Usk History Tutors and Usk History Tuition

Personal Description:
I am 40 year old Property Lawyer based in the Cheshire area. I have over fifteen years experience in private tutoring. I am fond of reading, debating, eating and discovering new things. I am quite lively, not too difficult to get on with, very ambitious but also with an equal dash of a patience. I am a massive fan of education and self development. I tend to be never too far away from reading a book or learning something new to further myself.

Teaching Experience:
I have over eleven years experience in private tutoring having taught students as young as eight years old to adult learners covering a wide variety of modules, assignments and exam boards within Government & Politics, Law, History and English. In recent years I have worked closely with public tutoring centres and across the Manchester area. I am confident that my experience, approach to tutoring and methods have been substantial in helping each student to progress onto the next stage of their education and beyond. I offer my collective experience, professional and patient approach to any potential tutee who desires to take me on board and achieve their aims.

I believe I can approach any teaching scenario and offer the required angle to ensure success for student and or parent alike.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor my approach to each unique request made and scenario presented. I like to begin with an informal but analytical conversation with the student, parent or both in order to assess strengths and areas where we can develop a plan of action. I aim to take each stage step by step until both you and I are satisfied that we are confident in understanding and coherently explaining the information or context of the material at hand. I am professional in my approach but highly understanding and patient. Most importantly any work set during the session will be wholly relevant, comprehensible and creative in order to match your needs.

I incorporate digital media where required. I do provide PowerPoint presentations for some subjects, when needed, with an interactive projector for lessons and presentations. Presentations can be sent via email at any time as well.

*For any LPC students I can also tutor and instruct in Property Law and Solicitors accounts too.

* For any Northern Ireland students, I can also teach the equivalent of the LPC.

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Personal Description:
When I was a boy I was taught by people who were larger-than-life characters who dominated the classroom. They made clear to us boys what was expected of us and that if we didn't make the effort we would simply not achieve the rewards.

As a teacher, I share the same ethos. I expect pupils to follow my lead and work to the best of their ability.

I spend a lot of time reading and thinking.

I think it was George Bernard Shaw who said that 2% of people think, 3% think they think and 95% would rather die than do any thinking at all!

Sadly, I think that over the last thirty years dumbing down and inflated grades have shown how accurate Shaw's assessment was.

I see my role as one of reversing the tide of apathy and mediocrity and encouraging pupils to value themselves as individuals each with unique potential.

I finally achieved my educational potential because I came to see intellectual growth as the only sure path to happiness and fulfilment.

Helping pupils reach the same understanding about their full intellectual potential is my vocation and the foundation on which I build all my one-to-one tuition relationships.

Teaching Experience:
After teaching in the UK Primary and Secondary sectors as well as managing English and History departments in three international schools overseas, I now devote my time exclusively to private tuition.

My experience includes 12 years teaching English and History to GCSE and A level in the UK secondary system and eight years teaching the same subjects to the same levels in international schools in Italy, Egypt and Kenya.

During this time I have always had a number of students on my books for home tuition to provide extra help in Primary, Secondary and University level subjects.

My English GCSE students last year all achieved A-C grades and my A level History student achieved an A (predicted C after Year 12) and is now at university. In previous years, my A level History students have never achieved less than a C and in 2014, I had a student who reached A* and is now studying the subject at Exeter University.

Tutoring Approach:
My experience has led me to believe that one-to-one tuition is the best way to educate pupils. It brings them to the realisation that the whole point of education really is to set us free. It's not easy for a student to discover this when confined every day in a class of 30 or more others! Learning to think independently as an individual, and to read and write fluently enables pupils to participate fully in society, to achieve their full potential and thereby become happy, confident adults. Once the student is enthused and inspired by a tutor to think for themselves there is only one way forward.

I like to encourage pupils to develop independent thinking and logical analysis. Too many schools are teaching the children WHAT to think when they should be teaching them HOW to think. Naturally, many pupils become disengaged and even some of the most talented are simply going through the motions rather than actually studying. This lack of motivation together with highly inflated grades means that many of our youngsters are leaving school with minimal reading and writing skills. Indeed, few now have the aptitude for doing much reading, thinking or writing at all.

I like to build up the student's confidence by establishing their strengths first. Thereafter I identify weaknesses and gauge the student's awareness of them and motivation to put them right. Above all, I encourage my students to read widely and with full concentration. My best students learn to read closely and publish their reviews on Amazon. Aside from the huge adrenaline run, the boost in confidence and proficiency students get from seeing their writing in print is awesome to behold!

To put it simply, when they're reading they start succeeding!

