Coleford History Tutors and Coleford History Tuition

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:
I am a working actor and a Graduate of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Before going to drama school I went to The University of Nottingham where I achieved a first class degree in English Language and Literature. I am self-motivated, enthusiastic and passionate about Drama and English.

Teaching Experience:
I currently work as a drama facilitator with West End in Schools delivering drama, history and PSHE workshops in primary schools. I have now been tutoring privately for over 10 years with work ranging from Primary Maths and English, Creative Writing, Drama School, LAMDA and Audition preparation, 11 +, GCSE and A - Level English and Drama. I have also worked with adults on Public Speaking, audition preparation and vocal techniques.

I previously worked as a Maths and English tutor with Explore learning. I taught Maths and English to children aged 4 - 14 of various abilities. I received training in the National Curriculum as well as current tutoring methods. I have a particular strength in preparing students for 11+ exams.

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly and enthusiastic with a proven record of working well with children. I believe that every child can benefit from one-on-one tuition; whether they need extra help with a subject they are struggling with or they would relish the challenge of extension work. Private tuition can give them the extra time they need to let difficult ideas settle and to encourage them to ask questions and push themselves further. Above all I will try to make every session fun, relaxed and positive. This is not 'school' but a opportunity to bring their learning to life. One recent student said Eleanor is "Very knowledgeable with lots of experience in the world of acting and theatre. She really helped me to realise where I wanted to go with my career and has helped me to start writing screenplays after initially focusing on getting into drama school (I changed my mind and now want to write instead). She is very passionate and has helped me improve in leaps and bounds even in just the past few months. I would highly recommend working with her".

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 a qualified and practising secondary school teacher. Prior to my training, for the last five years I have worked full time as a tutor but have tutored alongside studying for eight years. I am a graduate of Durham (BA History), and UCL (MA Central and South Eastern European Studies).

My main areas of interest are humanities and languages and I am an enthusiastic and passionate communicator.

Teaching Experience:
I am a highly experienced tutor, having taught a range of subjects, and have a passion for teaching and communication. I have a clear understanding of the structure of current and new A-Level and GCSE courses and the necessary requirements. I have a very high success rate with many of my pupils achieving the highest grades and demonstrating a marked improvement since tuition.

Tutoring Approach:
I taylor my lessons to students' needs completely. I mix exam technique with syllabus coverage. I am inventive in my lesson ideas to ensure that students are engaged with the subject matter.

Please note: I offer English Literature only, not EFL or English Language

Please also note: I require at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations otherwise I have to charge in full for the missed lesson.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a professional in my 30s with degrees in English & Italian Literature (BA 2:1, Warwick 2000) and the History of Medicine & Science (MA Merit, Birkbeck College, University of London). I also hold a CELTA qualification in teaching English Language to adults.

I am a friendly and open teacher and get on very well with my students. I have a car and will travel.

Proof-editing: contact for rates.

In addition to teaching I also offer a proof-reading service so for university essays / research proposals / writing projects, please do contact me for rates.

Teaching Experience:
I have spent the past three years in Germany teaching English as a foreign language to university students and business professionals. I am CELTA qualified and have a flexible approach, adapting my style to suit my students' needs. One to one teaching was my preferred method. l

Before I went to Germany in 2014, I had been a English and History tutor for ten years.

Please note that I am not a PGCE-qualified teacher. My focus is on the required skills rather than the syllabus as set by the school. This method has proved very effective time and time again.

I hold a German CRB, in due time I will replace this with a UK one.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to proof-editing / English checking is to look primarily at the language. For some clients - university students in particular - it is not appropriate to offer an editorial service as this goes against the rules of university submissions. However, where I think a mistake has been made or something is not clearly expressed - and it is not a simple matter of correcting the language - then I will flag it up to the student so they can look at it again.

My main aim with my tutees is to build their confidence and enthusiasm for the subject. To this end I concentrate on teaching the skills they require to achieve the grades they want. My role is not to replace the teaching they get at school but to compliment it so a tutoring session could concentrate on planning an essay the student has been asked to write or going through specific areas the student needs help with. I won't necessarily give homework - unless required - as I feel students have enough to do without me adding to their workload.

In return I expect my students to engage with the sessions. They don't have to like the subject and of course I'm there to help those who don't understand some things or just need a little help or encouragement, but the student must be prepared to be tutored.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a confident, diligent and sociable person, with a wide knowledge of world history, and specialising in American and South-East Asian history and culture. I hold a double first class Bachelors degree in History and American Studies from Canterbury Christ Church University, and have had many years experience leading youth projects such as youth councils, young persons' scrutiny forums (YPSF) and have acted as a liasion on several historical and cultural preservation projects such as the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) and the Church House Preservation Committee.

