Ellon Latin Tutors and Ellon Latin Tuition

Personal Description:
I have an MA in Classical Philology and Russian Studies from the University of St Petersburg and am qualified to teach Russian, French, English and Latin. Since graduating in 1978 I have worked extensively in language teaching and translation / interpreting. I have also worked in France for 3 years and attended an interpreting school in Paris (ISIT - Institut Superieur d' Interpretation et de Traduction). I also hold a Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI in Law) issued by the Chartered Institute of Linguists and am a member of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI) and of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIL).

I have taught schoolchildren, students and adult learners at beginners, intermediate and advanced level. I have lived in Britain since 1991 and am available for tutoring in Cambridge, Huntingdon and in the surrounding areas.

I also provide English language tutoring for Russian, French and German speakers. As a translator / interpreter I specialise in Medical / Pharmaceutical and Legal translation and interpreting for private companies and public service organisations like the National Probation Service, the Police, the Courts and the NHS.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching Latin at the Chemical Pharmaceutical Institute of St Petersburg (1978 - 1979).
Teaching English and French at the Technical University of St Petersburg (formerly the Leningrad Polytechnic) - 1981 - 1984 and 1986 - 1991.
Teaching Latin and French at the Medical Military Academy of St Petersburg (1984 - 1986)
Teaching French and German at a Russian Secondary School (1988 - 1991).
Teaching Russian at Manchester Business School, BNFL, Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, University of Salford.
Private tutoring - teaching English, French, Latin and Russian (1984 - 2015).

Tutoring Approach:
I do my best to give the student a good grounding in grammar which is a key to understanding and fluency whatever the language. I encourage students to listen to radio programmes in the target language, watch newsreports on television etc as it is a great learning tool. I feel passionate about languages myself and find teaching highly enjoyable.


I hold a full up - to - date DBS Enhanced check certificate issued 13 February 2013.

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Personal Description:
I am a Cambridge graduate currently teaching at a secondary school in Birmingham. I offer private tuition in English and Latin as well as Oxbridge application advice.

I specialise in coaching students through GCSE/A Level. However, I am happy to help all students from 11+ and even adult learners. I am proud of my strong track-record in helping students to achieve excellent results in their exams.

A little about my academic background: I graduated with a degree in English from the University of Cambridge (Girton College) in 2008 and in 2010 completed a Masters in Medieval Literature and History at the University of York. In 2019 I completed my PGCE at the University of Warwick and have since taught in a local secondary school.

Teaching Experience:
I am experienced teacher currently employed at a Birmingham secondary school, where I teach across Key Stages 3,4 and 5.

I have several years of experience in private tuition and and have tutored students preparing for GCSEs and A Levels in Latin, English (both language and literature), and Politics & Government. I've had great success in helping students of a range of abilities improve subject confidence and achieve exceptional results (including many A*s and Grade 9s).

Tutoring Approach:
Latin:

Puzzled by perfect participles?
Confused by conjugations?
...and what on earth is a gerundive?

Let's face it, studying Latin can be difficult, but it is the challenge which makes it such a rewarding subject.

My approach to teaching Latin is to develop translation skills whilst reinforcing the key building blocks of grammar. I endeavour to work at the student's own pace and tailor my sessions to complement school work.

English:

As a qualified teacher of English, I understand how to get the best out of students. I have an intimate knowledge of most GCSE and A Level set texts and can advise students on revision strategies and exam technique.

I am comfortable working at different paces and levels to support the individual needs of a student.

It is difficult to offer a single "approach to tutoring" as I believe the right teaching method depends entirely on the interests, level, and personality of the individual student.


Interviews:

I am also available to tutor students preparing for university entrance interviews (in particular Oxbridge). Having experienced the process first-hand, I feel I am well positioned to offer meaningful advice on how a candidate can impress during the application and interview process. I am willing to conduct mock interviews.

