Andrew Gillespie - Tutors - Keystone Tutors

Experience

I have tutored with Keystone for a year, teaching predominantly Art History but also essay writing. I have also run afterschool art classes for students at Eltham College, an independent school in Mottingham, South-East London. These are practical, hands-on sessions, opportunities for the students to explore ideas, materials and processes without the constraints of a curriculum.

Recent Keystone Work:

History of Art: History of Art A level (Started: February 2011)

History of Art: Undergraduate History of Art (Started: February 2011)

11+ English, 11+ Maths , Motivation, Exam Preparation and Study Skills: General tuition for 10 year old (Started: February 2011)

History of Art: A2 History of Art (Started: March 2011)

History of Art: History of Art for final year dissertation (Started: March 2011)

History of Art, Fine Art: History of Art and A level Art (Started: September 2011)

History of Art: help with University History of Art dissertation (Started: November 2011)

Biography

At school (King Edward's School, Birmingham) I was something of an all rounder. I was first XV rugby captain, a prefect and a member of numerous societies. My primary focus however has always been art. On leaving school in 2002 with 4 A's at A level, I completed a series of art related courses. Firstly I did a foundation course in Art in Design at the University of England. Following this I completed a History of Art degree (2:1) from St. John's College Cambridge, and I have just finished studying Fine Art at The Ruskin School, Oxford (1st). I have recently moved to London to pursue a career in the arts.

Personal Approach

I find it crucial to adopt a practical and hands on approach to teaching art and history. Being confronted by a painting or sculpture in the flesh, rather than seeing it reproduced in books or on the internet, stimulates a much more authoritative and emotive discussion. So whenever possible I would promote tutorials in galleries and museums, especially in London where one is spoilt for choice.

Obviously discussing and teaching art can be hugely subjective and personal. Students shouldn't feel afraid to say what they see or feel about work they see or indeed work they make. With teaching art, a lot of it simply comes down to attitude and confidence. I am friendly and relaxed and would hope to create an informal climate for discussion - discussing art needn't be pretentious or intimidating.

At the same time, I am aware that art and art history are taken as exams and are not simply pursuits of leisure. Having completed both an essay based and also practical art course, I have a solid understanding of exam techniques, jumping through hoops and getting through the often daunting prospect of exams. I believe the academic skills and basic approach used in Art History can be usefully applied to other essay writing subjects.

What I do when I am not tutoring

Since finishing Oxford last June I have moved to London and I'm currently working as a research assistant for Hans Ulrich Obrist, co-curator of the Serpentine Gallery. Since this is unpaid at the moment, I have been doing lots of bits and pieces to keep myself afloat. I recently worked at the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea Park, assisting with the installation and running of the fair. I have also worked as a technician, helping to install a pop-up show for the Frieze with the Paradise Row Gallery. Alongside all this, I am continuing to make my own work and have recently begun putting on exhibitions in my house in east London.

Testimonials

06/01/2012: The lessons with Andrew were a huge help, I will definitely be booking more (University History of Art student)

21/12/2011: Andrew was great - he really helped point me in the right direction and help me structure my ideas (Art School applicant)

21/11/2011: Andrew is fantastic, thanks for the recommendation (Mother of A Level History of Art student)

17/10/2011: “We are very happy with our son's results and Andrews tutoring, we will be keeping you in mind for the future” (Mother of GCSE student)

17/10/2011: “My daughter is delighted, please thank Andrew” (Mother of History of Art A Level Student)

17/10/2011: “I was very impressed with Andrew and have since recommended your organisation to a friend” (Mother of A Level History of Art student)

17/10/2011: “Andrew's tutoring really helped. She has made her grades and will be going off to Edinburgh University next month” (Mother of A Level History of Art student)

07/07/2011: “My daughter thought Andrew was first class and appeared to be very happy with her tutorials. I liked his approach immensely." (mother of A level History of Art student)

07/07/2011: “Andrew was simply wonderful, such a life saver! Happy with his work and I look forward to working with him in the future.” (Ora, University student, History of Art)

25/05/2011: “The first session seemed to go well and my daughter seemed pleased. We have set up more sessions.” (Mother of A-level student, Hist. of Art)

12/04/2011: "He has been absolutely brilliant" (Cambridge Art student)

12/04/2011: "I am really thrilled with Andrew!" (final year History of Art student)

Passport: Keystone Tutors has a copy of Andrew Gillespie's passport and therefore can confirm that Andrew Gillespie is a UK / EU national or has the appropriate visa to be eligible to work in the UK.