lesson 1 is always a discussion of what the student / parents wish to achieve, along with an assessment of the students current capabilities. If you would like the first lesson to be more productive, I can send the assessment to be completed before the first class. The assessment will need to be returned at least 24hrs before the first planned lesson so I can look it over and plan my teaching approach for the student.

Teaching styles / tools:
- Each lesson will have a starter discussion about any areas of concern in school - I will make notes and plan to work on those areas in the next lesson.

- We will then work on a mini-project together, which will help the student to learn and develop a range of skills that he/she can then use in their own coursework / homework assignments.

- For subjects which involve reading, the student will be given homework to read a chapter / section for discussion at the next class.

- For Maths / Science, there will be worksheets which the student will need to complete on his/her own after lesson.

- If at any time there are any questions / concerns from the students or parents, I am more than happy to spend part of the lesson in discussion about these with you.

- All lessons are taught in an informal and positive / open-discussion style. But in order to make lessons successful and get the most out of your learning plan, please ensure that there is somewhere quiet to work, and that you have all of the required equipment / stationery beforehand (i.e. pens / pencils / eraser / ruler / calculator / notebook or note paper etc).

- It would also be useful to have internet / wifi set up, to use either with your own computer, or with mine to access online resources.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All student details are kept confidential and you can be assured that no personal information will be shared with anybody else. However, I may ask permission to use student's work as an example of how to achieve highly in assignments / homework, with other students. Again, all personal details would be removed.

The minimum time per lesson is 1 hour per week for regular bookings.

Semi-Intensive courses can be booked at 2+ hours per week with prior agreement.

Intensive 2-4 week courses can be booked with daily lessons close to exam times. These have very limited spaces available and would include longer classes if need be, depending on how the student performs during our initial assessment.

Intensive courses are also very useful for students wanting to pass grammar school entrance examinations or prepare for other specific exams and assessments.

Lessons can also be taught online, via Skype or Google Hangouts. All prices are reduced for online tutoring - please contact me for further information.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I always like to have a friendly relationship with my tutees, although I try to employ a professional manner at all times. I have an easygoing and pleasant demeanour, a nice sense of humour, and generally get on well with my tutees.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced teacher with a PGCE, who has taught privately one to one for a number of years. I have primarily taught English on a one to one basis for tutees who are preparing for their GCSE and "A" level examinations, but I am also experienced in helping tutees improve their literacy skills from a young age. I also have experience of teaching English as a Foreign language on a one to one basis. I have taught in a number of language schools over the years, and at one point started a language school in southern Italy. I have considerable experience teaching English up to "A" level standard in secondary education, and I have over fifteen years experience to draw upon.

Tutoring Approach:
One to one teaching, by its nature, is very intense, so it is very important to introduce variety as much as possible. A mixture of written work, as well as oral work, if required is essential to keep the tutee focused and interested in what you are teaching. It helps, sometimes, after an intense session, fot the tutee to have a short break, before continuing.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I live and work in Northumberland and in the Fife area.

I am employed by both the Open and St Andrews universities as an Associate Lecturer tutoring modules in history and the humanities. I have also worked at other universities teaching history and politics, including Newcastle University.

I am used to working with people outside the formal university environment too as I give talks and presentations to the Joseph Cowen Lifelong Learning Community Interest Company in Newcastle.

I have research interests in history at post-doctoral level, specialising in late nineteenth and early twentieth century British electoral politics.

I am looking to teach students at a higher education level or those aspiring to it. I can work with students at levels including at foundation degree level, at undergraduate and post-graduate levels.

I am looking to work with students studying history, politics or those looking to build study and learning skills for higher education, especially those interested in studying the arts and humanities.

Teaching Experience:
I have over twenty years experience of working at higher education institutions at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

My main teaching has been in the field of British and European history, other humanities subjects at foundation level (including literature, history of art, music, religious studies, history of science and medicine and philosophy) and contemporary politics. I have also specialised in study skills teaching to aid access to further courses, working with students from a broad range of educational experiences.

I regularly provide teaching in the form of lecturers and tutorials, supervision of dissertations and marking of assignments.

Tutoring Approach:
I am familiar with a range of teaching methods and would tailor the support to students on the basis of their requirements.

Much of my work is distance and online learning-related which involves correspondence, online and telephone communication so I am happy to provide this sort of support to students across the country.

I can also meet up with students for face-to-face contact even some distance away if that is suitable.

I am happy to mark work and offer feedback to students, including essay and dissertation work.

Subjects

Personal Description:
When I was a boy I was taught by people who were larger-than-life characters who dominated the classroom. They made clear to us boys what was expected of us and that if we didn't make the effort we would simply not achieve the rewards.

