Josh

Experience

- Economics IB

- Economics A level. (Edexcel, OCR, AQA)

- Economics GCSE (Edexcel, CIE)

- Economics Cambridge Pre-U

- History A level (Edexcel, AQA)

- History GCSE (CIE, Edexcel)

I have taught at International School in Spain for two years, teaching both history and economics. I also have experience teaching at tutorial colleges in Spain and London. I have been tutoring for seven years, three of those with Keystone.

Biography

I was raised in Islington, North London. I went to Christ's Hospital boarding school at age 11. I completed my GCSE’s there, receiving seven A grades and two C grades. I then studied history, economics and maths at A level, scoring two A’s and a C grade.

From Christ’s I went to study history at UCL. My BA focussed on the history of the Americas and Anglo-American relations in the twentieth century. I wrote my dissertation on class relations in the Revolutionary Army.

I took a year out between my BA and MA to intern at the St Louis Post Dispatch newspaper in the United States during the re-election campaign of George W. Bush. During this time I also took evening courses at Washington University in St Louis at their school of journalism. As part of my internship I wrote under my own by-line, the highlight of which was being able to participate in an interview of the then US Ambassador to the United Nations.

I returned to UCL for my MA and began to move from straight history towards political economy. The core components of my MA were classes in political philosophy through the School of Public Policy and studying the sociology of Max Weber, particularly his work Economy and Society. I wrote my thesis under the heading The Language of Legitimate Violence, looking at the U.S. intervention in Serbia in 1999 from a theoretical international relations perspective based upon the philosophy of Emmanuel Kant.

I took an extended break between my MA and PhD, living and working in Spain for three years and then spending a year travelling in South and Central America. Whilst in Spain, I taught for two years full-time in an international school. I taught IB, AS and A2 Economics as well as history A level and IGCSE. I also taught GCSE economics at a tutorial college in Spain and began my work as a tutor in this period. I have been tutoring through Keystone for since 2012. Overall, I have tutored on and off for over seven years.

I returned to London in 2012 to resume my studies. I am studying for a Phd in History that examines macro-economic policy in Central America 1990-2011. It looks specifically at Panama and Nicaragua as case studies for policy and the US role in regional development. In the last year I have been awarded research grants to travel to the International Monetary Fund in Washington to access their archives and to Texas to research at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library.

Personal Approach

Each student has different needs, so it is important to respond to these in the first instance. However, the two foundations for success in economics are solid grasp of the theory and good essay writing skills.

Theory covers precise definitions and use of graphs, but also how to apply the ideas to real world situations. It is important to have a broad view of the role of economics in politics and society as well as text book theory. From this basis it is possible to move forward and write good analytical essays that both apply economics and also question its use in the real world. Structure is of fundamental importance here to score well in exams.

That all sounds terribly dry, but hopefully the classes don't reflect that. At it root, the economics A Level is a set of tools with which to analyse the world around us. This often proves to be more fun for inquisitive young minds than it sounds.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I have a daughter born October 2013 and a son born in May 2015. Between teaching, study and family there isn't much time left over. What there is in the evenings usually goes to the sofa with either something to read or a game of football to watch.

Testimonials

"He has been absolutely brilliant. He is always very patient and kind. He has provided excellent lessons and the children have learned a lot. My son got an A* and an A in his History papers, without a doubt he would not have achieved this without Josh’s help." (Mother of 16+ candidate)

Josh tutored me when I was at MYP (my grade went all the way from a 4 to 7 after several lessons - Thank you very much! I am now in IBDP Year 2 and taking Economics HL. - Online student

"Josh is excellent. He is obviously a fabulous tutor. He is kind, patient and has high expectations of the children. They respond well to his calm, straight forward approach. They never complain about their tutoring times and we are delighted that they are making great progress!" (Mother of Year 10 online students)

"Well Josh was a big hit! My daughter really enjoyed her lesson this morning and said it was one of the best she has ever had!" Mother of previous student.

"I would like to express my gratitude to you for enabling me to being accepted to all 4 of the schools I have applied to. It really wouldn’t have been possible without your support and excellent teaching!" Successful 16+ Applicant to Rugby (Economics)

“Josh has been a huge help throughout my IGCSE Economics course, as shown by my A*. His knowledgeable of the subject and ability to explain theory clearly is one of the main reasons I have decided to continue to subject at A level.” IGCSE Student

"My daughter was a student who did not take any GCSE economics classes at school. Rupert and her covered the entire course together in the holidays, meeting in the British Library coffee shop over a period of 18 months. She got an A* that we are both very happy about. "

"Thanks so much for all your help. Our son will be in touch himself but at this minute he is busy putting his Durham place on hold. He plans to apply to Cambridge for next year...

The breakdown of marks was as follows:

economics 1 91/100

economics 2 97/100

economics 3 75/80

economics 4 120/120

Hope all well with you let us know your news do not want to lose in touch". Mother of A Level Economics Student

"Our son got an A in his Economics so he is thrilled. Thanks for the help." Mother of A Level Economics Student

"Just emailing to thank you for all your help in Economics over Easter. I am happy to say I achieved a B in economics up from a D at AS!

Fortunately I have been accepted into my first choice university, Newcastle Uni, and this couldn't have been achieved without your help." A Level Economics Student

''Just wanted to say how much we have appreciated your help to Pete and many a time when Pete was getting himself worried and convincing himself he was not up to it you were so patient helpful focused on the task with a wonderful knack of restoring his confidence. Thank you'' Pete's Mum.