Castle Cary History Tutors and Castle Cary History Tuition

Personal Description:
I have a Doctorate in Languages and Literatures from La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and an MSc in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs from RGU.

I love teaching and using my communication and interpersonal skills with people of any age, nationality and background.
I enjoy helping students achieve proficiency in the languages I teach, help them become confident communicators in writing, listening and speaking whether is for work, study or leisure.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching to people of various ages and backgrounds since 2009 at Aberdeen College, language schools (Aberdeen Courses) and as a freelancer.
I have experience in teaching students from schools, professionals from oil and gas organisations, and other sectors.
I have helped school pupils of various ages and levels in achieving high marks in exams such as National 5, GCSE and Highers.

I also have experience in preparing for language exams and University essay writing on various authors.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching is based on the student's requirements and needs whether is for business, leisure or study.
Grammar, reading, writing exercises and developing listening and expressive skills are all at the core of my approach.
These skills are taught depending on the level and nature of the classes (business, academic or casual learning).
I am aware of all the difficulties of learning a foreign language, therefore I make sure that the students not only have an effective class but also an enjoyable time.
I make use of grammar books, exercises, audios, conversational topics, newspapers, magazines, games and more!

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Personal Description:
I have a degree in Journalism and English and a Certificate in Education. I am able to tutor GCSE English Language GCSE English Literature, GCSE Maths, ESOL English Literature, GCSE Psychology and Media Studies to A level. I have given tuition to individuals and small groups of students at undergraduate level and offer friendly, relaxed lessons individually, or in groups up to two people, tailored exactly to what the pupil requires

Teaching Experience:
I have experience of one to one tutoring with both school and college students and adults, plus larger group teaching. I have been doing private tuition in my own home for ten years now and its better for students to come to me as its a pressure free environment.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer to teach from my home:
My home is quiet and fairly minimalistic. Lessons are held in my offce and I have a computer and Ipad that students can use.

I use the first meeting to talk about any difficulties in learning the subject in a formal educational setting and discuss any specific learning difficulties you may have. We can chat about strategies to help you learn more effectively and I will work with you at a pace that suits you. I will also ask the student to complete a learning styles questionnaire.


To the best of my ability I try to make subjects interesting to young people and re-engage them. I also encourage students to bring along any work they may be struggling with so I can go through it with them. I can help you get to where you need to be. Please only contact me and purchase my details if you are genuinely interested in my services. No time wasters please. Please note if you require me to travel to you there will be a charge and it will depend on my availability.

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Personal Description:
I have been a lecturer for the past 20 years at both college and university levels. Educated at the universities of London and Birmingham, I am an experienced tutor, teacher, lecturer and author of articles, reviews and a recent book. An historian by training, I am also interested in literature, politics and cultural studies.

My experience of education was incredible, but it might not have been were it not for the motivation and support that I received from a number of outstanding lecturers. It was their example that led me to start teaching and I have found that helping others to learn and achieve academic success gives enormous job satisfaction.

I believe every student has unrealised potential and that with the right approach, all can succeed. I am flexible and believe in helping my students to find a learning style which suits them and enables them to succeed. I have a lot of energy and enthusiasm and besides teaching and writing, my interests include keeping abreast of current affairs, playing cricket and listening to world music.

Teaching Experience:
I tutor a variety of subjects at a range of levels including GCSE, AS, A Level, and Degree in addition to adult learners requiring support. I have experience of teaching students from a variety of cultural backgrounds. I have mentored post-graduate students and proof-read theses and dissertations.

I have over 20 years experience teaching and have taught in classrooms and universities in the United Kingdom and abroad. My students come from a wide range of different age groups and backgrounds and I pride myself on helping all of them to succeed. I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a faculty member of the Foundation for International Education, London and the New College of the Humanities, London. My previous posts have included Programme Director at Birkbeck, University of London and Director of Academics at the Foundation for International Education, London.

Tutoring Approach:
One of my main aims in tutoring is to stimulate an interest in learning, by making the topic as relevant in contemporary terms as possible. Most of the subjects I tutor, from History to Religious Studies have current and on-going social consequences. I have found that making an otherwise dry topic of relevance to a student awakens an interest and desire to learn more. It is those inspirational moments when students become aware of the linkages between what they have read, and what is going on around them that makes tutoring particularly satisfying. This coupled with a growing ability to think critically, usually translates into enhanced coursework grades.

My approach to teaching is based on two fundamental bases. The first is that it is absolutely essential to find contentment in the learning process. This may not come through the actual material that needs to be learnt and it is up to the tutor to inspire in the student the self-assurance to succeed. As your tutor, I will lay down the learning structure and will cement this through detailed lesson plans. The second basis is that supervised practise testing is very important. This needs to be followed by a thorough assessment of the results, in order to understand where improvements need to be made, in both knowledge and approach.