Homework set weekly by me will always involve reading, thinking and writing. My feedback will always concentrate on reinforcing the idea that the writing process never ends with the last full stop. I expect students to read back their work to ensure that their writing communicates their meaning clearly and fluently. Editing with the focus on making the right word choices, organising sentences with the words in the right order and structuring longer writing assignments into coherent paragraphs are all priorities schools are increasingly neglecting thereby greatly hindering the life chances of their pupils..

Once the student and I have agreed which areas need improvement we use lesson time to extend the student's competence and skills by undertaking thinking and written assignments that allow the student to develop these.

Weekly homework set will advance and reinforce the skills the student has been encouraged to bring to the lesson.

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Personal Description:
I am 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 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 previously worked as a global spokesperson for the United Nations and consultant to governments across the world for over a decade and am a graduate from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). I am available for tutoring on a variety of subjects, particularly politics, economics, journalism, history, philosophy, media and communications and general writing skills. I am particularly adept at helping students develop their essay writing skills, with a structure and tone that secures high grades. I'm also available to provide help with exam revision, revision techniques, entrance exam preparation, university applications and general reading and writing skills.

Teaching Experience:
I have multiple years of experience of tutoring social science subjects to students from a range of different nationalities and backgrounds. I have a strong track record of improving grade scores and passing exams first time. I have proof-read essays for a large number of students who have all subsequently scored top marks for spelling and grammar. I have also formerly proof-read documents in a professional setting for businesses from across Europe and Africa.

Tutoring Approach:
I am flexible in my approach and am happy to adapt to any student's needs. I look to work on all aspects of a student's approach, including revision technique, writing style and exam preparation. My preference is for committed students who will practice and implement what is learnt outside of lessons. I typically set students exercises for completion before the next lesson in addition to revision work for practice essay questions. The more committed a student is to our classes, the more they will gain from them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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Personal Description:
Currently a University of East Anglia student heading into my final year of an Environmental Geography and International Development.

Teaching Experience:
No formal experience but have helped children with homework and used to have study groups at school and university.

Tutoring Approach:
Kind, considerate and looking for the tutee to get the answer for themselves without interfering but with small hints.

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Personal Description:
I'm a native English speaking tutor in the Westminster/Victoria area with a university degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
I developed a love for reading at an early age, which eventually expanded to writing as well, and which led me to study English Literature and Creative Writing at university. I started off teaching English in Japan, but through a strange turn of events ended up in the Financial Industry, where I worked for over a decade. However, through the process of tutoring my own son, and then his classmates and friends, I re-discovered my passion for English, and teaching, and decided to pursue it as a career. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience so far, and I've enjoyed it every step of the way.

Teaching Experience:
I have in-depth experience teaching children composition, comprehension, verbal and non-verbal reasoning for 7/8+, 11/13+ and Common Entrance, and have helped a number of children get into schools such as Westminster, King's College Wimbledon, St Paul's and City of London.
In addition, I work with children already in these schools, and others - including top Grammar schools such as The Henrietta Barnett School and Queen Elizabeth - improve their overall English ability and performance.
I also teach GCSE English Language and Literature, and the SAT/ACT exams (US University Entrance), as well as Common Entrance History.

In the last year I helped children of a variety of ages get into the following schools:
- Westminster Under
- St Paul's School
- King's College School Wimbledon
- City of London boys
- Godolphin
- Alleyn's

Tutoring Approach:
I try to encourage a love of reading and writing in all of my students, both by making lessons enjoyable and by building their self-confidence. While English can sometimes seem a dry and boring subject, I believe it shouldn't be, and that any child can learn to enjoy it given the right approach. A large part of the enjoyment comes from children learning to stretch themselves beyond their existing boundaries, and learning to think in new and creative ways.

For this reason, I approach lessons with patience and humour, but most of all with the intention to help children push past what they think themselves capable of. I find that children usually respond well to this approach, and often develop and improve rapidly as a result.

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Personal Description:
I'm an experienced teacher, lecturer, examiner and moderator with a passion for helping students achieve their potential. Having taught learners from primary school age through to adulthood, I understand that everyone learns differently, and I believe that education should be engaging, supportive and, most importantly, enjoyable.

My teaching philosophy is simple: 'All Can'. I genuinely believe that everyone has the ability to learn, develop and succeed with the right guidance, a little hard work and a good cup of coffee!

I hold a PGCE in Drama, a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre from Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and a Master's degree in Acting from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Alongside my teaching career, I have professional acting experience across theatre, film, television, radio and musical theatre.

