Bedford History Tutors and Bedford History Tuition

Personal Description:
I am currently a first year student at the University of Bedfordshire, studying Sport's Management, with a keen interest specifically in Sports Development.

Throughout my prior educational years I have had a strong passion for both Physical Education and History, and was able to learn a great deal under some fantastic teaching methods. Whilst in Primary School i was enrolled with a tutor and found the experience valuable and gave me a step ahead when taking exams.

Teaching Experience:
Although no current teaching experience, I have realised that eventually I would like to go into a full time teaching role, and with my previous experience would find an opportunity of tutoring and teaching extremely rewarding.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is that learning can be very easy given the correct manner in which taught.

I would be willing to listen to pupils and parents and engage in where they feel they need to improve as well as teaching the curriculum required to have a good understanding and knowledge of the subject in hand.

I would make the learning of the subject interesting but also with a proffesional approach allowing the pupil to deliver and fulfil there maximum potential.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a first degree in History and English and a masters in Art History. I have been teaching successfully in London and Norfolk for the past 30 years and can honestly say that I have never had a student fail, whether it be for an entrance exam or GCSE, 'A' level or even at University helping with a final dissertation. I am passionate about my subjects and believe that each student should be approached with tailor made lessons to achieve their desired goal. I have in many cases remained friends with many of the families of the students I have taught. It is a pleasure to work with young people who believe in their abilities to achieve in life.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at further education colleges in and around London as well as private schools mainly in English and History for G.C.S.E. and 'A' Level students. I was until recently also an Associate Lecturer for the Open University in the Humanities which I did for 22 years. My main strengths are in private tutoring in which I have been engaged for the past 30 years around London and Norfolk.

Tutoring Approach:
In the case of coursework for GCSE or 'A' level I am happy to have students email their work for me to check over and then have a lesson in person or on-line. With regard to working towards examinations, I prefer to use the question papers as the basis for learning as generally each exam board has a preference for the way in which questions are answered especially in the subjects I teach. English and History especially are open to interpretation. I believe the need to read around the subject and offer a wider knowledge than is generally taught at schools or colleges is vital. Regular tuition is therefore preferable, so that all problems can be addressed over a period of time but I am flexible as to how many lessons are needed.I am also happy to teach on-line using Teams or Google Meet, as I was doing this over Covid and thereafter.

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 have a passion for the English language and its literature which is reflected in my work. I really enjoy tutoring, because I know the one-to-one learning situation gives students the attention and focus which they need to improve, and which they cannot get in school. I am a parent, a published poet and occasional actor. PLEASE NOTE: Idonot do trial lessons.Please trust my knowledge and experience.

Teaching Experience:
I have 30 years' experience of teaching English to kids of varying backgrounds and abilities (11 to 18 up to A level) so I have built up an extensive bank of resources over the years, which I use to carefully prepare for lessons. I am also an experienced examiner for AQA, which offers valuable insights into exactly how to achieve high GCSE grades .I recently received the JCQ certificate for services to examing. I have been tutoring successfully for seven years now, and my knowledge and expertise would be very useful to students aiming at high marks in GCSE and A level exams. Recently, I have helped a pupil win a scholarship to high-achieving independent QEGS in Wakefield, and others to gain entrance to grammar schools

Tutoring Approach:
I am patient, friendly and easy to get on with. I have always tried to make my lessons interesting, relevant and inter-active. I tailor my teaching to the pupil and know that praise and encouragement are the keys to confidence and progress. A good sense of humour is vital,too.
I have helped to improve the grades of many pupils, some of whom have achieved the highest grade at GCSE, and have coached younger ones through entrance exams to sought-after schools. One student, whom I tutored for three years, progressed from a poor level 4 in year 8 to GCSE grade B, the minimum requirement for A levels in many good schools, while others have achieved the A* grades required for their chosen paths.
I have achieved high ratings from the parents of students I have tutored. A good tutor can make a difference with focused one-to-one attention, and I am a good, committed tutor..NB I offer discounts for online tuition.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am currently studying English Literature at the University of Edinburgh. I love reading, writing and reading some more. I also enjoy sketching while listening to music. I am a frank person, have an straightforward approach to everything in life and like people to behave the same way with me (which always does not happen). I love to have a laugh, but don't worry, I can be serious when needed( for example, when teaching your children English and History).