Teaching Experience:
I have previous experience as a teaching assistant to KS3 and KS4 level history at a state secondary school.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a holistic approach to the teaching of history, ensuring that the student becomes engaged within a fuller understanding of the period being studied. As a former student and teach of history, I realise that the principal block to a tutee's understanding of historical concepts is a lack of immersion within the relevant time-frames and thus an inability to fully comprehend why certain actions were taken, and the wider effect this had.

Thus in my approach I am firm believer that it is as important for every student to understand to a higher level than that offered by the current state curriculum the context of the period they are studying. As a consequence I offer tailored introductions to said period's culture, economy, religious and political setting, and even physical geography.

Furthermore, I offer the necessary skills to craft this knowledge into well-reasoned, informed essays. My intimate knowledge of the state education system and beyond has imbued me with the ability to gauge how assignments will be assessed and thus I can work with students not only on improving their knowledge, but showcasing this in highly-marked, structured and coherent written forms.

I use a number of methods to achieve this, including homework assignments, but also using character adoption, audio-visual aids and a mixture of written and verbal questions of varying length and form.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Tutor in English for Academic Purposes at a large UK university. In this role I teach both Academic English and General English.

Over the past thirteen years I have taught in the UK, Italy and Libya. I have taught in private schools, state schools and universities. In addition, I have taught students of all levels from beginners to advanced and all ages from 3 to adult.

I am an experienced online tutor with over 250 hours taught via Skype.

Teaching Experience:
Lecturer in English for Academic Purposes at the University of South Wales (5 years)

Teacher Trainer/English Teacher British Council Libya (3 years)

British Institutes Trento, Italy (2 years)

Private tutor in TESOL (2 years)

Cambridge IELTS examiner

Cambridge IGCSE Assistant Examiner

General English, Academic English and English for Specific Purposes (e.g. Business English)

Tutoring British and European History ages 11-18 (UK)

Tutoring Approach:
In teaching English as a foreign language I follow the communicative approach. This means plenty of communication between the student and tutor, rather than spending the whole lesson working through grammar exercises.

My lessons are student centred, which means that each lesson is about the student. My materials are carefully tailored to the individual student and not a 'one text fits all' course book. I try to make my lessons relevant to my student's needs, for example, if you are a chef I base my lessons on cookery; if you work in a shop I base my lessons around retail; and if you are studying for IELTS or residency, I will tutor you for that. Just tell me what you want to do and I will do my very best to help you realise your dream.

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 am a 30 year old History and Politics graduate, with ten GCSE's and three A Levels.
I am passionate about education and very keen to help students improve and reach their potential.

Teaching Experience:
I have acquired a lot of experience in schools and tutored both small groups and one to one.

I have also tutored privately, for eighteen months. All of the students that I have tutored thus far, have achieved or exceeded their targets.

Tutoring Approach:
My effective approach to tuition has been complimented, by experienced teachers who have observed my sessions. I am happy to adapt to the needs of individual students and work at an appropriate pace. I will tutor primary aged children one to one or in groups of two or three and older students one to one.
I firmly believe that everyone can succeed, with the necessary help and I strive to ensure that all of my students do just that.

Subjects

Personal Description:
i have taught in england and abroad. I have a teaching certificate from Cambridge. I belive that lessons should be fun and there should always be a smile of the student face to allow for the best and most effective learning to take place.

Teaching Experience:
ESOL teaching in UK and Hunguary
1 on 1 lessons
Large class size

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons should be tailored to the student. With the task that are relevant to the students learning style and take this part of teaching very seriously and belive it is the most important thing to take into account when teaching a student in a one on one enviroment/

Subjects

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm Barry. I'm 46. I've been a qualified teacher for 14 years. I enjoy travelling, camping and outdoors activities as well as going to concerts and festivals and other events.

Teaching Experience:
I've spent the past few years teaching post 16 further education students with educational and behavioural needs in a vocational education setting. I have also taught ESOL/TEFL both in Britain and various locations overseas. Earlier in my teaching career I taught Humanities subjects in Secondary schools

Tutoring Approach:
Adaptable depending on what the student needs. Should be purposeful without losing the fun of learning.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Harrison
University of Bath studying BSc (Hons) Economics
Hertfordshire/London
A Levels: A*AA (History/Maths/Economics)
GCSE's: All 8s/9s
Hobbies: Football/Gym/Cars
Tutoring for GCSE or A-Level History/Maths/Economics

Teaching Experience:
Below are 5 attributes that I hold that are essential for tutoring:

1) Expertise in the Subject: Strong knowledge and understanding of the subject you're tutoring is essential. My mastery of subject material allows me to explain concepts clearly and answer questions accurately. Thousand of hours of study for both GCSE's and A-Levels has lead me to create excellent A* level notes for students.

