Garve History Tutors and Garve History Tuition

Personal Description:
I have tutored a variety of GCSE, A-level, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students, as well as young adult and adult learners for over 30 years.
I HAVE A LONG-ESTABLISHED PROVEN TRACK-RECORD OF DELIVERING SUCCESS FOR MY TUTEES!
MY KEYNOTE RESULTS ARE:
1. my tutee L.W.(Egham):
~ Sat AQA Hist A2 Unit 3 Opt.B (HIS3B) The Triumph of Elizabeth 1547-1603 in June 2013: RESULT 88%. A*

2. my tutee T.S. (Guildford):
~ Resat AQA Hist AS 1041 Unit 1 Opt.A (HIS1A) Crusading Movement & the Latin East, 1095-1204 Jan 2012: RESULT 86%. A (Original Mark June 2011 = 68% B)
~ Sat AQA Government & Politics GOVP2 Unit 2 "Governing Modern Britain" in Jan 2012: RESULT 88%. A*

3. my tutee M.Y. (Horsell):
~ Resat Edexel AS Unit 2 (6H102A) Brit Depth Stud; Opt.A1 - "Henry VIII; Authority Nation & Religion 1509-1540" in Jan 2012: Result 90% A* [original mark 68%]

4. My tutee A.C. (Knaphill):
~ Resat Edexcel AS Unit 2 Opt A (6H102A) "Henry VIII; Authority Nation & Religion 1509-1540" in Jul 2011: Result A* (90%) [original mark June 2010 = 69%].
~ Sat A2 Unit 3 Opt A JUL 2011: Result A* (100%). ~ OVERALL A-LEVEL RESULT: A* [351/400]

~ I am a well-established academic historian and have published many books and articles.
~ I am a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and have been a member of Council of the Society of Army Historical Research.
~ During 2004-2008 I was chariman of the Prestigious Templer Medal Historical literary prize selection Committee. ~ Over the past 20 years I have had a wide variety of tutoring, teaching and lecturing posts in the field of history and military history.

~ My tutorial style is enthusiastic and engaging, and is tailored to the individual needs of the student.
~ I can use my expertise to enhance a tutee's essay writing and exam technique, their analytical and writing skills, and their coursework, to maximise the impact of their answer's on the examiner.

~ I have a valid CRB and MOD Security Clearance.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching Assistant, History, King's College University of London (1992-94)
Assistant Lecturer, History, King's College University of London (1995-96)
Associate Lecturer, Dept of European and International Studies (1995-96)
Senior Lecturer, Ministry of Defence (1996-present)
Tutor in History/Politics for Home Tutors, London (1990-1997)
Tutor in History for Premier Student Conferences (2004-2005)
Tutor in History/Politics for UK Tutors, First Tutors GCSE, AS/A2, Undergarduate (2008-present)
Tutor in History (Independent) at GCSE, AS/A2, Undergraduate, Graduate & Doctoral Level (1991-present)
Tutor/Lecturer in History, various American University Summer Schools (2001-2009)
Visiting Lecturer in History, The University of Birmingham (School of Continuing Adult Studies)
External Examiner, University of Wolverhampton (2004-2008)
External Examiner, University of Birmingham (2009-)
Examiner for Edexcel (2005)
Student seminars in History:
The University of Wolverhampton; The University of Salford; The Universty of Birmingham
I am a Parent Governor at the local primary school (2009-)

Tutoring Approach:
I will hone your essay writing/question answering skills so that your responses have the maximum impact on the examiner.
I will respond to the student's individual needs.
You will get a carefully structured approach that suits your abilities and individual objectives.
I aim to make learning fun.
You will get considered feedback to help you develop your skills.
I will, if required, develop your essay writing skills so that you obtain better marks with whatever subject-matter knowledge you possess.
I will, if required, develop your analytical skills.
I will, if required, develop your background knowledge and subject-matter understanding.
I wil, if required, assist with revision programmes.
I am flexible with regard to frequency, timing, duration and scope of individual sessions.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a History and French undergraduate at the University of Oxford, and have just finished my first year. I am a enthusiastic person with a variety of interests, including piano and football. I am also a trained Peer Supporter (30 hours of training) so am easy-going and warm, and particularly good at working through any concerns that tutees may have.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored in piano, and have also worked at a holiday camp with children, and at an after-school club.