As a qualified Drama and Performing Arts teacher, I also have extensive experience teaching English Language, English Literature, History and Sociology up to A-Level. I offer tutoring across a range of qualifications, including entrance assessments, GCSEs, A-Levels and performing arts examinations.

I have experience with CCEA, AQA, Edexcel, BTEC, LAMDA, LCM and OCN qualifications. My work as an examiner for CCEA and BTEC gives me valuable insight into assessment criteria, exam technique and what students need to demonstrate to achieve the highest grades.

I'm particularly proud of my 100% success rate in supporting students to secure places on their chosen university courses.

However, for me, teaching is about much more than examination results. I want my students to become confident, independent learners who genuinely enjoy their subjects. Whether I'm helping someone understand Shakespeare, improve their essay writing or prepare for an important examination, my aim is always to make learning feel accessible and rewarding.

I also hold a Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties and have experience supporting students with a wide range of special educational needs. I regularly undertake continuing professional development, am first-aid trained and hold an enhanced DBS check.

Above all, I bring enthusiasm, creativity and a genuinely individual approach to every lesson. I want students to leave feeling more capable, more confident and proud of what they can achieve.

Because I truly believe that all can.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience spans from Primary through to Degree level, having worked across a wide range of educational settings, including specialist Performing Arts and Drama Schools, state Grammar and Secondary Schools, and Further and Higher Education colleges.

I have extensive experience supporting students with a variety of learning needs, including dyslexia, ADHD, autism (ASD) and other special educational needs. I recognise that no two students learn in exactly the same way, so I tailor my teaching methods to suit each individual's strengths, challenges and goals. My approach is patient, encouraging and adaptable, ensuring that every student feels supported and capable of making progress.

Alongside my teaching experience, I work as an examiner and moderator across GCSE/Level 2 and A-Level/Level 3 qualifications, including Drama, English Literature and Performing Arts. This gives me valuable insight into the examination and assessment process, particularly what examiners are looking for and how students can demonstrate their knowledge effectively.

I use this experience to help students develop strong exam technique, structure their responses confidently, understand assessment objectives and approach examinations with a clear strategy.

**However, I firmly believe that successful teaching goes beyond examination results.** My aim is to help students develop confidence, independence and a genuine enjoyment of learning, equipping them with skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approach is very student centred and dependent on the needs of the student. I am energetic, focused but (according to some) 'still able to have a laugh'.

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Personal Description:
Hi guys, to start off with my academic background: I studied at Winchester College and Cambridge University.

I was generally a straight A* student at Winchester, and in my final exams I received some of the highest Cambridge Pre-U grades in the UK for my subjects of Philosophy & Theology, Russian and French (these were D1, D1, D2 - which translates in A-Level terms to A**, A**, A*). At Cambridge I studied a mix of Theology and Philosophy, with a focus on philosophy (ethics and metaphysics), history and literature papers.

In terms of my personal background: I was born in London and have lived in Islington most of my life. I've travelled a great deal, and in my gap year I spent stretches of time living in and travelling around America, Italy, Malta, Russia, Jordan and Pakistan.

In my free time I like classic cinema (Hitchcock especially) and novels (Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and Dickens are my favourites) but I'm curious about everything really, and I read books of any kind whenever I have the time - especially those relating to History (classical and modern), Philosophy, Theology, Politics, and Literary Analysis.

For most of my professional life so far I've worked as a salesman, lawyer and corporate strategist. I like theatre and stand-up and sketch comedy - Dylan Moran and John Cleese are my favourite comedians - and at Cambridge I performed in a couple of sketch comedy shows alongside members of the Footlights.

I'm friendly, good-humoured, energetic and I love teaching more than anything else!

Teaching Experience:
I've received excellent feedback on my tutoring so far. Here are some quotes I've received from former students who've been kind enough to supply written references for me (I can provide these and their contact details to you on request) :

- "the best teacher I have ever had the pleasure of learning from"

- [different student] "I can say without any doubt that he is the best tutor I have ever had."

- "thanks to Jasper, my school results became much better."

- "I can talk endlessly about how much I loved having meetings with Jasper"

- "His ability to convey complex historical concepts with clarity and engagement is a superpower."

- "Jasper's professionalism is also worth highlighting. He is highly organised, punctual, and dependable. He never came to a session unprepared, his teaching materials were always well-structured and insightful."

- "I must give a massive word of praise"

- " I truly hope he will have more students to teach, as he is very talented and truly deserves to be recognised. I wish everyone had a chance to have such a wonderful and supportive tutor."

Please note: The website format unfortunately limits the numbers of subjects I can list; I shall therefore add three more here. In addition to Philosophy, Theology, English, History, Russian and French I am also capable of tutoring up to and including GCSE Latin, basic (ab initio) German, and Debating.