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Personal Description:
I studied Classics at King's College, Cambridge, graduating in 2009. I then trained as a teacher at Queens' College, Cambridge, graduating with a PGCE in 2010. I have been a private tutor since 2009, and have now clocked up thousands of hours' tutoring experience in Latin and Ancient Greek. I tutor both languages to degree-level standard in London, Cambridge and online. I love Classics, and my main aim is to make my lessons fun and inspirational.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring Latin and Ancient Greek intensively for the past 7 years, with thousands of hours' teaching experience to date. I have taught towards all major public exams in both languages, such as Common Entrance, GCSE, AS, A2, SAT, Pre-U and even BA (i.e. University exams). I am familiar with the entrance processes for a number of independent and grammar schools, and have had a lot of experience teaching towards scholarship papers. I have tutored many students applying to Cambridge and Oxford, and can provide in-depth advice and support with choosing the right course and college, as well as getting to the necessary level for the language tests. I have also taught the languages to those who have decided to learn them purely for fun! In addition to my face-to-face teaching, I have taught extensively online (about 50% of my teaching is conducted on Skype), and have built up an array of handy techniques to get the most from the online format. I was Head of Latin at a school in Bury St Edmunds for two years (September 2011 to July 2013). Since October 2010, I have been supervising Cambridge undergraduates in Latin and Ancient Greek (colleges so far have included Pembroke, Downing, Homerton, Queens', King's, Murray Edwards, Newnham, Caius, Peterhouse, St John's, Emmanuel and Trinity). I also own and run a private tuition agency, Titanium Tutors, which I set up in 2011, managing a team of 8 staff members and over 1000 inspirational tutors.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is structured and thorough. I start every lesson with a five minute recap of the key content of the previous session, checking how much the tutee remembers. A typical lesson will then consist of a translation, in which I ask the tutee to note down each unknown word as it is encountered and to devise a memory trick which will help them to recall the word in a five minute test at the end of the lesson. Together with the tutee, I will then pick a grammar point which stood out in the translation exercise as requiring the most immediate attention. We will spend five to ten minutes working on that, with the tutee's understanding tested with some reinforcement exercises. At the end of the lesson we will recap all the new vocabulary and grammar which was covered, and I will typically set a manageable 20 - 30 minute homework for the next session based on what was covered in the lesson. Every lesson is of course different, and tailored to the tutee's requirements, but I find this approach works in the vast majority of cases. I consider grammar to be crucially important, but treat it as a means to an end and always emphasise the ways in which it can be usefully applied to translation rather than learned in isolation. I believe that any tutee can excel in Latin and Greek with a little guidance and a decent amount of independent work. Above all, I strive to make my lessons fun and enjoyable. I love my subject and want all of my tutees to love it too.

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Personal Description:
I am an Oxford Classics graduate with experience of teaching children and adults.

Teaching Experience:
I have seven years experience of teaching a range of ages up to 18, both private tutoring and school teaching.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring programme designed according to the student's needs and aims,

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Personal Description:
Oxford graduate with more than fifteen years' experience as a private tutor and consistently excellent results in Latin, Greek, Classics and English.

Studied Classics at Oxford University and awarded an academic scholarship.

Earned a Master's Degree with Distinction in Latin literature at UCL. Awarded the Dean's Prize.

Since then, I have been working as an award-winning arts journalist alongside my work as a private tutor.

Teaching Experience:
Private tutor for fifteen years, with significant experience in private tuition of Latin, Greek and English at all levels, and excellent exam results achieved by my students.

*LATIN/GREEK*

Classroom experience as teacher of Latin at a prep school and teaching assistant for primary school Latin classes.

In-depth, up-to-date knowledge of the current syllabuses for Common Entrance, GCSE and A-level, as well as all major textbooks, including Oxford and Cambridge Latin Courses, Athenaze, Greek to GCSE, Shelmerdine, ISEB Common Entrance publications and other frequently used courses. I also have a wide range of my own resources.

*ENGLISH*

English tutor for ten years, complemented by working as an award-winning arts journalist. Through this work
I've personally interviewed several of the authors on the English syllabuses, including Margaret Atwood and Arundhati Roy. I have a particular love of bringing Shakespeare alive, and I have also extensively interviewed many actors and practitioners about Shakespeare's work, including Sir Ian McKellen; I love to feed this real-world experience into lessons, to show that learning English is not just about words on a page.