Teaching Experience:
While I have never tutored for money, I have an extensive tutoring experience. I volunteered to teach illiterate students English as a part of a volunteering program from my high school in India and have been a part of that program for the past two years. I also used to tutor my two siblings in History, Geography and English.

Tutoring Approach:
I feel that children learn best in a stress free environment. If they feel it is fun and challenging, they will be more willing to learn than if they feel it to be an obligation. English is an easy subject and children enjoy learning it, once they realize the joys that English has to offer. History can be challenging due to the vast amounts one has to learn by heart but steady habit of writing down answers to questions helps more than reading the material ten times. Other than that, History is a vastly interesting subject which helps us understand the workings of the present society and of course, knowledge about our ancestors. Geography is relatively straightforward subject. A lot of practice and a dedicated perusal of it should be enough to get good scores. While it can be relatively dry, it can be made interesting with pictures and videos.I focus on exam technique, past papers as well as text work (English Lit.)

Subjects

Personal Description:
Whilst my main teaching subjects are ICT & Computer Science, I have mostly been tutoring Maths & English up to GCSE level (plus 11+ / Kent & Medway Test)

I am always willing to help out students of ALL ages that need a fresh and unique approach to learning.

Teaching Experience:
15 Years Teaching Experience ICT & Computer Science

10 years Tutoring Experience (Maths/ English/ SATS / 11+) - KS1/KS2/ KS3/ KS4/ GCSE


[Key Areas]
- SEN
- Differentiation
- Cross Curricular Material
- Previous experience across a multitude of schools and colleges
- Material relevant to students' own personal interests
- Behaviour for learning

Tutoring Approach:
I do not believe in such terms as "ability", i firmly believe that any student has the potential to succeed. My main goals to tutoring are to promote active engagement & genuine interest to any material using ICT as a tool to assist in general understanding. With the right tools & mentoring i am confident that any student can then start to build on deep critical thinking & creativity through independent work

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello! My name is Luke and I am an assistant headteacher as well as head of English at a secondary school in Croydon. I have previously been the head of oracy & debating, and head of underachieving groups at other schools in a career spanning 9 years. Having graduated from the University of Cambridge with a First in History in the summer of 2017, I'm enthusiastic about education and helping others to progress far. After Cambridge, I graduated from the UCL Institute of Education with 'Outstanding' (i.e. the highest classification available for my Teach First PGDE) and was also awarded 'outstanding' in my NQT year.

I live in Deptford and am willing to travel by public transport to the area nearby, or tutor online to students anywhere! If you have any questions about my travel and whether I'd be able to come to you, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

I am available on certain weekday evenings but can be flexible for weekends to tutor your child. For any queries, please do message me and we can organise dates and times.

Teaching Experience:
I've been an English teacher for nine years across secondary schools in Hackney, Lewisham and Croydon. I began teaching through the Teach First Programme, and am a young, enthusiastic teacher primarily of English. I have extensive experience in working with students of all different levels of prior attainment and was also my school's Lead Teacher on Underachieving Groups in RE, Psychology, Philosophy, and English.

My results speak for themselves: last year, my Year 11 class attained a record number of top grades in GCSE English, with 5 grade 9s and a 100% pass rate. My school also has a high proportion of students with SEND and EAL needs. Growing up, I helped my sister (who has dyslexia) with school work, and so I am highly experienced in working with students with a variety of needs.

I have received consistently positive feedback from parents, students, and colleagues alike. I take a real pride in establishing a culture of high expectations and aspiration in the classroom, wherein I try to inculcate in all my students a strong sense of getting out what you put in to drive them to push themselves. More than just strong academic progress, many of my students have remarked how much they enjoy how I link what is being studied to real-world contexts to keep work entertaining and engaging. I have consequently had dozens of requests from parents and students for me to continue teaching them the next year.

Prior to teaching, I tutored English for over a year and was heavily involved in access schemes at Cambridge University. This was to support disadvantaged pupils develop their writing through one-to-one tuition whilst boosting their aspirations.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer to teach in a relaxed and calm environment, with an emphasis on discussion and creating an interest in the subject rather than copying out textbooks. I believe that having an interest and a general understanding of a subject, especially humanities, is essential to doing well - likewise, practising is imperative in order to master a subject. Therefore, I aim to supply worksheets and past papers to help explain and practise difficult ideas or topics. Moreover, I can also suggest useful textbooks and sources to use for further revision.

