Swaffham Latin Tutors and Swaffham Latin Tuition

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:
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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced qualified teacher (Certified Teacher-Directive 2005/36/EC) of Modern Greek language (native speaker) and Classics (Ancient Greek, Latin, Classical Civilization). My BA degree with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status, 4-year course) from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (UoA, Faculty of Philology), is in Greek & Classical Philology with a major in Linguistics, and my MA degree is in Educational Studies (with Distinction, The University of York). Most of my tutees are learners of Greek as a Foreign Language (Conversational Greek, Business Greek, Greek for Beginners, Intensive Greek), Greek as a Second Language, and BA /MA students at the University of Edinburgh (where I'm based) and other universities (via online tuition) who need help with Latin/Ancient Greek/Modern Greek for their undergraduate/postgraduate course. I also have significant experience in preparing tutees for GSCE in Modern Greek. In addition, I have worked on a plethora of GR-EN digital content translation/localisation projects, content creation projects and as a proofreader/checker for MA dissertations and PhD Theses.

Teaching Experience:
January 2012 - present
Freelance Tutor for Greek as a Foreign Language (Conversational Greek, Business Greek, Greek for Beginners, Intensive Greek) or Second Language, Latin, Ancient Greek.

January- June 2012
Lakeside Primary School, Clifton Moor, York, United Kingdom
Volunteer teaching assistant, York Students in Schools (YSIS)
This community volunteering scheme provided teaching opportunities that enhanced personal and professional development.

December 2009- October 2011
"Neo" Educational Organisation of Secondary Education, Athens, Greece
Middle School and High School (Gymnasium and Lyceum) full time teacher
Latin & Ancient Greek Literature and Thought, Classical Civilization, Greek and Roman History
Student-centred and interactive teaching approach
Developing and designing lesson plans according to the Greek National Curriculum.
Monitoring student progress (summative and formative assessment)

2007-2008
Teaching practice - National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

"Varvakeio", Experimental Lyceum, Athens
"First (1st) Experimental Unified Lyceum of Athens"
"Gennadio", Athens
"Anavryta" Experimental Lyceum, Athens,
"Agion Anargyron" Experimental Gymnasium, Athens
Arranging and developing lesson plans for middle school and high school grades.
Practice on teaching methods and strategies
Classroom management
Observing lessons
Teaching under observation

2004 -present
Self-employment- Private tutor
Greek as a Foreign Language (GFL), Greek as a Second Language, Ancient Greek, Ancient Greek Language, Latin, Ancient and Modern Greek literature, Philosophy, Writing/Study skills

Tutoring Approach:
Student-centred and interactive teaching approach.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced teacher of both classics and modern languages, and have taught in a variety of secondary schools. I have stopped classroom teaching now but I am keen to carry on teaching in a different capacity. I am passionate about languages, words and communication and love to share this with others. I have lived abroad for prolonged periods in France and Italy, and travel to see friends there whenever possible.

Teaching Experience:
Since completing my PGCE in 1992 I have taught Latin, Greek, French and Italian, from beginners to A level and Oxbridge, in secondary schools, both private and state. More recently I have been giving private lessons to both adults and teenagers.
***PLEASE NOTE THAT I TEACH ANCIENT GREEK, NOT MODERN! The UK tutors website does not give Ancient Greek as an option in the drop down list. I am not able to teach modern Greek.

Tutoring Approach:
Successful language teaching should combine a fun approach using oral practice including song lyrics and games with a more structured approach to grammar; this gives the student confidence that they really understand the language used. The advantage of private lessons is that I can focus on what the individual learner wants, which might be lots of oral practice to become more proficient at speaking, or to pass a specific exam. I do like to set homework from week to week as this is an important part of progress; but it is not compulsory!

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Ed and I am the Director of a private tuition company that has supported students in the UK and internationally since 2010.

I have extensive experience supporting students across Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics and English, from Primary and Common Entrance through GCSE, A-Level, IB and university level.

