Musselburgh History Tutors and Musselburgh History Tuition

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.

Subjects

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:
Hello, I am a well qualified, BA, MPhil, PGCE teacher who is looking to branch out into more private tutoring work. I have privately tutored for many years and have experience since 1996. I have taught at all key stages and enjoy my work thoroughly. Last year (2019) my A level tutees all raised their grades by at least one and have gone off to uni. Proud to add that one in particular achieved an A* in Geography A level. and another A* in history and is now at Exeter. At GCSE my student achieved the first 9 which is excellent.
Please note that my rates are based on one to one tuition. Should you wish me to tutor groups of two or more either at home or in school I am happy to do so but rates will need to be discussed prior to my commencing work.
I now have experience of working on the E Bacc and depth studies.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught to A level in History for adult ed from 1998-2006
I have taught Geography to GCSE-level and A level
History in school at KS 3 and 4 AS and A level
I have helped undergraduates and post graduates in archaeology, history and teaching skills.
I can also teach basic geology and archaeology and classical studies.
Classical Civilisation to A level

Tutoring Approach:
I am always keen to engage students in whatever subject they are studying. I believe in being supportive and constructive in all that I teach. I am currently working on a one-to-one project with a student with special needs.
An excellent set of results (2015) all my 10 students passed, all raised their grade levels by at least one letter. All those off to uni are about to go so I wish them all well. Three others have a year or two left at school and have asked me to tutor them over the required time span.

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Personal Description:
I am a well qualified and experienced Primary School and EFL teacher. I have a wide range of experience in teaching students from the age of 5 through to adults. I graduated from Warwick University with a degree in Ancient History and Archaeology followed by a Primary School PGCE from the University of Roehampton and a Masters in Education from the University of Bath.

I am able to build strong relationships with my tutees in order to raise their confidence and attainment levels. I ensure that my lessons are interactive, enjoyable and meaningful to allow students to reach their potential whilst having fun.

I am able to hold tutoring sessions in my classroom in Farnborough or online via Zoom.

I love to travel and have relished the great opportunities of teaching in Spain, Thailand and the Czech Republic. I also enjoy adventures with my three young sons, cycling, camping, swimming, music, drawing and reading.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as a Primary School teacher (state and independent) for over 20 years in the UK and at International Schools abroad. I have also had the pleasure of tutoring a variety of students and helping them to achieve excellent results in SATs tests, entrance exams and 11+ or providing them with that bit of extra help and confidence needed to succeed in the classroom. In addition I have worked with students from across the globe, helping them to improve their English language and communication skills.

Tutoring Approach:
Each student is different, not only in terms of their needs but also in terms of their learning style. I believe it is necessary to set up a clear learning programme to establish goals and targets that can be ticked off and celebrated to ensure that both confidence and attainment are improved. I am patient and supportive and try to include fun activities in each session to ensure that students enjoy their learning and strive to achieve their best. Through assessing each student's starting point and the progress they make I am able to adapt learning programmes and set appropriate challenges depending on the needs of the individual.

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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.

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Personal Description:
I'm a former humanitarian worker with a keen interest in philosophy, politics, feminism, and political economy.

I love teaching 1-on-1 and take a holistic approach to helping students. That means that I can help you with both the technical academic things you are struggling with such as planning a research project, writing an essay or dissertation, or public speaking, as well as mental blocks like self-confidence, procrastination, anxiety, and mental health. Using a holistic approach means that we can discover the root cause of whatever is holding you back from being able to excel, develop strategies to overcome these obstacles, and help you become more a confident and independent student.

I have just completed my PhD thesis as part of a fully-funded doctoral candidate in Political Philosophy, during which time I was supervised in equal parts by FINO (The Northwestern Italian Philosophy Consortium, University of Turin) and the University of Vienna.

Teaching experience:

* In 2024 I was a Visiting Lecturer in Contemporary Political Philosophy, teaching first- and second-year BA philosophy students at the University of Hertfordshire.

* In 2022-23 I taught first- and second year BA students in the Government Department at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The course I teach is an Introduction to Political Theory (from Plato to Fanon).

* I have also given lectures to Master's students in Philosophy of Technology on algorithmic pricing.


My doctoral research project is a Normative Analysis of the Political Economy of Algorithmic Pricing.