Tutoring Approach:
CONFIDENCE: I love seeing students gain confidence as they study with me, and passing on my knowledge and enthusiasm until they are as excited about a subject as I am. My main focus is finding something for them to enjoy within a given subject and building our learning around that.

TARGETED APPROACH: I find out the areas where the student will need the most help, then I plan my lessons carefully to address those areas of difficulty. I always try to build on the way the student has been taught at school, so that my tuition complements their school learning rather than clashing with it.

EXAM TECHNIQUE: I also ensure that we are always working on exam and revision techniques while learning. This includes helpful mnemonics, studying past papers and mark schemes, and ensuring we are engaging closely with the relevant syllabus to pick up as many marks as possible when it comes to exams.

TIPS AND TRICKS: I like to build routine into tuition sessions, so that the student knows what to expect in each session, which helps boost their confidence, and so that grammar which can seem strange and unfamiliar at first becomes second nature. I've got plenty of tips and tricks to help with the most difficult parts of grammar and syntax. It's useful to break things down into smaller chunks - for example, the large set texts can be daunting, but they become manageable when taken piece by piece.

Above all, my approach is to be friendly, patient and knowledgeable.

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Personal Description:
I'm an enthusiastic driven person. I take pride in my work and I'd like to do it well. In my spare time I like to be active and go sailing, diving or wake boarding.

Teaching Experience:
I taught for 7 months in a Belgian secondary school. I taught 11-14 year old children Latin there. I've also taught Life Science and Art History to 14-16 year olds. My appointment was temporary and so I went on doing something else. From time to time I have been asked to do some tutoring. I hope this way I can help educate the new generation that is willing to learn.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe anyone can learn anything though depending on our skills some people just have to put in extra effort to get the same results. I therefore try to help in easing and structuring this extra effort. Finding the bottle necks in the way of studying, offering a new vision on subjects, providing a different background and helping to make personal schedules to keep up with work is my way of tutoring. As far as Latin goes next to this it just takes practice.

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Personal Description:
I am a Classicist with degrees from Cambridge (BA) and Durham (MA, PhD) universities and have been tutoring for over 10 years. My current work focuses heavily on Latin literature, as I am preparing to publish a commentary on Martial's twelfth book of epigrams, although I am equally able to offer assistance to students of classical Greek literature.

I am passionate about Classics and communicate this enthusiasm with my students, whilst helping them to achieve their goals - whether that be passing examinations or securing a place at the school or university of their choice. I hold an excellent track record for successful admissions and exam results.

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience in tutoring Latin and Greek at all levels: ranging from complete beginners to advanced university level students. I am very familiar with assisting students prepare effectively for GCSE and A-level examinations in Latin, Greek, and Classical Civilisation. I develop a set of papers targeted at the exam texts every year.

I also have a wide-ranging experience in providing tuition for the entrance and scholarship examinations for many major English Public schools. I have previously worked as a Head of Classics at a local public school and have a track record of students securing scholarships at leading schools, such as Eton, Westminster, etc.

For tertiary education, I have helped students prepare for their undergraduate examinations or university entry exams (both BA and MPhil). I have already had several students achieve their goals of getting to Oxbridge colleges. Beyond Classics, I have prior experience helping students with medical Latin, Mediaeval Latin and Koine Greek religious texts.

As well as helping students on specific courses, I have also had the pleasure of teaching Latin and Greek for individuals pursuing these subjects as a private interest.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tuition will of course largely be dependent upon the needs and ability of the respective tutee. For GCSE or A-level students, however, I believe that it would always be best to begin each lesson with a quick test on a point of grammar and vocabulary, and a literary stylistic feature (e.g. identifying a chiasmus etc.), since these formal aspects essentially underlie the series of unseen exams from GCSE - A-level. After this test, each lesson should focus on a text, ideally alternating each lesson with a text that is prescribed as one of the set texts for the respective exams with an unseen passage. This approach tends to produce the best results since the unseen passages give a true indication of the student's strengths and weaknesses and help the tutor to understand more easily what aspects need to be prioritised.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching Latin, Greek, and Classical Civilisation since 1992. I currently teach at a Central London college and am an examiner in Latin and History for both OCR and Cambridge International A-Level. I hold a BA from the University of York and a PhD from Middlesex University.