As a teacher, I share the same ethos. I expect pupils to follow my lead and work to the best of their ability.

I spend a lot of time reading and thinking.

I think it was George Bernard Shaw who said that 2% of people think, 3% think they think and 95% would rather die than do any thinking at all!

Sadly, I think that over the last thirty years dumbing down and inflated grades have shown how accurate Shaw's assessment was.

I see my role as one of reversing the tide of apathy and mediocrity and encouraging pupils to value themselves as individuals each with unique potential.

I finally achieved my educational potential because I came to see intellectual growth as the only sure path to happiness and fulfilment.

Helping pupils reach the same understanding about their full intellectual potential is my vocation and the foundation on which I build all my one-to-one tuition relationships.

Teaching Experience:
After teaching in the UK Primary and Secondary sectors as well as managing English and History departments in three international schools overseas, I now devote my time exclusively to private tuition.

My experience includes 12 years teaching English and History to GCSE and A level in the UK secondary system and eight years teaching the same subjects to the same levels in international schools in Italy, Egypt and Kenya.

During this time I have always had a number of students on my books for home tuition to provide extra help in Primary, Secondary and University level subjects.

My English GCSE students last year all achieved A-C grades and my A level History student achieved an A (predicted C after Year 12) and is now at university. In previous years, my A level History students have never achieved less than a C and in 2014, I had a student who reached A* and is now studying the subject at Exeter University.

Tutoring Approach:
My experience has led me to believe that one-to-one tuition is the best way to educate pupils. It brings them to the realisation that the whole point of education really is to set us free. It's not easy for a student to discover this when confined every day in a class of 30 or more others! Learning to think independently as an individual, and to read and write fluently enables pupils to participate fully in society, to achieve their full potential and thereby become happy, confident adults. Once the student is enthused and inspired by a tutor to think for themselves there is only one way forward.

I like to encourage pupils to develop independent thinking and logical analysis. Too many schools are teaching the children WHAT to think when they should be teaching them HOW to think. Naturally, many pupils become disengaged and even some of the most talented are simply going through the motions rather than actually studying. This lack of motivation together with highly inflated grades means that many of our youngsters are leaving school with minimal reading and writing skills. Indeed, few now have the aptitude for doing much reading, thinking or writing at all.

I like to build up the student's confidence by establishing their strengths first. Thereafter I identify weaknesses and gauge the student's awareness of them and motivation to put them right. Above all, I encourage my students to read widely and with full concentration. My best students learn to read closely and publish their reviews on Amazon. Aside from the huge adrenaline run, the boost in confidence and proficiency students get from seeing their writing in print is awesome to behold!

To put it simply, when they're reading they start succeeding!

Homework set weekly by me will always involve reading, thinking and writing. My feedback will always concentrate on reinforcing the idea that the writing process never ends with the last full stop. I expect students to read back their work to ensure that their writing communicates their meaning clearly and fluently. Editing with the focus on making the right word choices, organising sentences with the words in the right order and structuring longer writing assignments into coherent paragraphs are all priorities schools are increasingly neglecting thereby greatly hindering the life chances of their pupils..

Once the student and I have agreed which areas need improvement we use lesson time to extend the student's competence and skills by undertaking thinking and written assignments that allow the student to develop these.

Weekly homework set will advance and reinforce the skills the student has been encouraged to bring to the lesson.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced sociology tutor and proofreader having taught in the sociology department at the University of Warwick for four years and also for a short while in the School of Languages and Social Sciences at the University of Aston. (I can also tutor at this level in modern history, politics and international relations). I have BA in sociology and politics from Oxford Brookes University and an MSc in social science research methods from Sussex. I completed my doctorate at the University of Warwick. In addition to my university work, I have tutored for a private agency (where I held an advanced CRB certificate) at A-level in sociology, politics and modern history. My last DBS was held from 2023 to 2024. I have a good record of helping A-level students to achieve the grades they require for a place in higher education and I have continued this success whilst tutoring independently. I live in Marlborough, Wiltshire.

At A-level I am happy to help with essay writing and subject research and prep for exams. Please contact me early in your studies though (early in the academic year, as early intervention has greater rewards...).For undergraduates, I can offer advice on essay and dissertation construction and also on writing style and format. Additionally, I can help to formulate ideas for research projects and can proof read long or short drafts.