I believe effective tuition should be tailored to the individual student. My focus is on developing strong subject understanding, confidence, independent thinking and exam technique, while identifying and addressing gaps in knowledge.

Tuition is available both in person and online, ranging from ongoing academic support to targeted preparation for examinations and admissions.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught and supported students across Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics and English at a wide range of academic levels, including Primary, Common Entrance, GCSE, IGCSE, A-Level, IB and university.

As Director of a private tuition company, I also lead and coordinate a team of tutors, matching students with suitable academic support and overseeing their progress.

My experience includes long-term academic tuition, examination preparation, admissions tests and interview preparation, as well as helping students address specific areas of difficulty.

I have worked with students from schools and universities across the UK and internationally, including students preparing for competitive school and university admissions.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is structured, supportive and adapted to the individual student.

I begin by establishing a strong understanding of the underlying concepts before progressing to more challenging questions and exam-style problems. Students are encouraged to explain their reasoning, learn from mistakes and develop methods they can apply independently.

I also look beyond the immediate lesson by identifying gaps in knowledge, areas requiring consolidation, upcoming assessments and the most appropriate next steps.

Confidence is an important part of learning. I aim to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions while still being challenged to make meaningful academic progress.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello! My name is Giacomo, I come from Italy and I am a third year PhD student in Roman Archaeology at the University of Leicester.I have a strong experience in tutoring and teaching at high school and university level and I'm happy to help with Latin, Ancient Greek and Italian.

Teaching Experience:
During the last two years I have been teaching different courses at the University of Leicester, acquiring a strong experience in dealing with students. In particular during this and last year I have been teaching Latin and Ancient Greek to first year students. In the last two months I also have been teaching Latin to the children of the Overdale Infant and Jr. School, as part of the Outreach Program of the School of Archaeology and Ancient History. Furthermore, since last year I have been working as one to one study mentor in The AccessAbility Centre of the University where I support students with learning disabilities. Finally, when I was still in Italy I have been giving private lessons of Latin, Ancient Greek and Italian literature to high school and university students for three years.

Tutoring Approach:
I will have a different approach according to the language I will be teaching. For Italian, I will use a communicative approach. This means that I will deliver just a minimum of grammar and I will use the target language as much as possible so that the student will learn the grammar implicitly. On the other side, since Latin and Ancient Greek are extinct languages I will use a more traditional approach. Nevertheless, also in this case I will try to alternate grammar with literature in order to help the student to get a broader perception of the ancient world.

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:
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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have an academic background in law and criminology, and more than ten years' experience working in the legal profession. I also have a full command of French, Spanish and Russian. I hold the Chartered Institute of Linguists' Level 7 Diploma in Translation, Russian to English (equivalent to a master's degree) and the Level 6 Certificate in Translation, Spanish to English ( equivalent to a bachelor's degree).

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English to Russian and Turkish speakers over Skype for seven years. I also have considerable experience of teaching French and Spanish one-to-one, both children and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I greatly enjoy tutoring and find seeing my students improve hugely rewarding. My approach is gentle and encouraging, with an emphasis on setting a thorough basic structure in place.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have tutored a wide range of subjects, most frequently Maths and Latin; I have wide-ranging knowledge but I am a rare specialist in Classical Greek GCSE. Perfect exam grade record - in my mixture of reformed and unreformed GCSEs I achieved 5 9s, 6 A*s and and A^(A**) in Further Maths. A* in EPQ. 3 A*s A Level Maths, Further Maths and Economics.

2021-2024: BA Economics (First Class Honours), Durham University, United Kingdom
2024-2025: MSc Environmental Economics and Climate Change (Distinction), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), United Kingdom

2025-2029 PhD candidate in Environmental Economics, University of Basel, Switzerland

Teaching Experience:
100% 9-7 GCSE Record for Tutees

Tutoring 12 students in wide-ranging topic and subject areas.