I am the author of over forty books and a respected senior member of staff at my institution. My work spans school-level teaching, university-level instruction, and public writing on classical and educational topics.

Teaching Experience:
I teach both beginners and advanced students in Latin and Greek, and have helped many succeed in Common Entrance, GCSE, A-Level, and beyond. I have particular expertise in preparing students for scholarship exams, including the King's Scholarship at Eton, the Westminster Challenge, and the Harrow Entrance Examination.

My students have gone on to top independent schools and Russell Group universities. I have taught learners from a wide range of backgrounds, including international students and adult learners returning to the classics.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching combines clarity, structure, and exam-focused preparation. I use past papers, model answers, and close reading, always with strong attention to grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.

Latin and Greek are rule-based languages. I help students internalise these rules through translation into and out of the classical languages, using adapted and original texts. This builds both exam readiness and lasting confidence in reading and interpreting ancient sources.

Where appropriate, I encourage students to explore the historical and cultural background of what they read - because the more they understand, the more they enjoy, and the more they retain.

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Personal Description:
Hello there. I am an experienced Latin tutor and am currently completing my PhD in Classics at the University of Edinburgh (2013-2017). I have an honours degree from University College Dublin (2008-2012) and a Masters in Classics from Trinity College Dublin (2012-2013).

I truly enjoy tutoring and understand that people come to learn Latin for many reasons. My main aim is to support my students throughout their learning and to help them achieve their own unique goals.

I am also happy to offer Ancient Greek and Old Norse.

Teaching Experience:
I have much experience teaching Latin. I taught Latin to two undergraduate classes at the University of Edinburgh in 2015-2016. This course covered all of the grammar in Wheelock's Latin as well as unadapted Ovid. I received excellent feedback from my students and was nominated for a student teaching award for my work.

I also have much experience teaching younger students and children. I have taught short Latin courses at various primary schools around the country and I was heavily involved in the founding of the Literacy through Latin programme here in Edinburgh, which aims to introduce Latin to state primary schools. As part of this, I spent a year teaching a class of 10 year olds at Liberton Primary School and this experience has provided me with the skills to teach and enthuse younger students.

I believe that an interest in Latin can be sparked at any age and have had great experiences with casual learners. Most recently, I worked with a tutee in her 50s who had no previous experience of Latin.

I have also received formal tutor training at the University of Edinburgh between 2014-2016.

Tutoring Approach:
Latin truly is the key to languages and I know from my own experience that the skills and tools acquired through Latin make learning other languages a much easier process.

I believe that translation is the best way to learn a language and therefore, I always tailor work to each individual student and adapt my teaching to their specific needs.

I know that language learning can make people very anxious and so I always approach my tutoring with the utmost patience and aim to provide care and support throughout the journey.

To put it simply, I love languages and I love Latin and I aim to impart this enthusiasm to all of my tutees.

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Personal Description:
A graduate of Cambridge University and a father of two children, I have been teaching Economics, Business and Mathematics in a secondary school.I have also been tutoring Economics and Mathematics and have a keen interest in how children have different methods of mastering subjects, using their own skills to progress, improve and attain examination goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Economics, Business Studies and Mathematics for the past 6 years at an independent school where I was based in the Sixth Form department.

Tutoring Approach:
The key to success is to understand where the student is starting from. By cementing what they already know, I then encourage them to gradually extend their knowledge so that they feel themselves to be making progress and they are then inspired by their own confidence.

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Personal Description:
I am a 27-year-old Classics teacher, currently employed at Brentwood School in Essex. I graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2014, and have been a teacher for 5 years.

