Jason

Experience

* 11+ English and public school entrance exams, including pre-tests

* 11+ Maths and public school entrance exams, including pre-tests

* 8+ English and prep school entrance exams

* 8+ Maths and prep school entrance exams

* 7+ English and prep school entrance exams

* 7+ Maths and prep school entrance exams

I have 23 years of extensive teaching experience in primary education, the last 18 of which have been spent in the independent preparatory school sector. My specialist area of teaching is 11+ English and maths. At Broomfield House School, a top-performing one-form-entry, non-selective, co-ed prep school in Kew, I was Year 6 class teacher for four years and deputy head (academic) for the last five years where I was primarily responsible for the teaching, learning and academic achievement in Early Years and Key Stages 1 and 2, and, in particular, the preparation of the Year 6 pupils for their 11+ exams and interviews. I have a proven track-record in achieving excellent 11+ outcomes for children of all abilities, many of whom secured offers from top west London and south west London selective secondary schools including St Paul's Girls' and Boys', Godolphin and Latymer, Latymer Upper, Hampton and Lady Eleanor Holles. In my last year at Broomfield, more than one-fifth of the Year 6 children secured places at St Paul's Boys' and Girls' and the cohort as a whole achieved a school-record 19 11+ scholarships. I am now focusing my time and energy on tutoring boys and girls for their 7+, 10+ and 11+ exams.

Biography

I was born in north London where I enjoyed a happy childhood before moving in my teens with my family to the Netherlands where I took my GCE O Levels at the British School. I returned to England afterwards and took my A Levels at the Licensed Victuallers' School in Berkshire before going on to Queen Mary College, University of London, where I gained a BSc joint honours degree in Geochemistry. After a successful career in press and public relations, I trained to be a primary school teacher and have since spent 23 enjoyable years helping young children realise their potential in English and mathematics, including gaining coveted places at some of the best selective secondary schools in the country.

Personal Approach

My approach to tutoring is similar to my style of teaching in the classroom, only one-to-one. I believe it is essential to bond with every student by getting to know them as an individual in terms of their interests, likes and dislikes, dreams and goals. This enables me to motivate them to be the best they can be in their learning and give them the confidence and growth mindset they need to help them realise their academic potential. In my tutorial sessions, I explain and demonstrate concepts, methods and techniques clearly and succinctly as well as provide my student with tailored opportunities to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills. During each session, there is ongoing interaction between me and my student whilst giving them time and space to think for themselves to solve problems, providing prompts and support when necessary. Praise is an important part of my sessions; I want my student to feel good about themselves and proud of their achievements as well as look forward to their next session with me! I keep parents informed of their children's ongoing progress and provide feedback on how each session has gone and what I will work with them on in the next session.

What I do when I am not tutoring

After a long and successful career in primary education, most notably in the private sector, I am now a full-time tutor who loves what they do. I have the time and flexible working hours to tutor in the morning, afternoon and evening on week days and in the mornings on weekends. I have been tutoring online since August 2020 and am now well-versed in the methods that work with remote teaching and learning. When I'm not tutoring, I enjoy reading literature, including children's novels. I also enjoy listening to all kinds of music and watching films, drama and documentaries on television.

Testimonials

''Thank you for another amazing session. Arjan thoroughly enjoyed his session on Monday. I was able to hear a few minutes of it here and there whilst looking after the other two, and you really are a fabulous teacher.'' (mother of 11+ student)

''Thank you for practising interviewing with Jonathan and your very valuable feedback.'' (mother of 11+ student)

''Thank you so much Mr Callander for your excellent teaching.'' (mother of 10+ student)