Tutoring Approach:
First of all, I would want the tutees to prepare a few grammar exercises for languages, which we could go through in the tutorial. Then, I prefer to make up flash cards with either facts (for essay based subjects) or vocabulary for languages. I also find past papers very useful for those with exams, and would like to encourage further reading, watching foreign television, and playing word games, which would improve their overall proficiency in the subject.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Very personable and hardworking.My teaching style can be the catered to the needs of each specific individual learner.
I also try to use humour to balance out the serious side of teaching, in order to develop a strong working relationship with the person(s) I am helping.
Teaching styles can and will include a variety of techniques, depending on the topic area at that time. I am comfortable working wth learners of all ages, and have worked with those from primary through to Adult learners.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught film and media at Knowsley community college for 13 years, and also taught communication studies in my final year at the colllege. Though it was mainly A level, I have also taught Btec units, and can teach gcse film and media studies, too. I have written one film book, and been published extensively with other journal articles for film and media topics - e.g. "Media Magazine" (English and Media centre) and "Splice" (Auteur publishing) film journal.

I have also more recently taught media at two pupIL referral units on merseyside, working with learners who are no longer suitable for mainstream education. Since 2015, I have been an examiner for A.S. film studies since 2015.
Since 2016, I have been a tutor in English, including working on on one with primary pupils (e.g. SATS exam prep, literacy and numeracy work) and also pupils studying foundation English/GCSE/igcse courses etc.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is to fulfill the potential academic ability of each student I work with, regardless of their starting point.
Though my approach is obviously a serious one, I can also ensure a light hearted tone when the time is right during any lesson, also. My significant teaching experience means I have applied a range of techniques, and methods of differentiation to get the best out of the learner.Clearly one to one teaching requires a different approach to that of one used when teaching over 20 plus learners.
My aim is to link the teaching the learning to the work the student is currently doing on their academic course, to ensure the the best outcomes for the learner, and build on the progress already being made. I always start by making contact with the teacher/tutor where relevant, and use this as a starting point before beginning my own tuition.

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:
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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a full-time, professional private tutor with years of experience, and have an immensely successful record with my tutees. I am a former Teaching Fellow at King's College London, with degrees from the universities of London, Jerusalem and Cambridge. Author of 'Israel and the Cold War' (I.B.Tauris, 2013), I review for the Royal Institute of International Affairs and write for several academic journals and newspapers. I was the first recipient of the Mikardo scholarship awarded by the British Foreign Office, and, whilst at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was awarded a Golda Meir Fellowship. Whilst at Cambridge, I won a Donner prize in Atlantic Studies for an essay on the role of the United States in the Falklands' War. In addition to the subjects listed below, I tutor in International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies, and am happy to consider all enquiries within my general areas of interest, and experience. I am also available for dissertation consultation, proofreading, and help in exam and essay writing. As of 2018, my students have won places to, inter alia, Oxford, LSE, UCL, KCL, Birmingham, York, Sheffield, Nottingham and Sussex. I offer both online tuition and tuition in person at a mutually acceptable venue. For peace of mind, I have an enhanced DBS check, and am subscribed to the annual update service.

Teaching Experience:
A former Teaching Fellow at King's College London, and Doctor of Philosophy, I have taught MA courses on the Arab-Israeli conflict, US and British Foreign Policy, War and Peace in the Middle East, and Inter-Faith Relations. A fluent Hebrew speaker, I was Peer Tutor in Hebrew at University College London, where I was awarded the departmental prize for excellence in the Hebrew language. In addition to one-to-one and online tuition throughout the academic year, I also offer intensive tuition during school and university holidays, which both tutees and parents find particularly useful for preparation, consolidation of knowledge and, if need be, to get a tutee back on track.

Tutoring Approach:
Patient, understanding, relaxed, interactive, theme-based, and multi-disciplinary. Use of past papers, both Edexcel and AQA new and old specifications, analysis, evaluation, deconstruction of exam and essay questions, concepts, and requirements. Development of essay and exam structure. I pay particular attention to a student's self-confidence and self-expression, which often serve as catalysts for enhanced self-belief and, hence, success.