More generally, I am also happy to advise on academic interview performance for elite boarding school or Oxbridge admissions.

Tutoring Approach:
1. So first of all we'll have an introductory session to determine what your interests, strengths/weaknesses and ultimate aims are. If you like me then we can have another session!

At the end of this I'll set an assignment for you to work on before our next session. The assignment may be easy, it may be tricky, it may be normal, it may be quite unusual! It will depend on what your aims and interests are and what I can come up with etcetera.

I'll also try to recommend some valuable learning resources and techniques for you to work with as you prepare that assignment.


2. In our second session we'll go through and discuss the assignment and your answers to it, focusing on different ways of looking at the issue and thinking around it, or effective ways to internalise that knowledge. This will take the form of a dialogue and a conversation that I hope you'll find stimulating and rewarding.

Note: You are welcome to stop sessions with me at anytime; it's entirely up to you and I won't be offended at all. But if you let me, I truly hope to teach you as much as I can.


- In summary the fundamental idea is to make the ideas as fun as possible, to assist you in learning them effortlessly and wanting to learn more. Education is always self-motored; the trick is helping you to fall in love with it. It is also to expose you to a wide array of alternative perspectives to broaden your bank of wisdom. Finally, I can recommend books and podcasts and resources to you that can have enduring value for you far beyond our own sessions, perhaps even for your entire lifetime.

I believe in sparking creativity and helping students make the ideas their own. My aim is to ignite imagination and enthusiasm as I put your intellect to the test, because only then will you really enjoy learning, and only then will you truly do well. Therefore I'll do my very best to generate an enthusiastic but rigorous atmosphere.

My enthusiasm can be pretty infectious... I promise you our conversations will be the opposite of boring!

At the same time, many of you will have real goals : to get better grades on your essays, to pass a crucial academic interview, or to smash your final exams. I believe utterly in studying carefully how to do that, and devising a strategy, so you can work "smart", not just "hard", and achieve your goals. I did this with great success for my own exams, and for many former students. I'm a former corporate strategist at an industry-dominating company! This is a real passion of mine.

Finally I also promise you that I'll also prepare carefully in advance of every session you have with me, to ensure you get the most out of me that you can. I have immense respect for my responsibility to you and your development.

Feel free to try a preliminary session with me!

I so look forward to talking with you,

All the very best,

Jasp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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, History and Government & Politics tutor with over 18 years of teaching experience across secondary and post-16 education. Throughout my career, I have supported students from GCSE to A Level, helping them develop confidence, improve their academic skills and achieve their personal goals.
I specialise in English Language, English Literature, History and Government & Politics, with a particular focus on examination preparation, essay writing, critical analysis and developing the skills needed to achieve strong grades. I understand that every student learns differently, so I take time to identify individual strengths, areas for development and the most effective ways to support progress.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience has involved working with a wide range of learners, including students who require additional support with confidence, organisation, concentration and exam anxiety. I am passionate about creating a positive and encouraging learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, exploring ideas and challenging themselves.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is personalised, structured and focused on achieving measurable progress. I combine subject knowledge with effective exam techniques, clear explanations and constructive feedback to help students become more independent and confident learners.
Whether a student is aiming to improve their grades, prepare for important examinations or develop a deeper understanding of their subject, I provide tailored lessons that are engaging, supportive and focused on helping them reach their full potential.
I offer face-to-face tuition across South London and Surrey, including Coulsdon, Croydon, Caterham, Sutton, Wallington, Oxted, Warlingham and Sanderstead, as well as online sessions.

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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:
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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Personal Description:
I am an extremely approachable and diligent individual. I love my subjects and strive to see students achieve. With an Honours degree in European Studies in History and Politics and a PGCE from the University of Edinburgh, I have been teaching my subjects continuously since 1998. My entire approach is to identify the student's individual needs and then to design a bespoke method in which we can address any issues together.
I have a proven track record in achieving results and love my job!

Teaching Experience:
Teacher of History - Thomas More School, January to August 2001
Teacher of History - Rosebery School, 2001-2014
Teacher of History and Politics - Richard Challoner School, 2014 to present

Tutoring Approach:
Experienced and passionate History and Politics tutor offering expert support for A Level students. I help students develop strong subject knowledge, improve essay technique and, most importantly, understand exactly what examiners are looking for. Lessons are tailored to each student, with a particular focus on building confidence, developing clear arguments, analysing evidence and achieving the highest possible exam marks. Whether you are looking to improve your grades, prepare for exams or push towards an A/A*, I provide structured, engaging and exam-focused tuition.

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