Sam

Experience

• 13+ English: ISEB and public school entrance exams

• GCSE English Literature, Religious Studies, History and Drama (Edexcel, OCR, AQA and WJEC)

• (I)GCSE English Literature, Religious Studies, History and Drama (Edexcel, OCR and AQA)

• A-level English Literature, Religious Studies and Theatre Studies (Edexcel, OCR and AQA)

I have worked as a private tutor for the past three years, with pupils ranging in age from 8-18 across a range of subjects. My degree in Theology means I am particularly comfortable tutoring all manifestation of the Religious Studies exam, and I have a great deal of experience tutoring the English Literature courses, both GCSE and A Level. I myself achieved the highest marks in school in the English Literature final exams.

I have also led a number of Oxbridge style interviews for prospective students, as well as general study-skills sessions.

Biography

I was born in the little town of Salisbury, where I attended Bishop Wordsworth's Grammar School and achieved very high marks in Spanish, English Literature, Religious Studies and Early Modern History.

Following school I attended Oxford University, from which I graduated in 2015 with a First Class in Theology. I have just completed a Masters Degree at Birkbeck College, University of London, where I attained a Distinction.

Personal Approach

What my experience tutoring has shown me is that students learn in different ways and require different means with which to access their learning. My teaching style is focussed, patient and tool-based. As much as possible I try to use different learning tools to enable understanding and memory improvement. I'm especially interested in the use of space and spatial techniques to access and understand the logical progression of certain arguments.

A particular focus of my tutoring is giving students certain skills which have application beyond the classroom and will help them achieve higher goals in the future. Skills such as efficient note-taking, text analysis and memory improvement exercises are vital not only as academic tools but as skills needed throughout our lives, and some of my most rewarding moments whilst teaching have come when witnessing my students using those skills across a broad canvas of contexts.

All students learn in different ways, and my tutoring style accommodates and allows for that. I have found that certain spatial techniques are generally useful as revision methods for many students, and I am interested in developing these further. The use of coloured post-it notes to both spatially express the logical structure of argumentation, as well as an aid to memory improvement, is one such an example which is especially helpful.

What I do when I am not tutoring

When not tutoring, I invest my time in the theatrical side of my life, both with my theatre company and alone in darkened auditoriums, going to as many shows as I can get into. I write and direct my own work, and currently have two shows out on national tours.

I am also an avid reader, both of fictional texts and, failing to leave my degree fully behind, modern theological works. I am a particular devourer of Dostoyevsky and Sartre, as well as any and all play-texts, and some beautiful American novels, young and old.

Testimonials

Sam was a terrific help to my daughter - when she was dealing with the challenges of philosophy and moral arguments, and the complexity of the Bible, he was a beacon of clarity and help. He really did encourage her too, and her confidence definitely grew. I would recommend Sam without reservation. (Parent of a Year 13 student)

"Sam was fantastic and just what my daughter needed. She had been quite anxious as she is quite shy with people she doesn’t know but his manner and obvious knowledge of the subject won her over very quickly." Mother of previous student.

Sam tutored me prior to my philosophy and theology interviews at Oxford. He is extremely friendly, engaging and has a great wealth of knowledge in theology.

Sam went above and beyond to make sure that I felt supported by providing me with useful resources and ensuring I felt comfortable to discuss the issues I had.

I highly recommend Sam as his kind nature and great personality coupled with his dedication towards his students makes him an exceptional tutor - Alina K [Oxbridge Preparation]

'My daughter had been struggling to motivate herself in her RE lessons and Sam really turned things around. She always looks forward to their lessons together, she is motivated to work outside of these times and her results have improved drastically. Sam is a delight to talk to and has been invaluable to Sarenna' - Michelle F [Mother of Sarenna]

'Now with Sam, Aram does much better in his school-work. Sam always arrives exactly on time!' - Ms Fadhil [Mother of Aram Fadhil]