I charge £50 per week for ongoing students - A-level or undergraduate - one-off jobs are charged according to the complexity of work - I do not charge hourly. I take payment in advance.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored at A-level and taught at undergraduate level for 7 years. I also worked as a sessional lecturer at Aston University for a year.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is simple: I help to give students the skills and knowledge they require to achieve their goals in education.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been teaching for 11 years and enjoy the experience immensely. I am supportive and approachable and I like to think that my students have enjoyed having me as their teacher. I work hard and am thoroughly committed to ensuring my students can succeed.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching History at Ossett Academy for 11 years as well as Citizenship and RE. I have taught all 3 key stages and have a good track record of results as evidenced through the results achieved.

I have been a personal tutor to KS5 students for the last four years.

Tutoring Approach:
I plan lessons and expect some involvement from my student. I will tailor the lesson to suit the needs of my student as this is the best approach. I will set work that should be completed outside of tutor time but I am fully aware of the commitments that Abu of my tutees already have.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a native English speaking tutor in the Westminster/Victoria area with a university degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
I developed a love for reading at an early age, which eventually expanded to writing as well, and which led me to study English Literature and Creative Writing at university. I started off teaching English in Japan, but through a strange turn of events ended up in the Financial Industry, where I worked for over a decade. However, through the process of tutoring my own son, and then his classmates and friends, I re-discovered my passion for English, and teaching, and decided to pursue it as a career. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience so far, and I've enjoyed it every step of the way.

Teaching Experience:
I have in-depth experience teaching children composition, comprehension, verbal and non-verbal reasoning for 7/8+, 11/13+ and Common Entrance, and have helped a number of children get into schools such as Westminster, King's College Wimbledon, St Paul's and City of London.
In addition, I work with children already in these schools, and others - including top Grammar schools such as The Henrietta Barnett School and Queen Elizabeth - improve their overall English ability and performance.
I also teach GCSE English Language and Literature, and the SAT/ACT exams (US University Entrance), as well as Common Entrance History.

In the last year I helped children of a variety of ages get into the following schools:
- Westminster Under
- St Paul's School
- King's College School Wimbledon
- City of London boys
- Godolphin
- Alleyn's

Tutoring Approach:
I try to encourage a love of reading and writing in all of my students, both by making lessons enjoyable and by building their self-confidence. While English can sometimes seem a dry and boring subject, I believe it shouldn't be, and that any child can learn to enjoy it given the right approach. A large part of the enjoyment comes from children learning to stretch themselves beyond their existing boundaries, and learning to think in new and creative ways.

For this reason, I approach lessons with patience and humour, but most of all with the intention to help children push past what they think themselves capable of. I find that children usually respond well to this approach, and often develop and improve rapidly as a result.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic tutor who has a degree and NVQ level 5 in Youth and Community Worker with 11 years post qualifying experience educating hundreds young people informally and outside of the classroom in groups and 1-2-1 in all sorts of different locations. I have a Level 3 teaching and assessment qualification. I have very good Maths and English having used them to study to degree level and in Youth Work Management. I have an active interest and knowledge in History, Geography and Religious Education having studied them to A-Level meaning that I am very knowledgeable in each of those subjects. I am a highly competent musician and sports person with Grade 5 in piano and music theory and having coached Football, Badminton, Tennis, Chess, Table Tennis.

My greatest skills are in building professional relationships, communication, building self-confidence and social skills, developing motivation and this is what I have been doing for over 15 years for hundreds of young people that I have met as a Youth Worker.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 15 years informally educating young people through qualifications and certifications.
I have over 9 years experience of teaching youth work and assessing it.
I am a Functional Skills tutor at Level 1 and 2 in English and Maths.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is student centred - focused on the students strengths and development points and work alongside the student to build confidence and trust so that the student can excel. My style is quite relaxed yet challenging for the student so that the student engages and to increase the students enjoyment and understanding of the material and why they are learning it. My approach is very thought through and meticulous, carefully considering: personality and learning styles as well as the preferences of the student. I provide a lot of explanation and am able to explain things in many different ways.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced teacher and have developed a vast amount of strategies and skills from teaching different subjects and ages across the primary school. I specialise in teaching Early Years, KS1 and KS 2.

I am also experienced in teaching adults basic skills particularly reading, writing, computer and maths skills. I have experience of supporting parental needs and can coach or mentor both children and adults.

Teaching Experience:
I qualified as a teacher 25 years ago and have taught in a variety of different types of schools in different counties. I have a vast amount of experience at supporting children with special educational needs or who have experienced trauma and bereavement in their early lives.

Tutoring Approach:
Currently teaching using online resources to develop a programme that meets the specific individual needs of each learner.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a First Class law degree from the University of Oxford and have almost 10 years of tutoring experience. At university, I was the Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious Oxford University Undergraduate Law Journal. During my time at Oxford, I also published an article in the journal which was awarded the 'Best Private Law' prize, as adjudicated by the former President of the Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger. I also regularly won prizes for my academic work. Alongside my academics, I also mentored several students with various access schemes and assisted with outreach programmes.

