Millom Latin Tutors and Millom Latin Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an Italian citizen living in London since 1996 ; I came to London as a research student, sent by Rome University, to study and work for Westminster University.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a tutor for 24 years (I still teach Spanish/Italian to private students. I was a teacher in Italy (Spanish/English) and a bilingual assistant from 1996 to present in London (Pimlico School/North Westminster/Churchill Gardens/St. Vincent de Pau); I have a PGCE in MFL (Spanish/Italian/French) KS 3 and 4 and a Master in translation (English vs Italian and vice versa).

Tutoring Approach:
I do see each student/pupil as an individual and while teaching/tutoring I take into account their personality/skills/interests as well as age/sex/religion.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

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,

Subjects

Personal Description:
I work in tutoring, teaching and PhD proof-reading. I am currently working in local colleges as an English GCSE teacher. I am currently tutoring students in English GCSE and A-Level.

I am also tutoring younger students in their creative writing. I am interested in drama, poetry and art. I have performed spoken-word poetry in Manchester and headlined a couple of nights.

I have 12 years' experience teaching A-Level and GCSE English, as well as tutoring and teaching Latin. I also have experience of teaching English to other language speakers. I have also worked with adults taking the written elements of practical exams, such as massage and nail-tech.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked for six years as a tutor to students aged 10 and over, helping with English, Maths, Latin and Creative Writing.

For the past ten summers I have taught university entrance and study-skills at Southampton University, helping students to improve their essay-writing and critical reading.

I am also confident in being able to explain English grammar and writing structure in a fun and interesting way and I can also help students prepare for university courses and to study A-Levels and Access courses.

I have also taught Latin, Study Skills and GCSE Maths. I have designed and run a Latin evening course, as well as several programmes of creative writing for children.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to make lessons interesting and encourage students to work creatively. We can work together to discuss an upcoming or recent exam and look at the strategy. We can also look at the syllabus and decide which aspects to focus on. Often it helps to work on structure and on managing time effectively in exams.

I believe that learning can combine fun and practical skills, such as self-editing, lateral thinking and creativity. These skills will help students pass formal exams through overall writing confidence.

Students need to enjoy the subject in order to understand it fully. When they approach questions from a position of confidence and relaxation, they can answer them more effectively. This sometimes involves discussion of the topics involved, especially when studying literature.

A tutor works best when they are providing an alternative to school-based education and a good tutor will enable their student to explore around a topic and to discuss any particular issues and concerns.

Subjects

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:
I am an enthusiastic student of classics and ancient history, very passionate about teaching. I have learned Greek and Latin in university, and enjoyed learning them very much. I want to share my enthusiasm for the topic and teach Greek and Latin to others. I have an MA in ancient history from Durham University, and have finished my PhD in the same topic at UCL.

Besides Greek, Latin, classics and ancient history, I am also familiar with Babylonian, Assyrian, Egyptian hieroglyphs, Aramaic, Old Persian and Modern Persian (Farsi), all of which I can tutor as well.

Teaching Experience:
Taught for Greek and Latin at UCL from 2018-2021.
UCL arts and humanities outreach presenter
Tutored Modern Persian, classical Greek and Latin since 2016.

Tutoring Approach:
I always thought that languages are easy marks when I was at school. This remains true: languages are the easiest place for the student to get guaranteed marks in their studies - the problem is that people learn languages in different ways and this is where I can help. Through the years I have worked with many different students and know both the material and different teaching styles inside out.

My goal is to make the language not only an easy way to easy marks, but also a very enjoyable prossess. I see them as gateways into fascinating cultures and literature, and my students tend to agree.

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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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Welcome! A freelance tutor and singer, I give "Personal tuition in the right key". I can help you get the highest grades in exams, and study in the "key" that best suits you. Like the right song choices, I often inspire my students to succeed.

- Which subject(s) do you teach?

French, Spanish, Latin, Ancient Greek, English as a Foreign Language, Creative Writing, Singing, Oxbridge Interview preparation.

- Tell me about your qualifications.

Master of Studies in European Literature (Spanish) from Exeter College, Oxford University;
Master of Arts in Classics and Modern Languages (French) from New College, Oxford University;
PostGraduate Certificate in Education and Qualified Teacher Status from the Department of Education, Oxford University;
Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (Spanish Diploma) from Salamanca University, Spain;
Advanced Certificate in Careers Education and Guidance from Canterbury Christ Church College;
Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Level 5, CELTA equivalent, 140 hours) from EDI and i-to-i Volunteering.
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts ("Working for 21st century Enlightenment")

- Where do you teach?

I teach online via FaceTime and/or Skype from my home and at students' homes. I live in Abingdon, in Oxfordshire, in the UK, and am prepared to drive up to c30 miles from home if online lessons are not possible, to include nearby towns such as Oxford, Wantage, Bicester, Henley, Reading, Newbury, Thame, Wallingford, Marlow ... I teach pupils online anywhere in the world, latterly in UK towns such as Northampton, Cheltenham etc. and abroad in Hong Kong, Russia, Kazakhstan ...

- Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.

I use Skype or Apple FaceTime. The video feed can be switched off at my student's request, or if it degrades the sound quality. Tests and exercises are sent to the student and returned to me for marking by email.

Teaching Experience:
- What kind of experience do you have?

Two years teaching Scholarship Latin and Greek in a local prep school (Cothill House);
Previously spent 25 years in the classroom in independent and state schools in the UK, France and Peru, teaching all ages;
Sometime Head of three academic departments (one of which I founded at Abingdon School);
c10 years one-to-one private tuition to all ages, latterly often online or through local agencies.

- Do you have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service, formerly CRB) Certificate?

Yes - fully listed on the DBS update site.

- Where and with whom did you train?

University of Oxford, New College and Exeter College;
University of Oxford Department of Education;
Salamanca University;
Christ Church College Canterbury;

- Do you belong to any professional organisations?

I am a member of the General Teaching Council, the Association for Language Learning, sometime Chair of the Oxford Education Society, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the Academy of St Cecilia.

Tutoring Approach:
"David has been tutoring our son via Skype for the last year, since his Spanish teacher said she did not want to put him in for GCSE Spanish as she thought he would fail. David has been marvellous with coaxing and coaching him and giving him confidence. Just the one to one attention has been hugely beneficial, and the bonus that "tech"� was involved, and that there was no time lost in driving to and from lessons has been a real godsend too. David is incredibly supportive and encouraging without being at all patronising, and really strikes the right balance to get the best out of his students. Can recommend unreservedly."
Mrs F, Gloucestershire,

"Our son has flourished under David's tutelage; the balance and content of homework and classwork has been very carefully gauged and enabled our son to progress rapidly, with great enthusiasm for his studies. The weekly reports David submits have been of immense value to us as parents trying to support our son's learning, as has the clear structuring, marking and regular review of work." Dr M. and Mr E.

"David has provided my daughter with an excellent grounding in Spanish prior to her starting the subject at school. He has guided her through the basics in a clear, thoughtful and well-informed way and has formed a very good relationship in which she has felt engaged, supported and motivated." Mrs W.

"My two children (ages 9 and 10) have progressed rapidly in their French learning with David. His lessons with them are focused and thorough, and his approach is patient and clear. He has great enthusiasm for languages and significant experience in teaching them, which show through in his lessons. My children both very much enjoy their lessons and are even happy to do the homework! David is also very helpful in working with us to find the best ways to support their learning between lessons. " Jenny T

"Dear David, Thank you so much for all your help and guidance when I applied for the Chaplaincy. It was good, too, to see you there when I went for interview" Revd. Michael P"

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a teacher, novelist, and musician from Scotland. I have tutored for many years and taught at preparatory schools. I have also taught English abroad (Italy & Brazil).

I enjoy helping students to overcome their difficulties and find ways to enjoy the language and culture.

Lessons at my house or yours.
Online tutoring is a great way to work on your language (rates negotiable).

Teaching Experience:
12 years with First Tutors, from beginners, through Common Entrance, GCSE and A-level to university.
6 years with Greater London Tutorial Agency/Top Tutors
Latin, Ancient Greek & English:
6 years Classics, Mayville High School, Southsea
12 years Classics, Hall Grove, Bagshot.
1 year at Academy School, Hampstead.

Creative Writing: 7 years University of Portsmouth
2 years Islington Summer University.

English as Foreign Language:
1 year St Giles, Sao Paulo, Brazil;
2 years English Academy, Molfetta, Italy, including PET, CAE, CPE, IELTS, TOEFL.

I also teach guitar, bass, piano and Italian.

Tutoring Approach:
Most pupils who come to me have simply lost track or lost confidence.
With careful guidance, it usually doesn't take long to put them back on the right track.

I can help with the building blocks of grammar, presenting it as a puzzle or a game; I can suggest ways to improve vocabulary; and I can point the way through the complexities of translation and syntax. Even working on exam technique can ease anxiety quickly.

I also enjoy enthusing students about classical mythology and literature.

I am happy to teach online as well as in person: with a committed tutee, this can work as well as tuition in person.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have wide and successful teaching experience, high expectations of myself and of all my students and a deep love of language, stories and teaching. I have kept up to date with educational research and can therefore offer the best evidence-informed practice to make a real difference to the children I teach. I believe passionately in the power of reading for pleasure as a lever for improving academic success and have converted hundreds of children into confident, independent readers.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught for over 20 years, in state and independent schools and in every year group from Year 1 to Year 13. I have also tutored children 1:1 and in small groups to prepare them for 11+ exams, senior school scholarship exams and to help them keep up if they are falling behind. I have even assisted university students with their dissertations. I am therefore as confident with students of A level Greek as I am helping young children who are struggling with phonics. My students have a track record of success in exams but also learn to love learning.