Teaching Experience:
I am lucky enough to have taught in schools with internationally-renowned reputations; first at King's College Schhool, Cambridge, and thereafter at Eton College. I am currently employed at Brentwood School. I am confident with various aspects of the Classical curriculum, and am keen to take on students aged 8+ in Latin, Classical Greek, and Classical Civilisation.

Tutoring Approach:
I would like to think that I am engaging and enthusiastic; that said, I know the value of patience. I enjoy incorporating games and technology into my teaching, in order to maximise the understanding and enjoyment of my students.

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Personal Description:
Bonjour! Buenos días! Bom dia! Дoбрий день!
My name is Natalie. I teach Spanish, French, Latin, German,Ukrainian, Russian and Portuguese!
I have been teaching these languages for 17 years. I have a Master's degree in Linguistics , a Master's degree with honours in Tourism, Hotel and Restaurant Business and a Master's degree in International Law. I also earned diplomas from the Ministry of Education of France : DELF,Spanish diplomas DELE from Cervantes Institute (Madrid), German diploma from Goethe Institute and Japanese - Language Proficiency diploma (Tokyo).
I've worked with French and Spanish delegations of agrarians, and continue to work with professional educators from Minnesota, USA. I also worked as an interpreter at Euro-2012, UEFA Champions League Final and with football clubs. I keep working and interpreting at sports events.
I teach languages from scratch and to a desirable result. I'm very friendly and the atmosphere is always nice during the lesson!
I also help students to prepare for GCSE, IGCSE, IB, DELE, DELF and other exams.. My students successfully pass Spanish French Portuguese GCSEs , IGCSE, IB exams every year
Online tuition allows my clients to enjoy high quality lessons, learn foreign languages without leaving home and at a comfortable time. We can have a trial lesson and you will see how it works. if you have any questions,
Individual classes via Zoom/Skype!, material provided!
Teacher Natalie

Teaching Experience:
I have got three University degrees + interlational language diplomas
I help students to prepare for GCSE DELE, DELF, GCSE ,JLPT and other exams. We practise speaking, reading and writing with my students.I have been teaching these languages for 17years. I teach from 0 level and to a desirable result.

Tutoring Approach:
I am an enthusiastic tutor who can make learning fun and relevant. I aim to make ideas clear to the student, in order that they can use them fluidly and flexibly, and to encourage genuine understanding. I enjoy teaching and believe learning starts with the learner, adapting ideas and course content to meet their interests and needs.
I am experienced both with teaching children and adults for business, pleasure or exams. I prepare students for their GCSE/iGCSE, leading them to enter leading prep schools and universities
Last year, for example, my students gained their highest A-level mark in Spanish and French, some of my students got their international language diplomas and went to study and work abroad.

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Personal Description:
I am a Classics Graduate from St. John's College, University of Oxford. I have been teaching for six years now, both online and in person, one-on-one and for classes across a vast range of subjects. I focus primarily on History, English, Latin and Classical Greek, but I have experience teaching Maths, Sciences, and Psychology. I have extensive experience preparing students for the 11+/13+, GCSEs and A-Levels: my students consistently achieve the highest grades in public examinations, and admission to prestigious schools, including Eton, Harrow, Charterhouse and Winchester. Whether applying for school admission or public examination, I provide comprehensive courses that leave no space for the unexpected in a student's exams. I have experience across OCR, Edexcel, AQA and Eduqas exam boards at both GCSE and A-Level.

Many of my students have gone on to receive successful Oxbridge admission during their time with me, with three successful applicants in the last cycle alone. I've taught ages three to sixty-five, and am always excited to meet new students and work with various needs. I believe the student-tutor dynamic should be at the heart of a good tutoring set-up, and I have seen this proven in the excellent improvement and results of my past tutees. My students learn to love their subjects and develop a high quality of written communication and critical analysis.

I OFFER A FREE INTRODUCTORY SESSION TO DISCUSS YOU OR YOUR CHILD'S GOALS AND REQUIREMENTS BEFORE WE BEGIN OUR COURSE.