I have a huge enthusiasm for History, English, and languages (particularly Spanish), and thoroughly enjoy studying - and teaching - all of these.

Though my favourite subject personally is History, I have extensive experience in teaching and tutoring all of these. Moreover, I can also provide tutoring for Oxford and Cambridge applications and entrance exams. This is an area I feel passionately about and I have supported many many students over several years to apply.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a very experienced and highly successful secondary history teacher and have tutored many pupils privately, helping them gain top grades for GCSE & A Level.

I am a strong communicator and very approachable, so you will be able to build up an excellent working relationship with me very quickly - either face to face or online. I will give you a very high level of guidance and feedback to help you gain confidence in achieving your academic goals. I also plan my lessons meticulously, so as to ensure the learning goals are clear from lesson to lesson.

I have high expectations of all my students and tutees, but most importantly, I am very effective in helping them to reach their full academic potential.

Teaching Experience:
I am the Head of a History department in my current job and have worked in the independent sector for 14 years teaching history. I have extensive experience of preparing pupils for the A Level/International Baccalaureate/(I)GCSE examinations and have a very strong track record in delivering excellent exam results.

I am also a diploma qualified Teacher of English as a Second Language and previously worked for the British Council as a Senior Teacher. I am also an IELTS examiner and can teach IELTS preparation courses as well as IGCSE (ESL) and the Cambridge English exam courses.

Tutoring Approach:
I will quickly establish what your learning needs are and help you to develop a study programme to achieve your specific language goals. The content of the learning will be focused on developing your historical skills and knowledge and with extensive past paper question practice, with in-depth feedback to continually enhance your performance.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a very approachable person who enjoys being around people and helping them to achieve their goals, I am currently doing a Masters in Publishing.
I am also a university graduate in Broadcast Media Production and I took Photography and Creative Media at A level.
In my GCSE'S I took Graphics and History/Geography.
In my spare time I do archery (which I've been doing for 11 years) and climbing (for 1 year) I also enjoy reading and travelling.

Teaching Experience:
I have previously worked in a college as a supported learning assistant working mainly with dyslexic students onna variety of subjects.
I volunteered as part time help at Luddington and Garthorpe primary school in North Lincolnshire. I help when I am not busy, this is experience for me as it is something I am considering as a career path for the future, I help with the children, and I help the class teachers when their TA's are ill or busy elsewhere, I have also answered the phones when the receptionist hasn't been in.
I have also been volunteering at John Leggott College in the media department as an assistant to the staff and the young adults, this has given me more of an idea of what it is like to teach older children and a possible career choice. I help them with their pre and post production and general help through out the lessons.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is research what they're doing in school and asking them how they learn - weather it being visual, auditory or kinesthetic - I myself prefer a practical/kinesthetic - "hands on learning" as you can learn whilst doing things. Another way I like to teach is by a reward system which works to help the student feel like they have achieved something they may not have been able to learn by them selves or by classroom learning.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a PhD candidate of International Relations in American Graduate School. I graduated from Coventry University with a Master's degree in International Relations and Diplomacy. I enjoy meeting new people through all avenues. I enjoy teaching and I appreciate every opportunity to develop my interpersonal as well as academic skills, and this offers me that opportunity. Having been a student, i understand the needs of a student and offer my services ti help.
I am friendly, approachable and a good listener. I welcome the opportunity to help you improve in your studies.

Teaching Experience:
2013-2014- Tutored English and History English
2014-2015- Research assistant to Professor and lecturers
2016-2017- I taught English and History to high school students, I also tutored undergrads in International relations
2018-Present- Teach English

Tutoring Approach:
I adjust my approach to fit the requirements of my students. Their learning style is important and so I ascertain what it is and adopt it for their lessons. I am eager to learn new approaches as I feel the need to ensure my students have the best learning experience at all times.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Are you bored about learning Spanish in a conventional way? about teachers who do not really care about your progress and interests?

I think that the best way to learn a language is making the student comfortable with dynamic and enjoyable Spanish classes. I will make a personal Spanish program for you, where I will adapt your interest (job environment, informal situations with friends...) to your Spanish level. I will prepare everything you feel could be interesting for the class.

I have always loved teaching, I have loved it since I was a teenager, whenever my classmates asked me to help them or even my sisters and I had to help them with their exercises solving the problem they had.

I am really hard working, friendly, very sociable and professional.