2) Effective Communication: Being able to explain complex ideas in simple terms is a key skill for a tutor. My ability to convey information clearly and adapt my communication style to the student's learning preferences is crucial.

3) Patience and Empathy: Not all students grasp concepts at the same pace. Patience and empathy are vital qualities that allow me to work through difficulties with students and create a comfortable learning environment.

4) Adaptability: Each student has a unique learning style. Being able to adapt teaching methods to suit the individual needs of each student can greatly enhance their understanding and engagement.

5) Active Listening: Understanding a student's challenges and questions requires active listening. By carefully listening, I can address their specific needs and tailor your tutoring accordingly.

Tutoring Approach:
Online based tutor using Zoom or Google Meet.

1) Assessment and Goal Setting: I begin by assessing the student's current knowledge and understanding of the subject, whilst discussing the student's goals and expectations for the tutoring sessions.

2) Individualised learning plan: Based on the assessment, I create a personalised learning plan that outlines the topics to cover and the order in which to address them. I consider the student's learning style, strengths, and areas needing improvement.

3) Clear Explanation: Presenting concepts in a clear, concise, and easily understandable manner whilst using real-life examples and analogies to illustrate complex ideas.

4)Interactive Learning: I encourage active participation and engagement from all students. Asking questions to check for understanding and encourage critical thinking is the best way to improve.

5) Practice and Application: I will provide practice exercises, problems, or activities that reinforce the concepts being taught. I will then gradually increase the complexity of exercises as the student's understanding improves.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a dedicated and passionate teacher currently working with primary 1/2 students, and I have had experience working with children of all ages. I am GTC registered and have an PVG to work with children. Outside of the classroom, I have been involved in Girl Guiding and have had various opportunities to engage with children in different school settings. This has allowed me to develop a well-rounded understanding of how children learn and grow in different environments.

Teaching Experience:
Throughout my teaching career, I have had the privilege of working with children from ages 4 to 16, and I am now offering tutoring in subjects such as maths, literacy, and social studies subjects including sociology, criminology, and modern studies for National 5 students. I take pride in tailoring my lessons to suit the individual needs of my students, helping them not only meet but exceed their learning goals. My experience with a range of age groups and subjects has provided me with the tools to create engaging and effective lessons.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in creating an engaging and interactive learning environment where students are actively involved in their learning process. I focus on active learning techniques and repetition, ensuring that key concepts are fully understood and retained. I always strive to align my lessons with the Curriculum for Excellence, ensuring they are both relevant and challenging. By incorporating various strategies such as hands-on activities, real-life applications, and positive reinforcement, I aim to help students build confidence in their abilities while achieving academic success.

I will be offering opportunities from now until August to get your child ready to begin Primary 1 in regards to literacy and maths. This can be in the form of 1-1 sessions or group sessions that will help develop social skills too! In addition to this, I will be offering sessions for current school children to both revise and learn maths and literacy knowledge and skills to ensure they have the best start in their next academic year.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a qualified primary teacher currently teaching Year 4 and offering KS1-KS2 tutoring. Sessions are structured, supportive and tailored to individual needs. Please feel free to message me if you would like to chat further.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience working across the primary age range, specifically in Nursery and Years 2, 3, 4, and 5. This has given me a deep understanding of the EYFS framework and the Key Stage 1 and 2 National Curriculum. In my time in Year 4, I have successfully supported students through assessment periods, tailoring my support to help them achieve their learning targets in English and Maths. I am comfortable adapting my style for younger learners (using play-based learning) as well as older students (focusing on exam technique and deeper comprehension).

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is student-centered and adaptive. I begin by assessing a student's current level to identify any specific gaps in their knowledge. From there, I scaffold their learning to build confidence and bridge those gaps, ensuring they meet age-related expectations. For students already working at level, I provide targeted challenges to push for greater depth and mastery of the subject.

Subjects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TESTIMONIALS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HISTORY AND POLITICS TEACHER, 2020-2023

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

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, Durham University, 2010-2020

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

Tutoring Approach:
TUTORING

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

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

PERSONAL STATEMENT ASSISTANCE

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

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

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

Subjects