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Personal Description:
I'm a secondary school humanities teacher from Australia. I am very passionate about making learning enjoyable and fun, engaging students in new experiences and supporting inquiry learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience across a variety of education settings, from home schooling to secondary schools. I have successfully supported students with physical, psychological and learning disabilities. I have taught in countries where English is the second language and developed a greater understanding of verbal and non verbal cues.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in supporting inquiry, building knowledge upon what a student already knows and facilitating students in building knowledge links with new information.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have an excellent ability to analyse pupil's needs in a preliminary session as well as in the ensuing teaching which enables me to create a teaching plan to support any weaknesses or extension that may be required. I can do this quickly and capably.
I have a range of teaching styles and skills that I can use to differentiate between the needs of the different key stages and to engage with pupils according to their personality. Where appropriate, I like to use practical materials to reinforce concepts if necessary.
I can extend pupils beyond the average expectation to higher, or I can support through concepts that need understanding in order to attain average expectation.
I am extremely organised and efficient. On the other hand, I can be flexible and fluid, depending what style might be needed for the individual pupil.
I have a huge bank of tried and tested resources both in my head, on computer and on paper. I am always keen to find new ways of supporting pupils, tailored to their favourite topics and hobbies where possible.
I am a good listener so that I can understand the concerns and important issues of parents/carers and the pupil themselves.
At the same time, I am confident in being able to talk to families about their needs and issues.
I am studying on an extended creative writing course with the National Centre for Writing affiliated to the UEA.
I have two adult children and 7 grandchildren whose ages range from aged 3 to aged 12. I am often called on to help their understanding of English and maths concepts or to help them with their humanities projects.
I have a comfortable, spacious home where teaching can take place. Parents are always welcome to sit in on any sessions providing it doesn't affect pupil behaviour.
I have travelled within all seven continents (yes, including Antarctica!).
I love reading and all different kinds of music and dance. I love nature, particularly birds.
Most of all, I love working with children and I love teaching.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 40 years in a variety of settings ranging from areas of poverty and social deprivation to academic private schools. I have worked in large city schools with over 300 pupils and village schools with 40 pupils.
I have worked with all year groups from Reception to year 6.
I have been responsible for maths throughout the whole school and acted as deputy and head of school when needed.
I ran a British Council Comenius project where I worked with schools in Poland and Northern Spain. This involved visits, taking year 6 pupils to Warsaw and Oviedo.
Over the last 15 years, I have been working on a one-to-one scheme where I work with individuals or groups within the school setting in supporting and extending pupils' abilities. I have been successful in helping schools to attain above average scores in KS2 SATS and in building confidence for the future as well as supporting children with anger management needs.
Prior to that I worked in the Junior Department of Norwich High School for 17 years.
I have a current DBS and can provide references where needed.

Tutoring Approach:
I have covered a lot of my approach in the paragraph above "About Yourself" as I feel that my teaching and my personality and interests are pretty much entwined!

I would like to add that my approach is one of flexibility and understanding based on huge banks of experience.
I can coach to a higher than average level or support where the building blocks have been missed.
I have no problem in supporting pupils with challenging personalities and adapting my teaching style to meet their needs.
Apart from providing the necessary teaching concepts, I offer a sense of humour, dedication, acute awareness of needs and hope to provide confidence and instil a sense of exciting, extension and pleasure in learning.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Expert Tutor | Mentor | Academic Coach.

I am a professional private tutor with years of experience and a demonstrably successful record with my tutees. A former Teaching Fellow at King's College London, I have degrees from the universities of London, Jerusalem and Cambridge. Author of 'Israel and the Cold War: Diplomacy, Strategy and the Policy of the Periphery at the United Nations' (I.B.Tauris, 2013), I have reviewed for the Royal Institute of International Affairs and have written for several academic journals and newspapers. I was the first recipient of the Mikardo scholarship awarded by the British Foreign Office, and, whilst at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was awarded a Golda Meir Fellowship. Whilst at Cambridge, I won a Donner prize in Atlantic Studies for an essay on the role of the United States in the Falklands War. In addition to the subjects listed below, I tutor in International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies, and am happy to consider all enquiries within my general areas of interest and experience. I am also available for dissertation consultation, proofreading, and help in exam and essay writing. As of 2026, my students have won places to, inter alia, Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, KCL, Birmingham, York, Sheffield, Nottingham, Sussex, and Oundle. For peace of mind, I have an enhanced DBS check and am subscribed to the annual update service.