At the younger end, I create a fun learning environment and aim to enhance originality, conscientiousness and self-assurance in the child's ability. In the longer term, I concentrate on problem areas which may have been skated over in class. For more senior students and adult learners, the same principles apply in terms of tailoring lessons to the individual. I mix core concepts with more general study skills and encourage each student to find their own way of independent learning. I am a patient, hard-working and open individual who strives to get the best out of each student and help them achieve their learning objectives. As your tutor I will be available outside of teaching time to answer questions by email and phone, there will be no extra cost for this service.

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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.

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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.)

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Personal Description:
I am an active independent-scholar and writer, living near St Andrews University. I have written numerous books and articles and am currently working on a new book as well as tutoring a handful of students. I am also a former Academic Advisor to students in the United States of America, and I have worked for two tutoring companies in Oxford since returning to the UK. I am therefore familiar with the needs of international students when it comes to navigating the English and Scottish University systems. I focus on technique over content with a particular emphasis on writing skills, though I also read all the books and articles my students are required to read, so that I can help them with content when required.

Teaching Experience:
Award winning teacher at the University of Georgia, 1999-2000
Academic Adviser to University Students from 2003-2007
Tutor Oxford International Study Centre, April 2013 - May 2014
Carfax Tutorial Establishment, November 2013 - May 2014
Freelance Tutor ongoing.

Tutoring Approach:
I adopt a holistic approach to tutoring, working with a student to address her or his individual academic needs. I am process-orientated, building on a student's strengths and eliminating weaknesses. I am also practical, constantly working towards the student's objectives. As a result, I focus very much on academic skills and developing the student's academic toolbox, so that they can gain confidence and become independent learners.

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Personal Description:
I am a committed and professional teacher with a passion for my subject areas and a determination to help all young people reach their full potential. I enjoy tutoring and have tutored ( home, online and travelling) for over a decade.

I currently teach History at all levels including Advanced Higher, N5 and Higher Modern Studies and Higher Politics. I am happy to tutor : History, Modern Studies and/or Politics

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for over a decade and have taught from BGE through to Higher and Advanced Higher level. I have a wealth of experience of delivering N5 and Higher and preparing young people for their Senior Phase exams and assessments. I have created a lot of resources and differentiated resources to support and encourage all learners. I also have experience of marking N5 exam papers and N5 Assignments. I have also regularly central marked for Higher Politics. I use these experiences to help inform my practice and support tutes.

I currently teach History at all levels including Advanced Higher, N5 and Higher Modern Studies and Higher Politics. I am happy to tutor : History, Modern Studies and/or Politics

Tutoring Approach:
I have been tutoring now for over a decade. I enjoy the opportunity to work 1 on 1 with students and to help boost their confidence and support them to reach their full potential. I am happy to travel and/or have the tutee come to my home.In recent years I have also tutored onlin and I am happy to offer online tuition. I am flexible and happy to change days and times to meet the needs of my tutees and their families. I have a bank of resources I am happy to share. I am also flexible and can accommodate time changes etc to suit families. I find it easy to get on with people and ensure that I create a positive connection with the young person-one which helps them to believe in themselves and to work to the best of their ability. I also pride myself on my punctuality, organisation skills and professionalism. I also understand the need to maintain communication so as the family knows their child's progress and the next steps.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Personal Description:
Paolo is an Italian songwriter, composer, and stage director based in London.

He has independently composed, produced, and released solo albums, as well as soundtracks for theatre productions and songs for other artists. Beginning his music career in 1992, Paolo is also an accomplished singer and guitarist who has performed across Europe and collaborated with numerous international artists.

His unique writing style has evolved over years of traveling, literary studies, and ongoing poetic exploration, which earned him first prize in poetry at the Pirandello Stable Festival in 2012.

Paolo's theatre and cinema career began in 1998. Alongside intensive drama school training, he spent seven years honing his acting and directing skills at the Teatro Regio di Torino, working under renowned directors Franco Zeffirelli, José Carlos Plaza, Ugo De Ana, Giuseppe Patroni Griffi, and John Cox.

Since 2002, he has written and directed numerous plays, including The Bald Soprano by Ionesco, The Trojan Women by Euripides, and A Doll's House by Ibsen, staged in various UK venues.

Throughout his career, Paolo has taught Italian Literature, Humanities, Music, and Geography in primary and secondary schools and academies. He holds an MA in Humanities and Arts from the University of Turin, a Diploma in Classical Guitar from Trinity College London, an MA in Archaeology from UCL, and is currently pursuing PhD research at Cardiff University.

He is the founder of a website dedicated to his archaeological research, and, a video-audio production company.

Paolo recently published the book for beginner guitarist and a collection of his poems; both books are available on Amazon.

