James

Experience

- 11+ English and Maths: ISEB and public school exams

- 13+ English: ISEB and public school entrance exams

- Grammar school entrance

- GCSE/IGCSE English (all exam boards)

- GCSE/IGCSE History (all exam boards)

- A-level English (all exam boards)

- A-level History (all exam boards)

- Oxbridge Admissions (English)

- English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT) preparation

- UKiset preparation

- SEN: tutoring children with dyslexia

I have accrued nearly 3000 hours of one-to-one tutoring experience over the past six years. This included two years (2018-2020) as one of Keystone's Professional Tutors, during which I received regular training and feedback on my practice. I have worked with pupils aged 9-18, and have taught the majority of my hours online; as a result, am happy to consider working with a wide range of students. I am also comfortable working with students beyond the school system, and currently teach contemporary literature to undergraduates at Queen's University, Belfast. This leaves me well-placed to assist A-Level students looking to stretch themselves, or with applications to read English at university level.

Biography

Oxford has nearly always been my home, having been both where I was raised and where I eventually attended university. I left the Cherwell School in the north of the city with A-Levels in English Literature, History, Economics, and Drama & Theatre Studies, before making the short journey into the heart of town to read English Language and Literature at Mansfield College, Oxford.

After completing my degree, I moved to Belfast to begin a research Master's at Queen's University. I have remained in Northern Ireland ever since, and am currently studying for a PhD on contemporary Irish literature.

Personal Approach

I believe that best results are achieved when students are given the freedom to formulate their own opinions, before having these sensitively challenged. Asking testing questions is central to my approach in every lesson, and I aim to equip my tutees with an intellectual confidence that will serve them well in tricky exams and beyond. This approach also demands flexibility on behalf of the tutor and, as a result, I always make sure to tailor lessons and schemes of work according to the exact requirements of each pupil.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I have a real love of writing, and have published poems in several literary journals and magazines. I am currently putting together a pamphlet of these that will (I hope!) be published in the near future. When away from my work, I might be found playing or writing about rugby, strumming on my guitar, or going to the theatre.

Testimonials

“James was an unmitigated success. My daughter really enjoyed working with him and feels much more confident. I will definitely be booking James again.” (Mother of Year 12 English student)

"James was always punctual, extremely positive and encouraging and patient with my son. He got accepted at both schools and will be starting at St. Paul’s in September 2019." (Mother of 11+ student)

“My son has thoroughly enjoyed his lessons with James. There has been a marked improvement in his writing and he feels more confident. James has also worked on his comprehension skills and my son feels his ability in drawing inferences has improved. James is always punctual and always gives me notice even if he is 5 minutes late. He has been extremely patient and positive with my son and he looks forward to his lessons with him. In short - we have had a fantastic experience with James.” (Mother of 11+ English student)

''Fantastic teacher - my son loved it and looks forward to continue with James! Thanks a lot.'' (Mother of Year 10 English student based in Geneva)

''James is full of energy while delivering his lessons. James listens very well and appreciates ideas put forward by my son during the lesson, which is very encouraging. My son really looks forward to learning in the lessons and views James as a role model. As a parent, I have already seen a positive trend.'' (Parent of KS3 English student)

''James has been punctual, professional, plans the lessons and makes them interesting, which facilitates the learning. James has an obvious passion for the subject which reflects in his teaching and is benefiting my son, who enjoys his lessons.'' (Parent of GCSE English student)

''James is professional, patient and hardworking. He is well prepared for each lesson and my son is always looking forward to the next one. I strongly recommend James to parent who is looking for a trustworthy English tutor.'' Parent of KS3 English student)

''James is a very impressive man - articulate, personable and straightforward.'' (Parent of A-Level History student)