Teaching Experience:
In addition to over a decade of experience as a private tutor, as a Teaching Fellow at King's College London, I taught MA courses on the Arab-Israeli conflict, US and British Foreign Policy, War and Peace in the Middle East, and Inter-Faith Relations. A fluent Hebrew speaker, I was Peer Tutor in Hebrew at University College London, where I was awarded the departmental prize for excellence in the Hebrew language.

Tutoring Approach:
My sessions are interactive, confidence-building, and results-driven - blending academic rigour with tailored coaching to help you think critically, write clearly, and perform under pressure. In addition to tuition throughout the academic year, I offer intensive tuition during school and university holidays, which both tutees and parents find particularly useful for preparation, consolidation of knowledge and, if need be, to get a student back on track.

Services include:
Dissertation & essay consultation
Exam strategy & past paper practice
Personal goal planning

Enhanced DBS | Proven Track Record

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello, thank you for taking the time to read my profile. My name is Mairead (pronounced ma-raid, an Irish name meaning Margaret). I am a 26 year old living in Feltham, I work full time as a Disability Advisor and Autism Specialist Mentor supporting higher education students to access reasonable adjustments, provide pastoral support and advice. I also co-run workshops and events for the university I work for. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, baking, spending time with my family, going to the gym, long walks and nature trails, swimming and arts and crafts. I am also a big fan of the cinema and watching the new films out. I graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London in 2018, with a first class honours degree in Criminology and Sociology BSc. After graduation I became a support worker supporting those with mental health issues before my current role. I have recently completed a specialist mentoring qualification. I am content working full time currently, but may do a Masters or further study in future.

Please be aware for KS1 and younger tutoring my rates are £15 per session rather than per hour, to reflect that younger children may benefit from shorter sessions, but that their sessions will still need planning and admin work.

Teaching Experience:
I have created and delivered workshops for classes of up to 90 pupils from primary school aged to university level on a range of creative and academic topics. I also have experience tutoring 1-to-1 for primary school aged students who have disabilities/ special educational needs.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is thoughtful and considered, I am a disciplined teacher who will set expectations for her students, but am also fair. I enjoy utilising technology for tutoring sessions as organisational tools and will set weekly goals that will be reviewed. in our first session, I find it is important to discuss learning outcomes and to monitor progress as we go through our tutoring journey.

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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:
With a BA Hons degree in Early Childhood Studies, I've delved into various educational philosophies like Steiner, Frobel, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia. I firmly believe that each approach offers unique benefits to every child. My journey includes extensive experience in preparing children for 7+, 8+, 11+, SATs KS2 tests, and ISEB Common Entrance exams. I've successfully guided students to prestigious schools like Royal Grammar School, Queen's College, and St. Paul's Prep School. Specializing in interview prep for 11+ school entrance, I focus on core subjects for ages 3-11, including early years and primary/elementary levels. My passion lies in supporting children with dyslexia and autism, empowering them with strategies to boost confidence, overcome challenges, and realize their potential. Equipped with a TEFL certificate, I'm committed to enhancing my skills with an upcoming course in teaching young learners.

Teaching Experience:
With 3 years of experience in Sunday school, I meticulously planned weekly lessons. As a classroom assistant, I focused on aiding the lowest ability groups, and providing crucial support with classwork. Specializing in English, maths, and science for ages 5-11, I'm passionate about helping dyslexic children thrive in reading and writing. My tutoring approach revolves around understanding each child's learning style, and tailoring lessons accordingly. I love incorporating educational games, particularly for younger learners aged 5-7. Successfully preparing students for 7+, 11+, and SATs KS2 tests is a testament to my dedication.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching philosophy revolves around infusing fun into focused learning. I believe in creating an engaging and dynamic environment where students not only grasp concepts but also enjoy the process. By understanding each child's unique learning style, I tailor my lessons to ensure maximum comprehension and retention. Whether it's incorporating educational games for younger learners or employing interactive activities for older students, I strive to make every session both enriching and enjoyable. With a balance of fun and focus, I guide my students towards academic success while fostering a lifelong love for learning.

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm local to Much Wenlock and live a stonesthrow from the local bus stop and William Brookes School here in Much Wenlock.

I have a genuine desire to help those who may be struggling with their English and History and would benefit form additional 1-2-1 support.

