Verity

Experience

During my studies I began lecturing for undergraduate courses, and privately tutoring AS, A2 and undergraduates in Art History (Edexel/Pearson, Cambridge Pre-U) and Art (AQA, OCR and EdExcel, IB and Cambridge Pre-U). I also work with students on EPQ essays, ARTiculation and on UCAS Oxbridge applications and personal statements and The Common App for applications to the USA.

Exam technique has been key to my own learning process - I got all As at A Level, with 100% in many of my modules, and I got the top marks in my year for Art History in my Cambridge finals. Many students I work with receive As or A*s, several get 100% in coursework and EPQ, and all improve grades and develop genuine interests in their subject outside exams. A number have also got places at Oxford, Cambridge, the Courtauld, Columbia, Barnard, NYU, Parsons, Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion.

I continue to work with degree level students in Art History, Fashion, Art and Design - a number of whom have got Firsts and Distinctions - and I continue to lecture at Cambridge.

Biography

I grew up in Kenya and at 13 became a boarder at Badminton School, where I sat my GCSEs and A Levels - in Art, English Literature, History of Art and Photography. After a wonderful gap year working in the Education department at Tate Britain, I went to Cambridge to study Art History, where I got a Double First. Next I spent a year working at Vogue Magazine, both in London and in New York, and working with an Interior Decorator, before returning to Cambridge for an MPhil and a PhD.

Alongside privately tutoring History of Art, I currently lecture for an undergraduate course at Cambridge on Surrealism, and have set up my own small fashion brand. In the past I have interned at three auction houses, Sotheby's, Christie's and Bonham's, as well as at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, and at the National Trust. I also worked as a PA for a Photographer, designed textiles, and produced graphics for a television program.

Personal Approach

My own enthusiasm for, and interest in, my subjects helps me to encourage and inspire my students. Private tuition provides a space in which students can explore confusing or complex aspects of their course without the risk of slowing down the class or appearing silly. It also allows for invaluable means of exploration not so easily accessible in the context of school, such as visiting museums and galleries and seeing objects at first hand.

Students often begin Art History from scratch at A-level or as a degree, and have issues with the idea of writing an essay on an image. Visual analysis is key to art history and I aim to encourage students to consider the formal aspects of reading images as sources, or evidence, on which to pin their critical interpretation.

I strongly believe in excellence stemming from fun and enjoyment, and aim to find ways of capturing each individual student’s interest and attention.

What I do when I am not tutoring

Alongside tutoring, I give tours of Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions, design textiles, work as a photographic assistant and produce graphics for television programs. I also give undergraduate lectures in the Art History department at Cambridge. I plan to continue to divide my time between these activities and tutoring for the foreseeable future. When I am not working or tutoring I practice yoga, travel and watch old films.

Testimonials

“Fay’s report has improved so much since she began tutoring with you. Thank you so much.” Mother of A2 Student (2018)

“I got a 100% in my EPQ! Thanks so much for all your help, I couldn’t have managed without you!” A2 student (2018)

“I got 72 – a First! I am so happy, thank you so much for your help!” BA Student (2018)

“Distinction in my dissertation!! Very, very happy!” MA Student (2018)

“As in all my papers! Definitely not possible without your help THANKYOU SO MUCH!!!” A2 Student (2018)

“Thank you soooooo much for your help and everything you’ve done, you have been amazing!”A2 Student (2018)

“Thank you so much, handed in, really pleased with it! I saw you worked overtime, I’m so appreciative.” BA Student (2018)

“Thank you so much for all the help you have given Poppy. You are a brilliant tutor.” Mother of A2 Student (2018)

“I looked at the Man Ray exhibition catalogue today, and I want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for such a wonderful exhibition and my new knowledge.” Feedback on an Art History Tour (2018)

“Verity is a very intelligent, patient and talented teacher...she knows how to motivate and inspire a student. Calm and enthusiastic she makes learning interesting and enjoyable.” Feedback on an Art History Tour (2018)