I have been tutoring law to undergraduates from diverse law schools for the past three years. We have covered core subjects such as Tort, Land and EU law in the run up to exams. In addition, I have marked past papers, created notes and tweaked exam technique to give students the best chance. I developed my tutoring skills by teaching a range of disciplines, from Maths to English, with the UK access scheme `Into University`. I have also supported students with their Oxbridge applications. This has consisted of fine tuning their personal statements, holding mock interviews and discussing important debates in order to foster a deeper understanding of the discipline of law.

Teaching Experience:
As Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious Oxford University Undergraduate Law Journal, I spent a lot of time reviewing academic work and collaboratively fine tuning scripts to publish in the journal. In addition, I launched a blog which published more accessible legal articles. I have therefore had the privilege of working with an even wider pool of students then perhaps I would have done had I only worked with authors of journal submissions.

With regards to tutoring undergraduates, I have covered Contract, Public/Administrative, Jurisprudence, Medical, Land, Tort, EU and Trusts and am comfortable teaching any core subject. I can also assist students in writing their dissertation and essays.

I have also helped numerous students with their Oxbridge Applications as a tutor for 'Oxbridge Applications'. My work has consisted of holding mock interviews, reviewing personal statements and setting exercises which provide a good insight into how best to tackle the LNAT. I am also currently a mentor for Brightstart, which supports students going into their A-Levels and with the university and subject choices.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a very hands on approach by closely following the relevant curriculum and asking students to submit answers to past paper questions. I regularly mark answers, and have provided sample answers so that students have a better idea of the level of detail required to get a First Class mark.

Students have thanked me for my 'understanding teaching skills', and I have only ever been awarded 5 stars from former students.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced and approachable tutor, with 15 years of teaching in a range of secondary schools.

Teaching Experience:
I have 15 years of experience teaching in secondary schools in England. I have taught primarily History but also RS, Humanities, Geography, Citizenship and English. I have taught students of many different levels of attainment and from many different backgrounds.

I have taught History to A Level with experience of teaching units on Nazi Germany, the history of medicine, Elizabethan England, the American West, the Cold War, the Inter-War years, Civil Rights in America. As a historian, I specialise in medieval and early modern history.

I have taught RS to GCSE level, with particular experience of Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism and philosophy.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that effective tutoring is based on a positive and trusting relationship between the tutor, tutee and family. My experience allows me to quickly identify a student's strengths and weaknesses and to adapt the learning to best suit them. I work hard in preparation in order to empower students to become independent enquirers and self-sufficient learners. I believe in the value of reading widely around a subject and questioning to help students develop a deeper level of understanding rather than just regurgitating facts.

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Personal Description:
Hello, You may call me Gavin. I am from Hong Kong and is now living in the UK. I have expertise in multiple languages and has recently graduated in the London School of Economics and Political Science. I can help with Secondary School level or even University Level history or history learning in general. Feel free to talk to me even if you are not interested in history, I also offer classes in teaching Cantonese, Mandarin, English and Japanese.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching private tutoring since my university years. I have experience teaching children ranging from age 8 to 16. I am expert in teaching Secondary School History and languages (Cantonese, Mandarin, English and Japanese)

Tutoring Approach:
Let's make learning fun and exciting together! I'm Gavin, a multilingual tutor with a passion for history. Whether you need help with history or want to learn Cantonese, Mandarin, English, or Japanese, I'm here for you. Let's embark on this educational journey with enthusiasm and joy!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a primary level and GCSE school teacher who is a highly motivated and conscientious individual, committed to teaching with enthusiasm. I'm an organised tutor with a good sense of humour, calm and professional manner and thrive on working with children and helping them to learn. I enjoy the humour and spontaneity of children and enjoy the challenges and opportunities that tutoring brings.
My interests that I bring to teaching include a range of different activities. I enjoy cooking, reading, listening to music and I like to participate in team and individual sports. These include swimming, skiing, badminton, tennis and running. In my leisure time I also enjoy music concerts, going to the theatre and long walks in the countryside with friends.
Overall, I'm excited about being a tutor and confident about helping children to flourish in their subject.