I have tutored GCSE Latin, GCSE Greek, and year 9 Maths.

Feedback from Faye and Iona Green (Grade 7 in Latin GCSE) (February 2020):

'My daughter has been having 1 to 1 sessions on a weekly basis since summer 2019, she wanted to do GCSE Latin in 1 year.

We cannot speak highly enough of William, he has taught her everything she needs to know in a way that is easy to understand, full of enthusiasm and always willing to help outside of the taught lesson. He sets homework when needed and marks this.

My daughter is feeling confident about the forthcoming exams because of the excellent tuition that has been provided.

I would not think twice about using William again for tuition in the future and would highly recommend him to anyone else.

Thank you William for all you have done.'

Feedback from Katie (Passed GCSE Maths Equivalency Test for PGCE) (September 2020):
'Just wanted to let you know I passed the test! Thank you so much for all of your help, you are a fantastic tutor!'

Feedback from Magdalena and Thomas (November 2020):
'Hi William. I had a parents evening recently and Tom's teacher said he is doing very well in math. Tom told me he feels more confident at school too. Thank you for your work with him.'

Feedback from Vivian and Cassidy (February 2021):
'Your input so far has made a huge difference.'

Tutoring Approach:
Friendly, supportive, motivating, specification based work and focus on improvement through guiding through past papers.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have over thirty years experience of teaching Latin, English, French and essay-writing skills, both in schools and as a private tutor. I specialise in helping students write their Personal Statements when applying to university or to postgraduate courses.

I am the mother of five grown up children, three of whom went to Cambridge, one to KCL and one to Oxford, and I have also guided many other students into achieving offers from top universities, including many to Oxbridge.

After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in English and Classics, I taught for 2 years before going to Drama school, then moved to Granada TV as a researcher and presenter. The next 14 years were spent working for various TV companies, while also writing for national newspapers and magazines.

In 1992, I moved with my family to Salisbury and went back to teaching, first in a college of Further Education, then at a prep school, and subsequently in independent schools: nine years at St Mary's Calne from which I retired in 2015. I was then invited to , come out of retirement to teach at St Swithun's in Winchester and The Oratory School Oxford.

I no longer teach in the classroom, but continue to offer tutoring in Latin, English, French and Writing Skills. A particular speciality is Personal Statements - helping students with their applications to university. I have helped very many students (both pre-university and postgraduates) write successful personal statements for their chosen courses.

As well as the academic subjects mentioned above, I help with any writing task from an A level or IB essay (especially Theory of Knowledge) to university theses and dissertations. I specialise in Oxbridge help, including suggestions for reading, preparation for entrance tests and interview practice. So far I have helped over 20 students gain places at Oxbridge.

Teaching Experience:
Personal statements

I have helped very many students write their personal statements for application to university - both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This does NOT mean writing the statement for the student - I do not have the breadth of knowledge to write about Astrophysics or Zoology, but it does mean helping the student clarify his or her thoughts, explain what has prompted the interest in the subject, how he or she has developed this interest, what extra-curricular choices have been made, and why, and how current A levels (or degree subjects) have prepared the student for this application.
For many students, the Personal Statement is the first time they have have to talk about themselves, and for many, it is bewildering knowing how to approach it and what to include and what to leave out.

I help the student by asking him/her to fill in a preliminary questionnaire, (Why this subject? What sparked the interest? Why it's important for the student and for society etc). Next, I ask for a first draft - it doesn't matter how bad or poorly expressed this is. Then, I work with the student - either at home or by Skype/Zoom, talking through the first draft and suggesting adjustments, improvements etc. Next the student writes a second draft, and the process continues until the students is totally happy that the statement says exactly what was intended, and show the student at his/her best.
I have many testimonials from happy students (including over twenty five to Oxbridge) which I would be happy to share on request.