Postgraduate studies:
PhD, Political Philosophy, 2020-2024

MSc, Merit in Political Theory from the London School of Economics and Political Science (2015).
Dissertation on the moral dilemmas related to Artificial Intelligence; received a Distinction.

Undergraduate studies:
BA(Hons), 2:1 in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic from Cambridge University (2010). Included modules in history, politics, anthropology, literature, and religious studies, as well as Arabic language.
I speak the Levantine dialect (Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian, Jordanian) as well as the Iraqi dialect, and have lived and worked in Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored undergraduate and Master's-level students who need help writing essays or dissertations in the following humanities subjects:

Anthropology
Political theory, Feminist theory
Political science
Political economy, History
International Relations, Conflict studies, Humanitarian studies
Sociology, Gender studies

Tutoring Approach:
I provide detailed editing to help you improve both your written style and content. I cover everything from grammar and citations to structure, methodology, and line of argument. I give you resources to continue improving your academic writing even after we finish working together. These will equip you to continue working on things we will cover, such as stylistic conventions both in academic English generally as well as those specific to different social science disciplines. I also coach you in how to plan your research, how to structure a paper, building a line of argument, effective use of primary and secondary sources, and how to write an engaging and compelling paper.

I start by writing detailed comments in Track Changes, then talk you through the issues so that you can not only improve your paper or dissertation, but also learn how to write in a clear, confident, and persuasive style. Ideally, if there's enough time before the deadline, I go over another draft once you've addressed the comments. This back-and-forth ensures the very best final product in your authentic voice, and that the process has been a valuable learning experience for you.

I will also give you the opportunity to discuss personal hang-ups that might be impeding your ability to work well. I am not a therapist, but I can discuss personal issues affecting your studies, and direct you to helpful resources to address underlying issues like anxiety, procrastination.

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Personal Description:
Having successfully completed a PhD in History in 2011 following a BA in History (2005) and MA in Medieval History (2006), I have recently authored a book on Cultural Trends in Medieval Poetry, set to be published by E.J. Brill in 2016. I have tutored English for many years, specialising in language analysis and literary interpretation. My work has involved assisting with Controlled Assessments, prose and poetry analysis and exam preparation.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored students preparing for SATs, GCSEs and A-Levels, and have taught all major texts at GCSE and A-Level including poetry anthologies. I have also taught at Royal Holloway, University of London, where I recently completed a post-doctorate tenure in Politics and International Relations (2012-2015). I am currently an Honorary Research Associate at the University. I have further tutored, most recently, child genius Jasamrit, Slough.

Tutoring Approach:
I have learnt that what many students often find difficult is language analysis in their prose and poetry texts. It is also what usually deprives them of the higher marks. My tutoring is tailored to ensure that students gain a thorough understanding of texts, and are able to effectively interpret and comment on them. I prepare students for outstanding pieces of controlled assessment work and also help with general English work and exam practice.

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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.

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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.

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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:
As a tutor proficient in Greek, Maths, Latin, History, and Geography, my approach is tailored to foster a deep understanding and appreciation of each subject. I emphasise a balanced methodology, combining traditional techniques with modern educational tools. For languages like Greek and Latin, I focus on immersive learning through reading, translation, and conversation, enhancing linguistic and cultural comprehension. In Maths, I prioritise conceptual clarity and problem-solving skills, ensuring students grasp fundamental principles before progressing to complex topics. History and Geography lessons are interactive and analytical, encouraging students to explore historical events and geographical phenomena through discussions, maps and multimedia resources. My tutoring style is adaptive, student-centered, and aimed at cultivating critical thinking, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning.

