Diura S - Tutors - Keystone Tutors

• 13+ Latin: ISEB and public school entrance exams
• GCSE Latin and Classical Civilisation (OCR)
• A level Classical Civilisation (OCR)

I have over 15 years of teaching and tutoring experience across prep, secondary and university education. Alongside classroom teaching, I have worked with students one-to-one, helping them achieve their academic goals and develop confidence in Latin, Classical Civilisation and Ancient History. My university teaching has included roles at Birkbeck College and the Open University, giving me experience of supporting learners of all ages and backgrounds.
I began private tutoring while serving as Head of Classics at Amesbury Prep School in 2011, preparing pupils for competitive entrance examinations to leading independent schools, including Charterhouse and Winchester. It has been especially rewarding to see students not only secure places at their chosen schools but also develop a genuine enthusiasm for Classics.
As a teacher of GCSE and A Level Latin and Classical Civilisation, I have guided many students to excellent outcomes, with a number going on to study Classics at university, including at Warwick, or Ancient History at Durham. My teaching combines a thorough understanding of examination requirements with a genuine passion for the ancient world, enabling students to achieve strong results while enjoying the subject.
I have extensive experience supporting students with a wide range of learning needs, including dyslexia, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This has helped me develop flexible teaching strategies that adapt to each student's individual strengths, learning style and pace. As a former Highly Able Coordinator, I also have considerable experience stretching and challenging academically ambitious pupils.
In addition to subject teaching, I have spent many years as a sixth form tutor, supporting students with UCAS applications, university admissions, study skills and exam preparation. Whether a student is aiming to build confidence, improve grades or prepare for competitive entrance exams, I tailor every lesson to their individual goals and provide the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed.

My passion for Classics began at an early age, inspired by Greek mythology and later nurtured through my studies at secondary school. Originally from the Netherlands, I studied Ancient Greek, Latin, Ancient History, Philosophy and Archaeology at Utrecht University, where I also gained my teaching qualification. I then moved to the University of Cambridge to complete an MPhil in Archaeology, followed by a PhD specialising in the Etruscans.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to making the ancient world accessible and engaging. Alongside my academic research, I have worked as a museum educator at the Classics and Fitzwilliam Museums in Cambridge, contributed to publications including the Philips' Atlas of the Ancient World, undertaken archaeological fieldwork for English Heritage, and worked as a Heritage Officer for Bracknell Forest Borough Council.
Since 2011, my primary focus has been teaching and tutoring. I am currently Head of Classics at Heathfield School and also work with students individually as a private tutor. I enjoy helping pupils discover that Classics is not just an academic subject but a fascinating way of understanding the people, ideas and cultures that have shaped our world. Whether a student is preparing for entrance exams, GCSEs, A Levels or simply wants to build confidence and enjoyment in the subject, I aim to make every lesson engaging, supportive and tailored to their individual needs.

For me, successful tutoring is a combination of engagement with the subject, an individualised approach and a clear understanding of examination requirements. I believe that every student has the potential to succeed when they are taught in a way that builds on their strengths and addresses their individual needs. My lessons are tailored to each pupil's learning style, pace and goals, creating a supportive environment where they feel confident to ask questions, tackle challenging concepts and develop their understanding. Alongside building strong subject knowledge, I place a strong emphasis on exam technique, helping students become familiar with the expectations of their exam board and develop the skills needed to achieve their best possible results. Above all, I aim to inspire confidence, encourage intellectual curiosity and equip students with the independent learning skills that will support them throughout their education.

Outside of tutoring, I am a parent of two sons and a part-time Head of Classics at Heathfield School. I enjoy bringing the ancient world to life beyond the classroom by organising educational trips and enrichment activities, including visits to museums, theatre productions such as Hadestown, and storytelling events. I also enjoy organising Classics Days and collaborating on events such as an Ancient Greek symposium re-enactment, which give students the opportunity to experience Classics in creative and memorable ways.
Away from work, I enjoy keeping active through gym sessions, Pilates, cycling and walking. I believe that maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal interests is important, and I bring that same energy, enthusiasm and curiosity to my tutoring, helping students to enjoy learning as well as achieve their academic goals.