On completing my Degree at UCS Shrewsbury in English Literature and Creative Language, I later passed a Level 3 Award in Education and Training (TQUK/RQF)

Teaching Experience:
Although I have little teaching experience I have began supporting and tutoring Key Stage 4 Students in Much Wenlock who are currently studying for GCSE English Language & Literacy.

Tutoring Approach:
• are you studying for sats or gcse/a-level english or history?
• do you require additional support outside of the classroom or because you have chosen to be homeschooled.
• are you seeking support or coaching on exam technique?
• are you perhaps neurodivergent and think it would be of help if your tutor was neurodivergent too?
• would you benefit by gaining support from a younger tutor who passed both gcse & a-level english and history, going on to achieve a ba (hons) degree in english and creative writing?

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.

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Personal Description:
I'm Sophie, a fully qualified teacher with eight years of experience across both state and independent schools - and someone who has spent the better part of two decades with a deep enthusiasm for literature, language, history, and Ancient Greece and Rome, and many years developing the craft of helping people think and learn more effectively.

I hold a BA in English from the University of Cambridge and an MA from the University of York, and I bring that depth of knowledge into every session, tailoring my approach entirely to you or your child - your pace, your goals, your ambitions.

Why choose me?
- BA in English from the University of Cambridge and MA from the University of York
- Qualified, experienced teacher with eight years across state and independent schools
- Genuinely enthusiastic about all of the above subjects (yes, even grammar and poetic metre)
- Structured sessions with clear goals - but always room for a good tangent
- Flexible scheduling to fit around school and other commitments
- Sessions available in person or online

Teaching Experience:
- 8 years working in primary and secondary, state and independent schools; qualified as a teacher in 2020
- Taught KS2 English, French, Latin, History and Verbal Reasoning; KS3 English, Drama, French; KS4 English; KS5 English, Media
- BA in English (including French), MA in Medieval Studies (including French and Latin), A-levels in English literature (A*), Film Studies (A*), Classical Civilisation (A), AS-levels in French (A) and History (A)

Tutoring Approach:
Objective-oriented lessons that can be taught from a pre-planned curriculum or decided on a lesson-by-lesson basis. Just been told you have a surprise Macbeth mock in two weeks? Well, that can be what our next session is on!

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic and supportive tutor who is passionate about helping students reach their full potential. I strive to create a positive and relaxed learning environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and asking questions. I am patient, understanding, and committed to making lessons engaging and accessible, regardless of a student's starting point. Seeing students gain confidence and achieve their goals is what motivates me the most. As a young tutor with 2 years tutoring experience, I aim to build strong relationships with my tutees and provide the encouragement and guidance they need to succeed. As someone who sat their GCSE exams over 3 years ago, and A-Level exams over a year ago, I have a good understanding of the exam boards and the techniques students need to demonstrate in the exam to get the top grades. Having been through the process myself recently, I know how crucial it is to not only understand the content, but to apply this content to exam questions. Through targeted practice and frequent feedback, I can help students avoid common mistakes and develop effective exam techniques to achieve their desired grade.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience tutoring A-Level students in History, Sociology, and Philosophy & Ethics in both one-to-one and small-group sessions. The same goes for GCSE students studying History and Sociology. My role involved planning lessons tailored to individual learning needs, developing students' subject knowledge, and teaching effective exam techniques across Edexcel, AQA, and OCR exam boards. If the subject you are studying is not assessed by these exam boards, do not worry! I am a fast learner and can quickly study what examiners are looking for in exams. I regularly monitored progress, set achievable targets, and used active recall and exam-question practice to address gaps in understanding. My support has helped several students improve by two to three grades, including students progressing from C to A and B to A*. In addition, I have worked closely with teachers to develop learning resources, mark and moderate A-Level and GCSE assessments.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring sessions follow a clear structure to meet students' individual needs. Before we begin, I like to have a conversation with the student, either over messages or on a video call, to get to know them better and understand what they would like to achieve. This gives me the opportunity to identify areas where they may be falling behind, topics they find challenging, and the type of support that would benefit them most. From there, I can create lessons that are tailored to their needs and help them build their confidence in subject knowledge and exam practice.

Subjects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TESTIMONIALS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HISTORY AND POLITICS TEACHER, 2020-2023

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

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, Durham University, 2010-2020

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

Tutoring Approach:
TUTORING

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

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

PERSONAL STATEMENT ASSISTANCE

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

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

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

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