Ruardean History Tutors and Ruardean History Tuition

Personal Description:
Hello,
I have completed my PhD in Creative and Critical Writing at UEA. I also have an MA (Distinction) in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, and a First Class Honours Degree in English Literature. I also have a good Fine Art degree from Chelsea College of Art and Design. I have been a private tutor for twenty years, and have taught many children in that time.

I am currently tutoring in Wadebridge in Cornwall but can offer Skype or Zoom lessons.

I'm 49, married and am an aunt and godmother.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at undergraduate level at university as well as writing skills in an academic skills centre. I have also taught SATs to thirteen year olds. I have a PTTLs degree level 4 qualification and taught on an Access Course to adult learners.

I have taught AQA and EDEXCEL syllabuses at GCSE and AQA at A-Level.

Please note that I do not teach any Eleven-Plus or verbal reasoning syllabuses and that I prefer to teach older children (13 plus)

Tutoring Approach:
I use past exam papers, model essays, and devote time and attention to close reading of set texts at GCSE and A-Level. I have also given art lessons.

I can also provide Skype and Zoom lessons and find this has been successful with older and university level students.

I have a friendly, professional approach and find I develop a real rapport with my pupils, who find their results and confidence improving with my tutelage.

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.

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

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

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

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


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

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Personal Description:
I have a BVA in Fine Art and a Masters in Acting. I am an approachable, creative, skilled and patient tutor able to work with special needs and gifted and talented students. Based in London and Brighton

Teaching Experience:
Very experienced private tutor across Ks1 - Ks3, GCSE, A Level and exam preparation. School curriculum delivery through more creative and artistic methods in order to re-engage excluded, marginalized and special needs young people with education. Tutoring (English, Maths, Drama, Art, History to GCSE/A Level and University level), planning and assessment, report writing and liaising with local and school authorities and social workers. Extensive 7+, 11+ and Common Entrance preparation experience. Success with entry to schools such as Dulwich College, Dulwich Prep, Ibstock, Kew House, Kingston, Northbridge House, Rokeby, Broomwood Hall, Whitgift, Highgate, JAGs, Emmanuel, City of London, Francis Holland, Grey Coat and St Paul's.

Extensive on-set academic tutoring and tutoring with the revolving cast of School of Rock:The Musical.

One to one general learning and technical support, SAT preparation and extensive work with special needs children in a special school environment - SEN Carer for Brookfield House School, drama workshops and literacy support. Success with lifting National Curriculum levels.

DBS cleared. London and Brighton based.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very interested in using creative areas of interest for young people as a way into learning and delivering curriculum requirements. I am strongly goal focused and motivating; using realistic, mutually agreed benchmarks and reward to move forward and achieve positive results.

Subjects

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I'm an English teacher who also loves to learn. For fun I like to dress up as a Tudor and take part in Living History events. I also very much like to take my slightly dopey dog to the beach where I regularly need to prevent her swimming to France!

Teaching Experience:
My first experience of teaching was through home-educating my daughter from when she was 6 through to GSCE-level. I then went on to do a PGCE in Lifelong Learning (post-16 education) during which time I taught a range of business and tourism modules. Since completing my PGCE I have completed short-term contracts teaching English as a Foreign Language. Presently, I work part-time as an enabler for physically and/ or mentally disabled students in higher education and part-time as a private tutor.I have experience tutoring adult learners, home-educated students (i.e. delivery of full syllabus) and students who are at school but need additional subject help, for example with exam preparation. I currently teach English as a foreign language at a school in Cardiff.

Tutoring Approach:
I understand how important it is to have a supportive and patient teacher who is willing to answer any question any number of times until the student 'gets it' and that's what I am always prepared to do. I think learning should be fun and relevant to our lives and endeavour to carry this over into lessons. The exact approach would always depend on the needs and wishes of the student.

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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.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced sociology tutor and proofreader having taught in the sociology department at the University of Warwick for four years and also for a short while in the School of Languages and Social Sciences at the University of Aston. (I can also tutor at this level in modern history, politics and international relations). I have BA in sociology and politics from Oxford Brookes University and an MSc in social science research methods from Sussex. I completed my doctorate at the University of Warwick. In addition to my university work, I have tutored for a private agency (where I held an advanced CRB certificate) at A-level in sociology, politics and modern history. My last DBS was held from 2023 to 2024. I have a good record of helping A-level students to achieve the grades they require for a place in higher education and I have continued this success whilst tutoring independently. I live in Marlborough, Wiltshire.

At A-level I am happy to help with essay writing and subject research and prep for exams. Please contact me early in your studies though (early in the academic year, as early intervention has greater rewards...).For undergraduates, I can offer advice on essay and dissertation construction and also on writing style and format. Additionally, I can help to formulate ideas for research projects and can proof read long or short drafts.

