Theo

Experience

- Over 900 hours of private tuition, classroom and homeschooling experience

- Degree level History (BA)

- A Level History (all exam boards)

- A Level English Literature (all exam boards)

- I/GCSE History (all exam boards)

- I/GCSE English (all exam boards)

- 13+ English, Maths: ISEB and Independent School entrance exams

- 11+ English, Maths, Science: Pre-Tests and Independent School entrance exams

During my time as a teaching assistant at the Sultan School in Oman I developed classroom experience at primary and secondary school level in English, Maths and Economics, where I had responsibility for helping the teacher and guiding smaller groups in break-out exercises. As a dedicated support for the boarding scholars, I also led homework study and revision groups in the evening.

As a private tutor in London, I have tutored A-Level students from schools such as the London Oratory School and Lady Margaret School, in English Literature and History with a particular focus on helping students develop their essay writing and analytical skills. I helped my students to better understand their course literary texts and historical sources, evaluate their meaning and build coherent and compelling personal arguments using classical techniques.

I have a strong familiarity with recurrent texts in the A-level English literature canon including Shakespeare's tragedies, various Victorian literature and First World War poetry. I have experience in helping students apprehend and analyse meaning in these core texts.

I also have broad knowledge on most of the modern history epochs which are commonly found in the GCSE and A-level curriculum, including studies of dictatorship in Germany, Russia and China, 19th and 20th century British political history and the history of Revolution and Reformation in the early modern period. I am adept at helping students improve their comparative source analysis and ability to write informed and compelling essays.

Biography

I grew up in the chalklands of Wiltshire, where I attended Bishop Wordsworth Grammar School. Within this academically lively environment I was fortunate to be educated by teachers who augmented my early love of history and literature. I went on to read War Studies at King’s College London, which is a somewhat unique subject combining military history, theory and contemporary international security issues.

After graduation I worked for a period as a gap year teaching assistant at an international school in Oman, where I supported the ‘Sultan’s scholars’ academic work in a variety of subjects as well as extra-curricular activities. Since returning from the Middle East, I embarked on a graduate scheme as an analyst at the Ministry of Defence which led to over four years in the Defence and Security sector. Part of this time was within the civil service and latterly I worked for a private sector management consultancy with an array of different clients.

While I broadened my skills in this sector, I gradually discerned a vocation for teaching. Keystone represented a great opportunity for me to respond to this vocation, share my passion for the humanities, and commit to tutoring in a professional capacity.

Personal Approach

Plutarch said “the mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled”. Tutoring is an ancient profession and this wisdom informs my own tutoring philosophy. I see the tutor as an enquirer into, and midwife of, knowledge and wisdom, not a lecturer. I believe that every student has intellectual potential of some kind and that this potency can be realised with attentive and diligent personal tuition.

The forms of mass education we see today can never replace the need for individualised attention by students who fall outside the one-size-fits-all approach of some schooling. I endeavour to gain my students’ trust and cultivate their interest, learning and knowledge through personalising my teaching according to their learning style, academic level and personality.

As an enthusiastic writer myself, I have particular experience in helping students improve their essay writing, which is crucial to all the humanities subjects. I help students write essays that draw the reader’s mind to their own. I am well practiced in teaching the tips, methods and techniques to elevate essays and I am able to demystify what is required to achieve the highest grades.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I am something of an autodidact and am typically reading several history, culture and fiction books at any given moment. My reading has also catalysed my own writing. I am a budding writer for a number of publications on literary criticism, history and culture.

I am a keen sportsman and am a novice practitioner of the martial art Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – “a game of human chess” – requiring both physicality and mental acuity.

I also paint using a variety of mediums. I recently completed a course in iconography using egg tempera which was challenging but very rewarding.

Testimonials

''Theo could not have gone any better, Aslan really enjoyed it and my husband and I could not help listening in, and we heard how well it was going and the session panned out exactly as we had hoped!'' (Jane, mother of an 11 year old History enrichment student)

''Isaac's exam results have come back today. He got an 'A' for his calculator paper and a 'B' for his non-calculator paper. I just want to say how much I appreciate the efforts you've put in teaching Isaac since this Easter. What a turnaround result after the tuition! Thank you.'' (Glory, mother of a 13 year old Maths student)

''The pleasure was ours - having you tutor and homeschool Ahmad [11 y.o.] - has been a clear eye opener of his capabilities.'' (Khalid, father of an 11 year old student)

''Andy said that the lesson yesterday was ''fun'' - brilliant for us to hear, thank you!'' (Natasha, mother of a 9 year old student)

''Theo is a confident young man who was a reliable helper in the classrooms. Both in school and outside the classroom, Theo proved to be sociable. I would consider that he grew in character and maturity because of his experiences here in Oman.'' (Primary Deputy, The Sultan’s School)

''Theo tutored my son in A-level History with a focus on source work and essay writing in preparation for my son's final exam. My son needed to achieve an A in History in order to fulfil his offer to read the subject at the University of Exeter. When Theo began tutoring my son his work was averaging a B grade. Through conscientious and engaging sessions Theo helped my son improve his source analysis skills and the quality of his essays. With just over a term of tutoring with Theo my son succeeded in achieving an A grade and fulfilling his university offer. I was delighted with Theo's help and would highly recommend him as a History tutor!'' (Luisa, mother of an A-level student)

''Theo helped my daughter understand and analyse her English course work texts and prepare for her exam. His tutoring sessions helped boost her interest in the drama and novels and lift her confidence in dealing with the type of questions she would encounter.'' (Teresa, mother of an A-level English student)

''Thank you for your patience, endurance and talent which help Sing to be better and better.'' (Ming, mother of an O-level English and History student in Singapore)