Lately, I have been also teaching online with IBERIS to student from different countries among the world. So, I find myself familiar with the latest technologies and programs related to the online teaching. Furthermore, I have a great interest in the international issues and different cultures. I really enjoy teaching and learning something new from my students make me feel better.

In addition, I find myself as an entrepreneur. So, I would be constantly improving the classes and working hard to personalize the classes as much as possible depending on the goals and the Spanish level of every student.

Teaching Experience:
Regarding my teaching experience, I have at least 2 years teaching Spanish in different public and private institutions around the world.

I began teaching Spanish as a volunteer in my university on 2015. I have always had a great interest in different cultures and languages. I really admire people who travel and work around the world, so in 2015-2016 I decided to teach Spanish voluntarily during the whole course (9 months) to those international people who came as an Erasmus to my University. I felt really comfortable helping them improving their Spanish while I was learning a lot from them too.

After this academic course, I made my luggage and I went to the USA for the whole summer. I was motivated and interested in the American lifestyle, so I decided to try my best three months working at Morey´s Piers as a chef while I was working as a native Spanish teacher in my second job at the Christian academy for 3 months in New Jersey.

As soon as I finished my stay in the USA, I came back to Poland where I continued my last year of university through a bilateral international agreement at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences. I was studying while I was working in 2 different institutions as a native Spanish teacher. On the one hand, I was working as a tenured Spanish native teacher at the "IBERIS online academy" for one year. On the second hand, I was working as support Spanish native teacher at the "Gniezno Institute" during the same academical year.

In conclusión, the last 2 years from 2015 I have been working as a native Spanish teacher in 4 different places, at the University in Spain, at Christian´s academy in the USA, at IBERIS online academy and Gniezno institute (Poland). And right now, I am working privately in Scotland.

Tutoring Approach:
Among the qualities a teacher should have, in my opinión would be dedication, passion, patience, and teamwork.

A teacher must dedicate a long time not only to the classes, also preparing the ideal program for the classes in order to satisfy the language needs of the student or student group.

Furthermore, a teacher must be highly passionate to motivate each student making the learning enjoyable and useful at the same time.

The patience is another important quality as each student needs their own time to understand and develop the knowledge. We are treating with people and everyone is different. It is really important to personalize the teaching in each case.

The communication among the students is as important as the proper teamwork between the professionals on the institution in order to give the best service to our students and help growing altogether the academy.

I think that the best way to learn a language is making the student comfortable with dynamic and enjoyable Spanish classes. So far, I make a personal Spanish program for my students, where I adapt their interest (job environment, informal situations with friends...) to their Spanish level. I also prepare everything they feel could be interesting for the class.

I like making the classes as enjoyable as possible in order to keep the students happy and motivated. In fact, I work with practical and useful material made by my own. So, my classes will be based on a practical Spanish according to the student's needs, I want them to feel motivated and happy. If not, I will not be satisfied at all.

The classes will focus on talking and practicing mainly, as a language is learned speaking and practicing a lot. But of course, we will have a good base of grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing and listening too.

The classes must be as efficient as possible!

Are you ready to start with useful Spanish and enjoyable classes?

Say goodbye to the boring classes and let´s start learning useful Spanish having a good time.

Let´s get started!

Subjects

Personal Description:
Currently a University of East Anglia student heading into my final year of an Environmental Geography and International Development.

Teaching Experience:
No formal experience but have helped children with homework and used to have study groups at school and university.

Tutoring Approach:
Kind, considerate and looking for the tutee to get the answer for themselves without interfering but with small hints.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a philosophy student at Roehampton University. I am from the South Downs in Hampshire, where I lived until I was 18. I have been studying here in London since September 2017. Back home I am the oldest of four, and this had enabled me to be able to understand how to make learning fun for a wide range of ages, as our ages vary from 8 to 20 years. My hobbies include playing football, listening to music, and reading. I was previously employed as an after school nanny so have a DBS check that is valid.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching assistant every Wednesday for an academic year at the infant school in my home town.
Shadowed History department at my secondary school the year after I left.
Working as a nanny I had to help the boys I looked after with their homework. They were 6 and 8 so was helping them learn very basic skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I have always been naturally able to write especially well, and am enthusiastic about the subjects I study. I have found it easy to pass on this enthusiasm for learning to younger people, and I especially am able to connect with younger kids on tasks they would usually struggle to find fun. I am basically happy to tutor any subject at GCSE level apart from maths, science (natural, computer, etc). Social sciences are my particular strength.