I charge £50 per week for ongoing students - A-level or undergraduate - one-off jobs are charged according to the complexity of work - I do not charge hourly. I take payment in advance.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored at A-level and taught at undergraduate level for 7 years. I also worked as a sessional lecturer at Aston University for a year.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is simple: I help to give students the skills and knowledge they require to achieve their goals in education.

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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 self-confessed geek; I love reading and learning about new ideas. I love teaching as I get to pass on my passion for learning to my students.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked with young and vulnerable adults since 2009 and have watched students flourish with the right help and reassurance. I have a range of experience in delivering private tuition from level two to degree level. I teach in the State Sector which I greatly enjoy as it allows me to share my passion learning with my students. Previous to my career as a teacher, I worked as a Study Facilitator at the University of Lincoln helping students adapt to the demands of academic life. I have an excellent track record of helping students to meet and exceed their target grades.

Tutoring Approach:
My philosophy towards teaching and learning is that everyone should be given the individual encouragement and support they require to reach their full potential. This is based on experiences I have had both as a student and a tutor. I understand that each learner is unique and I tailor my tutoring style to meet each individual learners needs. I have high expectations of my learners and they make strong progress in their studies and achieve excellent results.

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Personal Description:
I have over 15 years teaching experience, the majority of my work has been at secondary level, where my specialisms are Drama, English, English Literature, Film studies and History. However, I also have extensive experience in primary education where I have taught across the breadth of the curriculum.

My preoccupation with academia was nurtured at a competitive Grammar School, RGS Worcester, a top school with high expectations. I went on to acquire a first class degree. I remain now, as I have always been, a high achiever.

I also work in the creative arts, as actor, tutor and director, inspired by performance art in all its forms. My current artistic interests include revising classics, puppetry, theatre in non-traditional spaces, and working as a freelance drama consultant to help smaller scale theatre companies realise their artistic aims and consolidate their working practices.

Recreationally I enjoy martial arts, exercise and the outdoors. As an avid reader I am particularly drawn to epic literature and sprawling worlds, beguiling first person narratives, comparative religious and spiritual studies, psychology, philosophy and history.

Teaching Experience:
Secondary Level Education:
- I worked for 6 years as a secondary school teacher, delivering Drama and English lessons, including GCSE and 'A' level, from year 7- year 13.
-I devised and delivered a formal curriculum to teach Year 9 Drama (in line with Key Stage Guidelines).
-Extensive experience in coursework, marking, moderation and exam preparation.
-On 2 separate occasions, following Ofsted observations, I was given an 'Outstanding' classification (the highest classification).
-Quantitative end of term reports always placed my classes amongst the highest in terms of achievement and student retention.

'A' level Education:
-I taught for 6 years at 2 different Further Education Colleges. I taught English Literature, Drama and Film Studies 'A' level.
-Students were offered extra-curricular tutorials to help them achieve their desired results according to their own set of educational needs.
-I emboldened students for university entrance with interview techniques, UCAS procedures and university level preparation.
-The coursework I devised with students for their final A2 Drama and Theatre Studies was picked up as an exemplar of excellent practice, and is still used to this day by Edexcel examination board.

Primary:
-I devised a range of workshops, and delivered these to selected primary schools. These workshops raised literacy levels, written and oral communication. They were delivered to year 4, year 5 and year 6 students.
-My work with Redditch Borough Council as Literacy and Outreach Officer earned me an 'Outstanding personal Achievement Award'.

Adult Education:
-I've worked with young people trying to get back into education following exclusion, this involved working with charities like CentrePoint.
-I often work with adult learners re-taking their GCSE English.
-Postgraduate students have sought my help in the past, particularly International Students looking to improve the precision of their essays.

University Level:
-Delivering Theatre and Drama lectures, seminars and workshops to students at university level, including The University of Birmingham, University of Worcester, University of Bristol, and University of Warwick.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring involves the mutual balance of 2 equally important intentions: a sensitive awareness of what a student needs and establishing a conducive rapport.

I have a flexible communication style, informed by exposure to hosts of different students, I am adaptable and responsive, a necessity built on the recognition that effective learning can only happen when tutor and student understand each other, and are mutually inspired.

At first, my focus with a new student is to provide gentle provocations on different aspects of the subject matter- a process which allows me to see where their strengths and weaknesses lie, also allowing the student to start seeing the subject matter from varying perspectives, and to extend their range of problem-solving and communication strategies.

My approach always depends on the specific needs of the student, most commonly students ask for:
-Information building and comprehension
-Essay writing technique
-Filling in historical/ social/ political or cultural context to areas of study (particularly at 'A' level)
-Response to examination questions
-Improving literacy level, reading and comprehension, grammar (particularly at primary level)
-Extending and developing powers of expression

You will find me a generous tutor, I am not a clock watcher, it does not matter, for instance, if a class runs over. I will work hard for you between lessons, marking, researching, and developing new lessons and academic exercises. My tutoring style is tempered by profound understanding and experience of examination board and national curriculum requirements. Moreover, my many years working as an educator entailed the need to develop a flexible range of teaching strategies correspondent to the varying learning preferences of my students.

