Callum

I grew up in Buckinghamshire and completed my A-levels at Dr. Challoner's Grammar School in Amersham. My A-levels were in English, Geography and French (plus AS levels in Maths and General Studies). After graduating from Grammar school, I went on to study BA English at the University of Leicester, before completing my MA in English at King's College London. I began tutoring in 2014 while completing my Master’s, and I’m delighted to say that I have never looked back. As someone who progressed through the Grammar school system with the aid of tutoring, I am glad to be able to provide the same kind of valuable support to others. I get a huge amount of joy and fulfilment from helping young people succeed.

Aside from tutoring, I run a career guidance business called Be More Me. The whole idea is to help young people make more authentic and purposeful choices as they move from formal education to the world of work. As someone who initially graduated with no idea of what I wanted to do for work, I’m honoured to be able help students get clear on what it is they want to do and how they want to show up in the world.

I currently live in Edmonton, Canada with my wife and son. We love it here for most of the year, so long as the temperature is above -10!

My first priority is getting students interested in their subject. Curiosity is a natural motivator, and I find that my students’ sense of work ethic and independence stems from building an interest in not just the content, but also the broader idea of personal success.

My sessions are interactive and engaging. I encourage students to go beyond their comfort zone without feeling out of their depth. I am passionate about helping students to grow on both an academic and personal level, and I give students ample opportunity to do both.

My teaching is a nice blend of traditional and modern, and this is flexible depending on each student’s learning needs. I acknowledge and facilitate individual learning styles.

I have been working as an online tutor ever since the initial shift took place from face-to-face tutoring to online. I’m comfortable using technology and online resources to aid my tutoring, and am very forward thinking when I do. However, I am also keen to promote handwritten notes, essays, revision etc. because of the significant benefits: better recall, more thoughtful processing, increased engagement, reduced distractions/screen time etc. Ultimately this approach is adapted to student preferences and learning styles as well.

I set homework tasks each session with clear expectations and with long-term objectives in mind. Each homework task is usually 30 minutes to 1 hour, though this is flexible depending on various factors.

Finally, I keep in regular communication with parents, and happily make myself available for catch up messages/calls etc. in addition to the regular monthly written report.

Aside from tutoring, I run an education and career consultancy business called Be More Me. The mission is to reinvent traditional career advice by taking a more holistic and integrated approach, looking at all aspects of a young person's life. This was created in response to the challenges faced by many of my students, who may be academically successful, but are ultimately unsure of how to make an impact in the world in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling.

In my free time, I love to play piano and produce music. I’ve always loved sport, health and fitness etc. as well. I grew up playing football, and Arsenal is my team (though admittedly I do take on Spurs fans as clients).