Teaching Experience:
With five years of experience in teaching History, Geography, Latin, Maths and Greek, my educational approach is both comprehensive and dynamic, designated to cater to diverse learning styles. I integrate a variety of teaching methods, from traditional lectures to interactive activities, to engage students and foster a deeper understanding of each subject. in History and Geography, I encourage critical analysis and contextual thinking, using maps, primary sources, and multimedia to bring the past and the world to life. For Latin and Greek, I emphasise immersive language practice, including reading classical texts and conversational exercises, to build linguistic proficiency and cultural insight. In Maths, I focus on developing strong foundational skills through problem-solving and logical reasoning, esnuring students are well-prepared for advanced concepts. My goal is to create an inclusive and stimulating learning environment where students are motivated to explore, question, and connect the dots across disciplines.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is centered around creating a personalised and engaging learning experience for each student. I believe in understanding the unique needs, strengths, and challenges of my students, which allows me to tailor my teaching methods accordingly. I use a variety of instructional strategies, including hands-on activities, real-word applications, and multimedia resources, to make learning both relevant and enjoyable. By fostering a supportive and interactive environment , I encourage students to ask questions, think critically, and develop a deeper understanding of the material. My goal is not only to help students excel academically but also to instill a lifelong love for learning and curiosity about the world around them.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Billy!

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

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

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

I obtained a CELTA qualification from IH London.

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

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Personal Description:
I am a passionate and dedicated professional. I have taught in Secondary and A Level teaching for over 10 years. I am based in Worthing, West Sussex, and happy to come to you if within a close distance. However, I am eager to support engaged and aspiring students from anywhere thanks to online tutoring. I have a young family just starting their educational journey, whilst I support the oldest ones edging towards the end of theirs!
I love walking, water sports, reading and politics. I am a big fan of educational science and research!

I AM AVAILABLE TO BEGIN TUTORING FROM JANUARY 2023, AND CAN CONTINUE THROUGH HOLIDAYS AS YOU NEED. I HAVE LIMITED SPACES, SO PLEASE BOOK UP QUICK! SMALL GROUP/SIBLING SESSIONS CAN BE DISCUSSED.

Teaching Experience:
I am a highly successful GCSE and A Level teacher of over 10 years. As well as QTS status, I am a T&L specialist with additional qualifications of Cteach and Advanced Teacher Status, as well as qualified and highly successful SENDCo. I am a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. I lead in inclusion and diversity - supporting schools to break the barriers of inequality. Previously I have been Head of Departments for History and Social Sciences before moving further in my career. I have a passion for engaging and challenging T&L, and focus on nurturing skills as well as context and narrative. I can adapt my teaching to suit any age range or ability and have great success in top grade outcomes (A Level A/A*, and GCSE 7+) as well as supporting children achieve their aspirations.

In short, as a tutor I offer you:

- EXPERIENCED teacher of over 12 years
- EXPERIENCED HoD: Psychology and Sociology for 7 years - ALPS 1/2 outcome
- EXPERIENCED History A Level teacher contributing toward History Alps 2
- excellent GCSE outcomes consistently
- essay writing specialist - can offer live marking, feedback, support and extended writing
- experienced EPQ mentor and marker
- University referee
- FULL enhanced DBS (dated Oct 2022) available on request

WHAT I OFFER AS A TUTOR:
- AQA PSYCHOLOGY AS/A LEVEL: specialist tutoring for Paper 1 and 3 AQA board

- AQA SOCIOLOGY AS/A LEVEL: specialist tutoring for paper 1 and 3, able to support paper 2 Family, Media AQA board

- EDEXCEL HISTORY AS/A LEVEL: specialist tutoring for: Italian Fascism, 20th Century America, able to support South Africa, Weimar/Nazi Germany, Suffragettes - Edexcel/Pearson exam board

- EDEXCEL HISTORY GCSE: specialist tutoring for Weimar and Nazi Germany, Crime and Punishment (inc. Whitechapel environment), Cold War, Elizabeth 1558-1588. Abilty to support countless other courses inc. American Civil Rights, American West. Edexcel/Pearson exam board

ONLINE LESSONS MAINLY, HOWEVER WITHIN THE WORTHING AREA I CAN COME TO YOU.
INTERACTIVE, BESPOKE LESSONS TO CHALLENGE AND SUPPORT PROGRESS REGARDLESS OF THE MODE OF DELIVERY!

Tutoring Approach:
I am an inclusive practitioner who prioritises T&L innovation, inclusion and engagement in the classroom. All my lessons are bespoke; created and resourced to the highest level.

I offer live feedback, feeding forward to ensure students can apply the feedback to future tasks, as well as imroving upon work done.

I use a wide range of resources and approaches to build up a trusted and effective student/teacher relationship.