Teaching Experience:
I qualified with a BEd. (Hons.) Primary teaching degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2004. My specialist subjects were English and Geography. Since then, I have over 20 years' experience in teaching and have taught in schools in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Sandwell. I have also completed specialist work with children in learning centres to develop their learning. I have taught all primary-aged children and worked with children in secondary schools. I endeavour to use my extensive experience, in teaching, to provide successful tutoring for all children. I also offer secondary up to GCSE level teaching to students students as I also currently teach English and Maths at a local college.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach in a confident, friendly and patient manner. I use a range of resources to keep my teaching stimulating, interesting and exciting. I encourage active interaction within my tutoring in order to gain the best from the children I teach. I build a strong rapport with the children, so that they enjoy their subject and fully benefit from the teaching. I use a range of individually tailored resources and teaching styles for each child I teach and use different methods specific to their learning.
Ultimately I aim to make the children enthusiastic about learning, and confident in their knowledge and understanding of the subject.

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Personal Description:
I am a graduate of Cambridge, Leiden, and York universities. I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching and the opportunity to spread my love of learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have a PGCE and QTS status.
I taught at a prestigious boarding school in the London area, before moving back to Scotland.

Tutoring Approach:
When teaching in a classroom, one is aware of each individual learner but cannot effectively accommodate. I use tutoring to show pupils that they are capable and to inspire, from that knowledge of ability, a love for learning that can be brought back to the classroom.

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Personal Description:
Dr John-Henry, FRHistS, FSA, FRSA

Former Assoc. Prof. at Durham | Experienced teacher | Published novelist

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

• Former Associate Professor at Durham University
• Former Teacher at a top London independent school ("Excellent" rated)
• Fellow of the Royal Historical Society
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
• Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries
• Honorary Research Fellow at Durham University
• Published novelist of 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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Personal Description:
I am an extremely approachable and diligent individual. I love my subjects and strive to see students achieve. With an Honours degree in European Studies in History and Politics and a PGCE from the University of Edinburgh, I have been teaching my subjects continuously since 1998. My entire approach is to identify the student's individual needs and then to design a bespoke method in which we can address any issues together.
I have a proven track record in achieving results and love my job!

Teaching Experience:
Teacher of History - Thomas More School, January to August 2001
Teacher of History - Rosebery School, 2001-2014
Teacher of History and Politics - Richard Challoner School, 2014 to present

Tutoring Approach:
Experienced and passionate History and Politics tutor offering expert support for A Level students. I help students develop strong subject knowledge, improve essay technique and, most importantly, understand exactly what examiners are looking for. Lessons are tailored to each student, with a particular focus on building confidence, developing clear arguments, analysing evidence and achieving the highest possible exam marks. Whether you are looking to improve your grades, prepare for exams or push towards an A/A*, I provide structured, engaging and exam-focused tuition.

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Personal Description:
Outside of teaching, I have a wide range of interests that reflect my creative and lifelong love of learning. I play several musical instruments and enjoy a variety of creative arts including drawing, painting, crochet, cross-stitch and creative writing. I also find great enjoyment in gardening, which allows me to relax and connect with nature.
I am naturally curious, I enjoy watching documentaries and keeping up to date with current affairs.
Most importantly, I value spending quality time with my family and close friends.
These interests help me bring creativity, enthusiasm and a well-rounded perspective to my teaching, allowing me to build positive relationships with students and make learning both engaging and enjoyable.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher with a PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), specialising in Religious Studies. During my secondary school teaching career, I taught Key Stage 3, GCSE and A Level Religious Studies, English and Politics as well as History and Geography at Key Stage 3. This experience enabled me to develop strong subject knowledge and expertise in preparing students for examinations while fostering critical thinking and confidence in their learning.
For the past 12 months, I have also taught across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, delivering engaging lessons in Mathematics, English, Science and Humanities subjects.
Throughout my career, I have worked with a diverse range of learners and have extensive experience supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), teaching children and young people from the ages of 4 to 19.
As a fully qualified teacher with QTS, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of student welfare and safety. I hold up to date training and certifications in Safeguarding, Prevent Duty, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Awareness and Allergy Awareness. These qualifications ensure that I am well equipped to create a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. My extensive experience working with children and young people (including those with SEND) enables me to recognise and respond appropriately to individual needs while promoting wellbeing, confidence and academic success.

Tutoring Approach:
I create a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel confident to ask questions and develop their skills.
I tailor my approach to suit each student's individual needs and learning style. I encourage academic growth, by building confidence, and helping students reach their goals through engaging and effective teaching.
I believe that every student learns differently, which is why I personalise each lesson to suit their individual needs, abilities, and learning style. I take the time to identify each student's strengths, areas for improvement and academic goals, then I tailor my teaching approach accordingly.
Whether a student benefits from visual aids, practice questions, step-by-step explanations or interactive discussions, I adapt my lessons to help them learn effectively.

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