Some recent feedback:
'I wish you had been my tutor before, I feel a lot more confident'
(Chitra, GCSE English, Adult Learner)
'Great attitude and rapport with my son very engaging'
(Sarah, mother of 'A' level; Film and Studies student)
'We are delighted to have Chris helping my daughter and her friend with the written exam In the last few weeks of their Drama and Theatre `A ` level. Inspiring, flexible, fun -knowledgeable about the plays, their history and context- he is a fantastic tutor.'
(Felicity, mother of 'A' level Drama and Theatre Studies student)

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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/

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Personal Description:
I have a First Class law degree from the University of Oxford and have almost 10 years of tutoring experience. At university, I was the Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious Oxford University Undergraduate Law Journal. During my time at Oxford, I also published an article in the journal which was awarded the 'Best Private Law' prize, as adjudicated by the former President of the Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger. I also regularly won prizes for my academic work. Alongside my academics, I also mentored several students with various access schemes and assisted with outreach programmes.

I have been tutoring law to undergraduates from diverse law schools for the past three years. We have covered core subjects such as Tort, Land and EU law in the run up to exams. In addition, I have marked past papers, created notes and tweaked exam technique to give students the best chance. I developed my tutoring skills by teaching a range of disciplines, from Maths to English, with the UK access scheme `Into University`. I have also supported students with their Oxbridge applications. This has consisted of fine tuning their personal statements, holding mock interviews and discussing important debates in order to foster a deeper understanding of the discipline of law.

Teaching Experience:
As Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious Oxford University Undergraduate Law Journal, I spent a lot of time reviewing academic work and collaboratively fine tuning scripts to publish in the journal. In addition, I launched a blog which published more accessible legal articles. I have therefore had the privilege of working with an even wider pool of students then perhaps I would have done had I only worked with authors of journal submissions.

With regards to tutoring undergraduates, I have covered Contract, Public/Administrative, Jurisprudence, Medical, Land, Tort, EU and Trusts and am comfortable teaching any core subject. I can also assist students in writing their dissertation and essays.

I have also helped numerous students with their Oxbridge Applications as a tutor for 'Oxbridge Applications'. My work has consisted of holding mock interviews, reviewing personal statements and setting exercises which provide a good insight into how best to tackle the LNAT. I am also currently a mentor for Brightstart, which supports students going into their A-Levels and with the university and subject choices.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a very hands on approach by closely following the relevant curriculum and asking students to submit answers to past paper questions. I regularly mark answers, and have provided sample answers so that students have a better idea of the level of detail required to get a First Class mark.

Students have thanked me for my 'understanding teaching skills', and I have only ever been awarded 5 stars from former students.

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:
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.

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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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a History Graduate and freelance researcher, having worked as a Surveyor in the research industry for over ten years, and have a long-established interest in History and analysing World Affairs, factoring in the economic and political dynamics of what is unfolding and then in presenting my findings through discussion and writing. So, it was largely due to my ongoing fascination with History and World Affairs that I decided to launch 'World' and build an online community open to the public. However, my first and greatest passion has always been History which I love researching, discussing, writing about, and sharing with others.

Teaching Experience:
Testimonial from one of my students;

"Oliver has effectively explained the content of my course in an approachable manner. He is extremely passionate about History and has made the content of the course more interesting while also not losing the facts of what is being taught. I would recommend Oliver as a tutor!"

Tutoring Approach:
I teach the subject across a variety of periods and can help you acquire or fine tune your academic skills if you need me to. But before all that I will have a free consultation with you to understand your goals and objectives and which period and area of history you're looking to study or need help with, so that I can make sure I am the right fit for you and plan the lessons to best suit your needs and then deliver them at the pace and style most suited to you needs.

So I want to inspire you with my passion for the subject through structured lessons, which will enable you to explore the subject matter and develop your own unique understanding and thrive both in the subject itself and in applying it to your own understanding of what previous trends, eras, and related events have to teach us about our world. All relevant facets of history, such as economic, political, and military can be included in this, allowing you to uncover what many conventional economic and political experts often fail to do, which is to correctly identify the overarching and long-term historical cycles and trends that usually persist, often outside the experience and professional living memory of contemporary political and economic analysis.

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Personal Description:
Dr John-Henry, FRHistS, FSA, FRSA

Former Assoc. Prof. at Durham | Experienced teacher | Published novelist

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

• Former Associate Professor at Durham University
• Former Teacher at a top London independent school ("Excellent" rated)
• Fellow of the Royal Historical Society
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
• Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries
• Honorary Research Fellow at Durham University
• Published novelist of historical fiction
• Archaeologist and active academic researcher

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

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

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

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

TESTIMONIALS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HISTORY AND POLITICS TEACHER, 2020-2023

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

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, Durham University, 2010-2020

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

Tutoring Approach:
TUTORING

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

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

PERSONAL STATEMENT ASSISTANCE

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

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

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

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