A little bit about my qualifications:
- Oxford Classics undergraduate degree.
- Four A*s at A-Level in History, Ancient History, Greek, Latin.
- 13 A*s at GCSE.
- Prizes in international essay competitions, including the National College of the Humanities, Fitzwilliam College Cambridge.

Please get in touch with any questions!

Teaching Experience:
Professional Experience
- Over five thousand hours of private tutoring experience, online and in-person, across Latin, Greek, Ancient History, History, and English at KS1-3, GCSE, AS and A-Level, undergraduate and for 11+/13+ preparation.
- Supported students aged 4 to 63, helping them to achieve their goals, including top grades at GCSE and A-Level, successful university applications (Oxbridge and Russell Group), and high performance in competitive exams such as Eton's King's Scholarship. Successful admission to Eton, Winchester, Charterhouse among others.
- Worked with tutoring agencies, who specialise in preparing high-ability students for Common Entrance, with a particular international focus, and an agency preparing students for IELTS exams as part of their applications to British universities.
- Taught English grammar and speaking skills to classes of international students at Oxford-based holiday camps.
-Specialised in tailored tutoring for disadvantaged students, including those with autism, dyslexia, and dementia.

Voluntary Work
- Latin Mentoring with Local Primary School
- led a partnership programme, creating videos and resources to introduce children 9-11 to Classics.
- Science Mentoring with Local Primary School
- tutored underprivileged children at Fen Ditton Primary School, running weekly science lessons.

Please get in touch with any questions!

Tutoring Approach:
As a student myself, I'm acutely aware of what works and what doesn't - my lessons involve getting to know the student, and building a rapport to bring the subject to life! I love working with the students I teach to figure out their best approach to each topic; I believe this is the route to achieving the best results. My lessons are highly interactive, involving active learning and recall, and making use of a variety of resources to best fit any individual's learning style. I tailor my courses specifically to my students' goals, whether entrance exams or public assessments, with a focus on weaker areas. Continual recap and revision play an important role in my lessons, as evidence-supported routes to long-term understanding. My students tend to enjoy my lessons, and develop a real love for their subjects! Having studied the languages for 10 years now, I have a full understanding of all the difficulties of Latin and Greek - whether prepping for common entrance or studying towards Classical GCSEs, I take my students step-by-step through everything they need to know. As a successful Oxford applicant, I'm also on hand to help with any application troubles - I'll be happy to read personal statements, give pre-interview test coaching and interview practice: just reach out! I am on call 24/7 to provide support, as well as marking homework outside of lesson time. With six years of experience teaching across all ages, I'm highly flexible and keen to work to each individual situation - please get in touch with all and any questions!

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Personal Description:
My name is Georgios, I come from Greece and I am a passionate teacher of Classics. I have a broad experience teaching Classical and Modern Greek, Latin, History and Classical Civilisation. Adapting my teaching to the level of the student I can help students of any level to excel to their exams or broaden their horizons by learning about the classical civilizations.

Teaching Experience:
I have an MA (UCL) and a BA in Classics from University of Crete (upper 10% of my class) with specialisation in Classical Studies and I have a 9 years experience teaching students of all ages. I have a QTS and I have taught several students entering the university, with outstanding results. Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of tutoring numerous students in those captivating subjects. Guiding students through the realms of ancient civilizations, literature, and languages has been incredibly rewarding.

Tutoring Approach:
I can teach any type of Latin, Greek and History lessons, taking my students from the beginners level to excellence. I follow a systematic approach that will guarantee fast and steady progression to higher levels of classical knowledge guaranteeing high GCSE, A-level grades and deep knowledge of the subject. My teaching is individualised based on the needs of the students with the ultimate aim of teaching people that will enjoy studying Classics and learning about the civilisations that constitute the basis of our modern world. Last but not least, my approach is patient, encouraging, and focused on building a strong foundation of knowledge while fostering critical thinking skills. Also, I am specialized in exams being an examiner of Edexcel,Pearson (Greek), OCR (Classical Greek) and AQA (Italian) and I have 9 years experience teaching students of all ages.