Latin
I teach Latin at Latin Common Entrance, GCSE, A level, and university level. The great majority of my students achieve 9s at GCSE, and As and A*s at A level. Many have gone on to read Classics at university.

English
I teach English literature and language - both critical analysis of texts and and writing skills - from GCSE to university level and beyond. Many students whom I have helped with A level essays have come back to me for help with their university dissertations, applications for Masters, or covering letters for postgraduate job applications.

Essay writing
As well as helping with A level essays in all the humanities (RS, Philosophy, Psychology, History etc) I am an experienced tutor for IB Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essays. I have also advised and guided many students with their EPQs.

French
I teach French to A level and

I teach Classical Greek to GCSE.

Tutoring Approach:
1. My first priority is to let the student know that they are not alone - I am here to help. Just being told this can be immediately reassuring, especially if the student has been worrying for about a subject or project for a long time.

2. The next step is to establish exactly how much the student already knows. Nothing surprises or shocks me, but I have come across students seeking help who haven't got a copy of the relevant book or haven't read beyond the title page. I understand this - life is busy.So I am never critical or judgmental, I am always on the student's side. If necessary, I will provide a copy (years of teaching and a large family mean I usually have several).

3. The next step is to encourage the student into thinking of the subject as interesting. This may mean overcoming any resistance, by chatting, discovering how much they already know (always more than they think - another source of encouragement) and relating it to other areas of interest. One ideas have started to flow the student will begin to realise that not only might this subject/essay not be as bad as feared, it's possible they might find something enjoyable about it.

4. Now we look at the project and ways of approaching it. The key here is structure. Quite often the student's lack of confidence has led to panic and accompanying lack of organisation. So I help sort out files, help put notes in order, and encourage the student recognise which bits of paper are/aren't relevant to their work. This is mental housekeeping - and once order has been established, the student is in a better frame of mind for doing the work.

5. The next step varies according the to the subject.

LATIN.
I ask the student translate until he meets a problem. I then explain the topic- taking care to base it only on what the student already knows and feels confident about. If there are big gaps in knowledge, I start filling them, teaching vocabulary, grammar and syntax in an orderly way and asking the student to record what we have covered in his own written file.We then continue the translation, making sure the student has understood everything we have covered so far. This process is designed to lift the fog and give the student the tools needed to translate confidently

WRITING.
If it's an essay, I encourage the student to look at the title and think about (a) what is it really asking and (b) what ideas can he or she think of in response? These can be written down in any order - at this stage it's a question of getting the thought processes going.
We then discuss how to organise the student's thoughts into a coherent whole. This can be painstaking process - it involves teaching essay structure, and and sometimes even working backwards - going from conclusion back to introduction - but we always finish by knowing exactly what direction the essay is taking.
The final step is to ask the student to write something for next time. It doesn't matter if it's short or badly-expressed, and I always make it relevant to school work. The reason I ask for a piece of writing is
a) the act of writing enables a student to know what he/she wants to say
(b) seeing a student's writing shows me how to approach the next lesson. I can see what element of the writing need work, and plan my lesson accordingly.

OTHER IDEAS FOR READING ETC
I often recommend extra-curricular ideas to make the subject more engaging - films, YouTube extracts, magazines, even books - the student doesn't have to read a whole book - even dipping in and out is helpful and there is nothing more deadening to the love of books than being told you HAVE to read them.

STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING.
. I do not only help academic high-flyers. I am also offer warm and sympathetic help to students who - for whatever reason - find academic study challenging. I help develop study skills, suggest organisational strategies (for student and parent) and above all, restore lost confidence by showing the student that he really can tackle - and overcome - any problem - just by taking it slowly and making sure he or she understands each step before going on to the next.

WELCOME TO MY HOUSE.
, I'm a great believer in the comforting powers of a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, as well as the presence of my 2 cats (who, despite being to every lesson I've given, are still rubbish at Latin). For allergic pupils, however, the cats are banished to the garden.

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

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
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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