Alasdair

Born and raised in South Yorkshire, I am the oldest of four children, which is certainly where I found my passion for supporting young people! After completing A-Levels in History, English Literature and Music, I took a gap year where I worked as an Au Pair in the US and applied to universities. My parents generously supported me with tuition for my Oxford application. Here, I understood the value of one-to-one tuition; if I hadn’t been supported with tutoring, I wonder if I would have received a place. I graduated from Oxford with a History & English degree, having volunteered as President of the Oxford University Dramatic Society during the lockdown years. After graduating, I worked as a Boarding Assistant and Teaching Assistant (Drama) at New Hall School where I experienced the significance of strong academic and pastoral relationships between students and their teachers. In the past three years, I have worked as a Workshop Facilitator, Tutor, Mentor, and Nanny, alongside studying for a Master’s degree in Professional Acting at LAMDA, from which I graduated with Distinction.

My teaching style is shaped by my priority: a child's self-assurance. For me, there is no point persisting with an exercise if the child is struggling, particularly if they are getting upset with themselves. In that instant, I would always move to a different task and come back to it through a different tactic.

This is an example of my teaching philosophy, what I like to term 'Light Learning'. Light Learning's aim is to install knowledge and understanding in the student without them necessarily realising; for them to leave the lesson feeling light, and feeling themselves Depending on the age and goals of the student, I tend to use games, quizzes, shorter exercises, regular sensible breaks, and importantly, humour. I am always conscious of the fact that the student is taking our sessions outside and largely after-school. I aim for the lessons to be enjoyable, curious, and light, hopefully leading to a longer term appreciation for learning.

With the student’s parents, I aim to lead with two key values of communication and flexibility.

Currently, I am studying for a Master’s degree in Professional Acting at LAMDA. After graduating, I would like to combine academic and creative support for young people. Combined with tutoring, I would like to work part-time one or two days per week for an arts charity which supports young people without access to the arts.

When I’m not Tutoring or Acting, I enjoy listening to music from Classical to Disco and going to the cinema. My favourite album is Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder and my favourite films are Monsters Inc. and Parasite. I also enjoy following Sheffield United FC, playing sudoku, birdwatching, and going for walks with my partner. As a Sheffielder, anything I can get akin to the Peak District is perfect.