I will ensure my guidance supports existing learning, as well as nurturing student confidence and resilience. I am able to deliver set lessons or schemes, as well as support in a more ad hoc way as the student needs change over time ie revsion for exams, hwk support etc.

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Personal Description:
I'm a French student living in Edinburgh. I just graduated 2 licences, one in Film Studies and on in English literature. I also just finished 3 years of prep school. During those years, I was prepared to go into the highest French literature school. I specialised my studies into cinema during those 3 years. Therefore, I can teach everything related to art, literature and subjects that are close to it.

I'm really kind and like to know the people I'm teaching to. I like sports (Handball mostly), music (did 10 years of music school), reading and going to movies.

Teaching Experience:
I already teach music to younger students in my music school (4 years).
I used to tutor students thanks to a tutoring program in my prep school. (3 years)
I coached younger players during my latest handball years. (2 years)

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring depends on the age of the student. For example, for my youngest students, I like to play games to make them learn.
I don't mind repeating myself and know how to explain things in different ways.
My approach is to make increase skills by yourself by unlocking or deblocking things you thought you didn't understand.
I also give advices on how to review your course and learn your lesson. I'm great at giving advises for essays as I had to wrote one every week during 6h, during my prep school.
For every language's subject, I favour speaking and listening to oral comprehension in order to increase your skills.

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Personal Description:
Retired Chartered Accountant. Experienced teacher.

Teaching Experience:
Taught Accounting at Wayne State University, Detroit Michigan

Private tutor to university and chartered accountancy students in England.

Tutoring Approach:
I first assess the level of understanding of the students. Then teach them at their pace.

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced English and History tutor specialising in 11+ and 13+ entrance preparation, GCSE and A-level tuition, and independent-school admissions.

I have delivered more than 6,500 hours of one-to-one tuition and have over 16 years' tutoring experience. My academic background includes a BA in History and an MA in Cultural History, and I have also taught undergraduate seminars. I have extensive experience in assessment and examining, including work as a Senior Examiner for the British Council.

I particularly enjoy working with students who need to develop confidence, independence and intellectual curiosity, as well as ambitious students who need to be stretched beyond the standard curriculum. My aim is not simply to improve a student's next grade or entrance-exam result, but to make them a stronger reader, writer and thinker.

Teaching Experience:
I specialise in English and History from upper primary through to A-level, with particular expertise in 11+ and 13+ school admissions, GCSE English Language and Literature, GCSE History, and A-level English Literature and History.

I have prepared students for admission to leading independent schools including Winchester College, Hampton, Abingdon and St Mary's Ascot, as well as a wide range of other selective schools. My admissions teaching includes English entrance examinations, ISEB and other pre-tests, interview preparation and the broader academic skills students need to thrive after gaining a place.

At GCSE and A-level, I combine detailed subject knowledge with extensive assessment experience. I teach students how to analyse texts and sources precisely, construct convincing arguments, plan effectively and write with clarity and sophistication. I am familiar with the requirements of the major examination boards and adapt lessons closely to each student's course and objectives.

I have taught students with a very wide range of abilities and personalities, from those who have lost confidence or developed gaps in their knowledge to highly able students aiming for the highest grades and most competitive schools.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching is highly individualised. I begin by identifying what is actually preventing a student from progressing: this might be a gap in knowledge, weak analytical habits, difficulty organising ideas, lack of confidence, inefficient exam technique or simply not having been sufficiently challenged.

Lessons are active rather than lecture-based. I use questioning, discussion, modelling, targeted practice and immediate feedback to make students think for themselves. Instead of simply supplying an answer, I break difficult skills into manageable stages and gradually remove support as the student becomes more confident and independent.

In English, I place particular emphasis on close reading, vocabulary, analytical thinking and developing a controlled, engaging writing style. In History, I help students move beyond memorising information towards understanding causation, significance, change, interpretation and the construction of evidence-based arguments.

For entrance examinations and interviews, I avoid teaching students to reproduce formulaic responses. I develop the underlying comprehension, reasoning, communication and writing skills that enable them to respond confidently when faced with unfamiliar material.

Above all, I want students to understand why something works. Good tutoring should produce more than a short-term improvement in marks: students should leave with better habits of thought, greater confidence and skills they can transfer to new subjects and challenges.

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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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