Tutoring Approach:
Experience has taught me how to adapt teaching to a student's individual needs, experiences and interests. Tutoring is powerful because it is tailored, so I offer personalised lessons which will support, engage, encourage and challenge my students. For English, I generally write my own tuition resources which are adapted specifically to suit the needs of an individual child. For 11+ preparation, I use some published resources to assess where children's strengths and weaknesses lie but then provide my own materials for teaching. For Latin or Greek, I would use courses to structure language learning but, again, supplement this with my own materials.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Native speaking Italian tutor gives private lessons in NORWICH: grammar, conversation, literature and italian history and culture.
Due to the Covid-19 global emergency all the lessons will take place ONLINE ONLY.

Teaching Experience:
19 years tutoring/tuition experience:
-A1/A2 English to italian students
-Italian language and literature for native speakers,
-BASIC Latin (middle/junior high school level)
-BASIC Ancient Greek (1st year senior high school level/ Primo Liceo Classico)
-History of italian, latin and greek literature for italian students

2 years experience as volunteer support teacher for foreign children in an elementary/primary school in Milan, Italy.

Tutoring Approach:
Patient and flexible, I always help my students to be independent learners building a relationship based on trust and making them love the suject.

Subjects

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I am a Masters student at Swansea university. I did my undergraduate in Classics achieving a 2:1, I also won the Alfred Moorhouse award for most proficient at Latin and Ancient Greek in the year. In my spare time I love to exercise and play video games and spend time outdoors!

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored online before with a student from Hong Kong in Ancient Greek. Also I taught kids in Tanzania about their rights and sanitation for 10 weeks.

Tutoring Approach:
When it comes to learning languages repetition is key, but this can also be fun. I aim to help you learn through repetition and practice, the benefit of this is the more you retain the more it makes sense causing learning to become fun rather than troublesome.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I graduated with first class honours in Linguistics and am now studying the historical development of the Latin language for my MRes (Masters of Research). Having studied both English and Latin language I have an in depth knowledge of grammar and syntax in both languages. I also have a myriad of tips and tricks to help make grammar learning a little less daunting!

I can also tutor undergraduate Linguistics (listed under English). I am specialising in Historical Syntax but am able to offer support for a range of other first and second year modules including but no limited to: Sytnax, Semantics, Phonology, Historical Englishes, and English Grammar. I am open to enquiries about modules not listed here.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 3 years of teaching experience with students from year 1 in primary school all the way to first year of undergraduate. Through teaching a broad range of students I have developed a flexible approach to teaching can easily adapt to the needs of a student. My tutoring supplements school lessons by helping the student to develop their problem solving skills so that they are able to tackle those surprising exam questions calmly.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to take an active approach to learning. In my first lesson with a student we focus on past paper questions to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This allows us to formulate a comprehensive plan going forward in order to maximise their revision time. I will work with the student to fill the gaps in their knowledge by working systematically through the syllabus for that topic. For content based material I will get the student to ask questions and tell me what they do not understand, I will then explain the material in simple terms. For mathematical or grammatical (depending on the subject) material I will explain how to do the calculation then run through examples with the student until they feel confident to do it alone. To conclude the lessons I ask students to tell me what they now know about the topic so that they can see just how much they have learnt!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have grown up studying the art of teaching and how students learn well. I have a broad education and can talk about ancient history, the elements of classical music, Latin texts, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, Italian literature, and of course anything to do with maths and numbers.

I achieved an A1 in maths and was in the top 2.5 percentile for my year for Leaving Certificate (a broader A Level equivalent) reflecting my abilities in both maths and exam preparation.

Teaching Experience:
I have regularly taught in different ways while reading maths and Italian at Trinity College Dublin and have since started a PGCE teacher training course in maths. During my training I have gained extensive experience delivering lessons via OneNote and Microsoft Whiteboard via tablet and smart board, equipping me for effective online teaching of maths.

I already have experience teaching a weekly class of 10 young teenagers Latin as well as tutored maths, Music, and Latin to different ages and types of students. I'm a patient and considerate teacher and hope to bridge the gap that often plagues students in mathematics. I promise to be a good tutor and guide during some of the most formative and decisive years of your life.

Tutoring Approach:
My focus is on building the skills and concepts learnt at school through one-to-one 45-minute tutoring/grinds or small group lessons.

I aim to give an individual-focused approach. The lessons will focus on student's previous work and aim to improve skills and concepts already established. Great effort will be given to finding real world examples to motivate the exercises and to grasp or master a topic. The student will be encouraged to work out exercise in the tutor's presence and correct flaws or improve methods themselves.

I am willing to meet in Canterbury or give online lessons via Microsoft Apps such as OneNote, Whiteboard, and Teams.

I cover the GCSE curriculum as well as the pure Maths and Statistics aspects of A Level.

I am also available for university maths for 1st year and general maths tutoring for STEM subjects.

Subjects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TESTIMONIALS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HISTORY AND POLITICS TEACHER, 2020-2023

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

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, Durham University, 2010-2020

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

Tutoring Approach:
TUTORING

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

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

PERSONAL STATEMENT ASSISTANCE

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

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

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

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