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:
Hello, my name is George and I am a PhD student settled in Durham during term-time. I am passionate about teaching children and grown-ups of all ages in a manner that is both educational and enjoyable for the students by incorporating their hobbies and interests in their education. I have been a private tutor for a year, but I have always been eager to help people whenever in need. I have been tutoring mainly in English grammar and foreign languages such as German and Russian, but I am also interested in teaching subjects such as history, sociology, critical theory, and humanities in general. I have taken education related modules during my BA, and I also possess a Developing Your Potential certificate for education after completing a series of online courses.
In case you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. I am more than happy to teach online, especially in the given circumstances, but if this were not the case, I would be happy to drive up to 30 miles from Durham during term-time. I am available any time of the day, including weekends, unless specified otherwise.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a personal tutor for English grammar, German, and Russian for two years now. I have been teaching my students regularly once a week, and I have received positive feedback for my teaching methods, as well as my approach when helping to improve my students' language levels.
I possess a "Developing Your Potential" certificate, which I acquired after attending online courses that related to teaching. The courses included lessons on the British curriculum, as well as advice and skills on how to approach with children with disabilities such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism. These courses have helped be gain an understanding and insight in the ways I should approach students with special needs, and I see it as a very important skill as a person who supports the right for equal opportunities in education.
I also taught in classroom environments while taking modules in education during my Eramus+ exchange studies in Sweden. This has helped me gain experience working with pupils in primary schools, which also helped me familiarise myself working with more than one student as well.

Tutoring Approach:
I usually teach a student once per week, but if it is necessary, I am willing to top it up by teaching the same student twice a week even. I also offer the first lesson at half price as a an introductory lesson.
My lessons usually last an hour, but I am also happy to top it up to two hours, with a 5-10 minute break, upon request.
Any cancellations or changing of schedules should be noted within 24 hours at least.
I am also more than happy to teach more than one student at the same time within a "classroom style setting" online, given that the students are doing the same subject at a more or less equal level.
I am available every day, including weekends, and I am flexible with time as well.
At the end of every lesson, I will always give homework to students and expect them to do it until our next lesson. I am however tolerant in unforeseen circumstances, or if any other personal issue arises.
At the beginning of every lesson and after checking the homework, I shall ask short questions related to previous lessons. Thus, I expect students to learn and take notes from every I teach on their own initiative, although I will remind this every now and then.
As a tutor, I am also aware that time is very valuable for every lesson. This is why I ensure that no lesson will be wasted by teaching topics already known by the student.
Finally, I also like to make my lessons fun and entertaining, as I have always found this the best way to learn. This is why I will offer the students the freedom to choose which topics to discuss that would fit with their interests or hobbies, as well as offering them tasks that would make learning more entertaining as well as educational.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Billy!

I've recently graduated from studying English at Exeter College, Oxford and have began teaching full time. I love reading, music, dancing and travel - mainly things that bring me closer to understanding and connecting with people. As a tutor I am firm and supportive, but can tailor my approach depending on the goals of the student.

Teaching Experience:
I've consistently been working as a tutor for over 3 years.

I've worked as a full-time teacher and activity leader for Bayswater College and LSI Cambridge.

I obtained a CELTA qualification from IH London.

Tutoring Approach:
My main aim as a tutor is to ensure students leave my lessons with greater knowledge and understanding of the subject. I believe this is best achieved through enquiry-based learning: I always encourage students to ask questions, because doing so helps stimulate critical thinking and allows them to take an active role in their learning. We can start from the basics and gradually work our way through the subject using a series of custom-made study notes, intensive revision sessions and back-and-forth conversations!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm an experienced tutor from the UK, now pursuing my Master's degree in Communication Strategies.
I graduated from Queen Mary University London with a first class degree, and was selected to present my thesis at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research.
I believe that tutoring is the perfect tool to help learners achieve their goals, through 1:1 attention and in depth exploration.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since long before I graduated, and I now bring many years of experience to the table along with a varied academic and professional profile.
My students see improvements in their predicted and real grades, along with growth in their academic confidence.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that success depends on a collaborative approach: seeing a positive outcome requires both tutor and student to share a goal which they can consciously work towards.
I set goals with my students early, to make sure that we can use our time together as effectively as possible.
By working with a specific outcome in mind, it's also easier to track progress and plan our next steps.

Subjects

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.

Subjects