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Personal Description:
A highly enthusiastic, dedicated, and accomplished teacher with 22 years of experience in secondary education, specialising in Modern Foreign Languages, including German, French, and Spanish. Having a Master's degree and already holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, I combine strong academic credentials with extensive classroom expertise.

Throughout my career, I have consistently secured positive outcomes for students by building strong relationships, fostering mutual respect, and creating engaging learning environments that inspire confidence and achievement. Passionate about language learning and committed to delivering outstanding German teaching, I strive to ensure that every student reaches their full potential.

With a proven track record of collaboration, professionalism, and high expectations, I am now seeking a new opportunity where I can contribute my skills, experience, and enthusiasm, and quickly become a valued member of a successful teaching team.

Teaching Experience:
With 22 years of teaching experience, I have developed a highly adaptable and student-centred approach that recognises and responds to the unique needs, strengths, and learning styles of each individual. I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students feel valued, challenged, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By tailoring teaching strategies and providing personalised support, I consistently promote engagement, confidence, and academic success.

Tutoring Approach:
As a teacher, I adopt a constructivist approach to learning, designing and adapting lessons to meet the diverse needs, abilities, and interests of my students. I encourage learners to actively engage with new knowledge, think critically, and take ownership of their learning journey. By fostering independence, resilience, and self-reflection, I create an environment in which students develop the confidence and skills required for long-term success. This personalised and student-centred approach has consistently resulted in high levels of engagement, strong academic progress, and excellent examination outcomes.

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Personal Description:
Master of Science in Teaching and Learning from Oxford University
Currently taking bookings for Entrance exam tuition (11+ and 13+) and specialist tuition in Latin, RE and History.
My credentials:
* Former GCSE Examiner
* Current Examiner for Common Entrance / 13+ Scholarship exams
* Head of Department with senior leadership / management experience
* 17+ years teaching experience
* Taught pupils who have gone onto achieved academic scholarship awards at their schools and places at Oxbridge
* Hundreds of hours experience of teaching online effectively via Zoom to enable pupils to reach their full potential.
* Experience as a school governor.

Teaching Experience:
17 years teaching experience. GCSE Examiner. Head of Departments of RE and Latin at multiple schools. Master of Science in Learning and Teaching awarded by Oxford University. Member of a school leadership and management team and a school governor. Hundreds of hours of experience of online teaching.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a personalised approach that takes account of the student's learning style and preferred pace of learning. As part of my tutoring service I also provide homework for pupils which is marked, and free access to a range of different learning resources which can be used outside of sessions.

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Personal Description:
I am a dedicated and approachable Law and French undergraduate at the University of Bristol with a strong academic track record and extensive leadership experience. I have honed my teaching and mentoring skills through roles such as Vice President of the Debating Society, where I led workshops for younger students. My commitment to clear communication and ability to adapt my approach to different learning styles make me an effective tutor. Additionally, my experience as a volunteer during my year abroad demonstrates my ability to collaborate and provide support in diverse settings. I am eager to bring my enthusiasm and expertise to support students in achieving their academic goals.

Teaching Experience:
During my time at Downe House, I gained valuable teaching and mentoring experience through various leadership roles. As Vice President of the Debating Society, I led junior debating workshops, teaching younger students the fundamentals of argumentation, public speaking, and critical thinking. This role required me to tailor my mentoring approach to suit different skill levels and encourage confidence in their abilities. Furthermore, I've previously tutored students at a GCSE level.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is student-centered and tailored to individual learning styles, ensuring that each session is engaging, interactive, and productive. I believe in creating a supportive and encouraging environment where students feel confident to ask questions and express their ideas. Drawing on my mentoring experience, I focus on breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps, using real-life examples to enhance understanding and retention. I emphasize active learning through discussions, problem-solving, and personalized feedback to help students build their skills and confidence. My goal is not only to assist with immediate academic challenges but also to foster independent learning habits that empower students to succeed beyond our sessions.

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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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