Teaching Experience:
I qualified to teach:

- Italian Language and Literature, Archaeology, and Humanities (Geography, History, and Religious Studies up to GCSE Level).
- Classical, Acoustic and Electric guitar lessons up to Grade 8 and DIplomas (Trinity College, ABRSM, RockSchool).
- Piano, Bass guitar and Singing lessons up to Grade 6 (Trinity College and ABRSM).
- Music technology, sound design and audio editing tuitions and workshop on Cubase (v. 7 to 11) and Logic Pro X .
- Music theory, songwriting classes, and private tutoring for GCSE students who need extra help are also available.
- Adobe Premiere and Photoshop for video and photo editing (beginner and intermediate).
- Italian grammar and literature up to A-Level and for adult learner.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe anyone can achieve excellence with the right motivation. While exam success is important, I emphasize the joy of learning itself, sparking curiosity and passion in my students. My teaching approach blends exam preparation with fostering creativity and confidence in a supportive environment, where students feel free to explore and grow.

Since starting my teaching journey in 1998, I've taught Literature, Humanities, Music, and Drama in Italy, and since 2015, I've been teaching music in UK schools. I offer personalized lessons in guitar (up to Grade 8 and Diplomas), piano, bass, singing (up to Grade 6), and music technology, including Cubase and Logic Pro. Whether it`s music theory, songwriting, or GCSE/A-Level tutoring, I tailor my teaching to each student`s unique style, always ensuring a fun and engaging atmosphere for optimal learning.

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Personal Description:
I am a hardworking, enthusiastic mother of a 3 year old boy. I am a Primary School Teacher and have worked with many children in variety of settings and roles. I am versatile and good at adapting to new situations. I am reliable and punctual and fair. I enjoy being with my family, caravan holidays, reading, watching a good film or series, swimming and going to Church. I am always keen to learn more and develop my knowledge of how children learn and develop through keeping myself updated with new initiatives and taking part in CPD training on various subjects. I also have a keen interest in History and read many books around the subject.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked with children since leaving school, it was always something I was passionate about. I became a Nursery Nurse and worked in a Nursery settings for a time and worked my way up to Base Room Manager. I worked for a long time in a Private Preparatory school as a Teaching Assistant where I completed my Degree in Early Years Education.
I then took a year out of work to undertake my PGCE to become a Qualified Primary School Teacher. I worked in a school in Ashford for my NQT year and then worked in a school in Stanwell for the next 4 years until I had my son, who is now nearly 3 years old. Since my son was born, I have worked as a nanny for families who allow a nanny with own child. My last role was for nearly 2 years but unfortunately my role was made redundant because the parents are now working from home and they no longer needed the level of support they needed before COVID. They will happily give me a reference if you would like to ask for details.
I am currently working with a family of 5 for 3 afternoons a week providing wrap around care. I also tutor their son who is 9 years old. He has made significant progress with his reading and writing.
In the last 4 years I have been tutoring primary aged children at the weekends, in school holidays, through lockdown and after school two days a week. I can provide references. I have taught both face to face and over zoom.
I am currently tutoring a child over zoom who is 5 years old. I make my lessons fun and engaging and she has made significant progress in phonics and maths. I have an extensive knowledge of Teaching Phonics.
I am interested in Tutoring internationally. I have had some experience of working with a child from China. I supported him with his learning from age 5-7 years. I also supported him with learning English.
My availability is mainly limited to daytime so my services may suit a child who is Home Educated.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy tutoring children because it means I can give them my undivided attention which means I can understand that particular child's knowledge and skills on a far deeper level. This is where my Early Years background really helps as I can identify different learning styles and adapt the way I teach to suit each child. This is very much a part of the Early Years Curriculum so I am used to being reflective and using different strategies to help children learn to the best of their ability. I enjoy tutoring because it allows me to see how children grow and learn and most of all gain in confidence so they are able to learn more effectively in all their subjects.
Throughout the session I will assess the child's progress and use this information to plan for the next session. As the spiral curriculum dictates I will also revisit past learning to ensure the child has a firm grasp of the concepts that have been taught previously. This is very important because often or not learning is lost in school because schools do not have time to go over lessons which results in children developing gaps in their learning.
I am confident with both face to face and on-line lessons.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching the Humanities subjects since 2005 and specialise in History and Geography. I have taught in secondary schools, colleges and online (small groups and 1-1). I love helping students to get to grips with all the different aspects of the Humanities subjects and consider it a real bonus for my students to, not only succeed in exams, but also to learn to love the subject. I take a collaborative approach to teaching and think it is vital that the student and I work together to get the best out of the sessions. I live by the coast and spend my free time hiking and reading.

Teaching Experience:
Qualified 18 years ago.
Worked in secondary and FE as a History and Geography teacher.
Experience as a Head of department.
15 years experience as an examiner and moderator, 13 at a senior level.
Registered examiner with Edexcel, AQA, OCR and CIE

Tutoring Approach:
A personalised approach, working together to find the best path forward to success

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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!

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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:
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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