James C - Tutors - Keystone Tutors
James
James is an experienced tutor and an Oxford graduate with a passion for English and History. He tutors online alongside completing a PhD in Northern Irish poetry. James has delivered over 3,400 hours of 1:1 lessons with Keystone clients.
James is an employed Keystone tutor. This means James:
- Engages with Keystone's bespoke professional development programme
- Works exclusively for Keystone on a fully employed basis
- Is committed to tutoring as a career and profession
“James is a very impressive man - articulate, personable and straightforward.”
- 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)
- UKiset preparation
- SEN: tutoring children with dyslexia
I have accrued more than three thousand hours of one-to-one tutoring experience over the past seven years. I was a Professional Tutor between 2018-2020, and was delighted to resume that role after completing my Master's in 2022. I have worked with pupils aged all the way from nine to beyond eighteen, 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.
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 across the Irish Sea to pursue postgraduate study at Queen's University Belfast. I completed my PhD in 2024, and continue to teach on the English faculty at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
“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)”
“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)”
“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)”
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.
I am a practising literary critic, so much of my time is spent reading and writing. When away from work, I might be found playing or writing about rugby, strumming on my guitar, or going to the theatre.
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