A* STUDENT of 11+, GCSE and A-Level English, Latin, and History offering all ability tutoring, guaranteed success

Learn more about James

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  Ever since I was taught these subjects (of English, History, and Latin) in the classroom, I've been passionate about learning more. I was so enthused by these topics that I wanted to spread this passion to others, and I figured the best way to do that was tutoring. After taking these subjects at GCSE, A-Levels, and beyond, I developed an even stronger interest in them which blossomed into wanting to teach others privately.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  English is my all-time favourite subject as it has a social, political, and cultural function. I believe that literature is the most vital expression of what it means to be a human. I also have a fascination for language, the way that words are formed (etymology), ordered (syntax), and create meaning (literature!) For me, Latin naturally follows. This excitement with grammar, vocabulary, and morphology culminates in my study of this ancient language. Being able to examine the semantic origins of English, which are largely from the Latin language, provides me with a greater appreciation for words – and this is what I want to pass on to students of Latin. Also, the cultural and mythological side of this subject is fascinating and engaging for tutees. This links to History as well, which is a vital subject in that it looks at what it means and meant to be human. It draws links between how humans have acted in the past, still do, and might do in the future. History is a universal subject and, by its very nature, indiscriminately global. I love it when tutees draw links between historic events and figures.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I was hugely inspired by my Year 3 English teacher, Mrs Wantling who brought the stories in the books to life. ‘Danny the Champion of the World’ and ‘Emil and the Detectives’ were the first two stories that attracted me into the world of literature and storytelling. Equally, my Year 4 English teacher, Mr Titley brought ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom’ to life – even more dramatically and enthusiastically. I owe my enjoyment of literature to many other teachers too – Miss Evans (Year 6), Mr Donnelly (Year 8), Mr Allington (Year 10), and Mrs Milne (rest of school). For me, this is proof of how much an impact a tutor or teacher can have on a student’s enjoyment of a subject, so I try and implement this into my own tutoring – infusing a passion for the subject in my pupils.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  As I mentioned above, your primary duty as a tutor is to help foster a passion for the subject in your tutee. If they don’t enjoy the subject or want to study, it is almost impossible for them to excel. You must therefore be understanding when they’re struggling: compassion is a very important quality for a tutor. Every student will have different levels, expectations, pressures (especially from parents), and abilities – and being a good tutor is about recognising, adapting, and accommodating these differences. My ethic as a tutor is student first – lessons should be shaped around what is helping them – not what is helping me or what I have planned. If something isn’t working, a good tutor should be flexible. Another trait I think is imperative in a tutor is organisation – this means planning lessons well in advance, arranging times, and being punctual. This means meeting deadlines and helping your tutees do the same. Finally, creating engaging material for the student is very important – not just your delivery of the content, but also the visual side.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  When I sat down for my Oxford interview, I was given the privilege of being in the company of some of the greatest minds in my subject in the world. I remember the vast enjoyment of meeting other people who were as enthused about English as I am. We ran well over our allotted interview time because all the professors got so carried away when talking about the universality of literature and the function of poetry. Another thing that made the memory good was that I scored 9.5 out of 10 in the interview!

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  I remember coming up to my English teacher, Mrs Milne, at the start of the GCSE course when I was near the bottom of the class in achievement. I said in despair: “This is supposed to be my best subject, but I’m getting the lowest grades in it!” After a coffee and a chat with an older student, I was reassured that progress takes time, not everyone can start at the top, and it’s ok to make mistakes. I really did feel defeated that first term of studying GCSE English but I managed to end the course with the highest grades in the school – it really does prove that even in the hardest moments, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The difficulties I still face is long novels – I really do not enjoy reading dense, verbose novels of excruciating length!

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My passion is really teaching, but specifically poetry. I love how these parcels of black ink on a page are able to carry so much emotion and meaning. I love how pieces of prose with the ends of the lines cut off (Simon Armitage’s definition of poetry) are capable of making a human laugh, smile, cry, weep, mourn, praise, jump, faint, live, and die. I love poetry written by Ovid all the way up to Harry Baker. The Romantics particularly piqued my interest – and nature has become my favourite area of poetry: Ted Hughes being the best proponent, for me. The Metaphysicals too, especially John Donne enticed me. As well as Sylvia Plath. I really just love poetry and teaching others, breaking poems down line by line.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  I think my absolute love for these subjects and the students. I really do want my students to enjoy these subjects as much as I have done and still do. I think this enthusiasm is reflected in my teaching style, which I strive to make as engaging as possible. The resources I prepare are thorough and relevant, but also in many different media: revision sheets, presentations, fill-in-the-blanks, creative projects, stories – the list goes on! I am also very organised in lesson planning and being punctual. The trait of understanding, flexibility, and compassion for the different needs of the student is one that I also think I demonstrate very well. I do also love Superprof and how convenient a tool it is to provide accessible tutoring to the public!