Jack

Experience

- Pretest English, Maths, Verbal and Nonverbal reasoning.

- 11+/13+ English: ISEB and public school exams

- 11+/13+ Mathematics: ISEB and public school exams

- GCSE/IGCSE English: AQA, Edexcel, CIE and OCR

- GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics: AQA and Edexcel

- GCSE/IGCSE Physics: AQA and Edexcel

- AS/A-level English: AQA and Edexcel

- Oxbridge Admissions (English and Theology)

- English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT) preparation

I have been a tutor with Keystone in the areas of English, Mathematics and Physics, both face-to-face and online, since 2017. Across these three disciplines, I work from the level of pretests and school entrance exams right through to GCSE level (and then beyond to A-Level and Pre-University in English Literature, my area of expertise), across a number of exam boards. In all these areas, I have helped students to achieve, either in helping them pass the entrance tests to some of the UK's most competitive schools, or by helping them attain or excel their target grades in secondary school exams.

Biography

Starting from a state school background (with A*AA in English, Physics and History), I went on to read English at Trinity College, Oxford where I was awarded the Percival Scholarship after gaining a distinction in my preliminary examinations.

At Oxford, I was president of the comedy society (former members including Alan Bennett, Michael Palin, Rowan Atkinson and Katy Brand to name a few). I went on to try my hand in showbusiness, performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, and writing jokes and shows for BBC Radio 4.

I returned to university for postgraduate study of Theology at St Stephen's House, Oxford, where I achieved a distinction. I currently live and work in an Anglican chaplaincy called Pusey House. I am due to be married this December 2022.

Personal Approach

In summary, my tutoring is:

- RESPONSIVE to the student's needs. I will plan my lessons, though fully expect and encourage students to bring me difficult problems in Maths, parts of poems they don't understand, or exam papers they have been given for homework - I will always adapt to their requirements in the lesson.

- CONVERSATIONAL and friendly. The great ancient teachers used dialogue to guide their students by using continued questions and deliberate irony. It has not been improved upon as a method, in my view. My lessons do not feature endless worksheets and Google Docs.

- about INDEPENDENT WORK. Students learn how to factorise an equation not from hearing a teacher describe the steps only, but by doing it for themselves, over and over. They learn vocabulary best not by a dictionary definition, but by seeing the word deployed, and then having to use it themselves. I do not shy away from getting students to keep practicing and practicing, until they are getting the result I need.

Beyond these practicalities, I am convinced that school and university are not means to an end (i.e. the good Maths score that means the pupil will be able to attend the 'right' academy, and then get the 'right' job). Learning has a value that takes us further than human utility, and I am keen to impress upon students a love of learning for its own sake. My approach to knowledge - the 'knowable' world that surrounds us - is to see it as a gift, not a resource to be exploited for our own gain. I enjoy learning goals like confidence-building, help with understanding, or helping to fulfil potential for this reason.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I work for a chaplaincy called Pusey House while I discern whether or not I am being called to be a Priest in the Church of England. Pusey House is a place which ministers to the students and locals of Oxford in the Anglican High-Church tradition. I am the Sacristan, which means I set up the chapel for worship, and keep the vestments and linens of the space clean and tidy. I also run study groups for students, and design the House's promotional material and website. It is busy but rewarding work.

Beyond that, I occasionally find time to chat with my fiancée, Emily, and keep my eye on the Everton score - or the cricket, during the Ashes or the World Cup.

Testimonials

''It was great!! Jack was brilliant and worked to give my son just the right balance of challenge and support. Really impressed with his approach, kind, in control, really well prepared and in tune with what our son needed from the session.'' (Mother of Oxbridge applicant)

''Maya has just received her GCSE results.. 9 in both English Literature and English Language... she is so so pleased. And she could not have done it without you... a sincere thank you from Maya and all of us!! Thank you Jack!!'' (Divyata, mother of a GCSE student)

''I really do think that your sessions are giving him both confidence (v important for him) and a sense of structure. It’s much appreciated because I know with P that it is largely a question of him gaining a positive attitude and believing in his own abilities, and you really do seem to bring that out in him. Think he’ll miss you over the summer and is looking forward to seeing you in Sept.'' (Celia, mother of a 10 year old)

''Although we have now finished our sessions they were very useful and Thomas learnt a lot'' (Beccy, mother of 13 year old)

“Our son liked Jack and they seemed to be doing good, constructive study” (John, father of 10 year old)

“We have had the first session with Jack, who was very good'' (Marousa, mother of 13 year old)