Tom

Experience

• GCSE English (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)

• GCSE Maths (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)

• GCSE History (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)

• A level Economics (Edexcel, AQA, OCR)

• A level Politics (Edexcel, AQA, OCR)

• A level Maths (Edexcel, AQA, OCR)

• A-level History (AQA, OCR, Edexcel, CIE)

• Undergraduate History and Economics

During my degree at LSE, I took a teaching course to explore my interest in becoming a teacher, which taught me the fundamentals of the practice. I also tutored, on an informal basis, several of my friends in some of their modules (Maths, History and Economics), with great results - and much appreciation!

After university, I worked as a private tutor for a year, tutoring A-level students in Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Politics. All my students saw their grades rise by two or more (and in one instance, going from a D to an A). It was an immensely fulfilling experience, making a difference to people's lives and seeing them grow in confidence and ability over the year.

I also advised on university applications, providing advice on courses and support on personal statements. In addition, I provided guidance on Oxbridge preparation, both for the aptitude tests and interview. All my tutees secured their first choice of university. I've remained in touch with my tutees over the last four years, providing further advice on module choices at university as well on career opportunities.

I believe the key to being a successful tutor or teacher is building your student's confidence, both in themselves and the subject. Encouraging them to engage with them subject, being patient and supportive as they find their way, leaving them able to comfortably operate within the subject and thus setting them up for further study or work.

Biography

Teachers have played a significant role in my life: I know the transformational difference a good teacher can make to one's confidence, performance and interest in a subject. I had a Maths teacher who took me from being a borderline D/C GCSE student to being in the top set for Maths and Further Maths - the latter of which I would never have even considered taking before I was taught by him.

My experience instilled in me both a deep respect for committed teachers and educators, and a desire to likewise make a difference to young people's lives. This was compounded by having a fantastic tutor in one of my university courses, which led me to seriously consider a career in teaching. After university I became a private tutor; it was immensely fulfilling to now play the role of guide and mentor myself, seeing my tutees grow in confidence and ability, coming to truly engage with the subject and greatly improve their performance - be it Economics, Maths or Politics.

Ultimately, I did not become a teacher as an alternative opportunity to make a difference - working in the Treasury on economic policy - presented itself. But the itch to teach never went away, and in the wake of the pandemic which has so disrupted pupils' and students' education, I once again felt the call. With my Treasury career stable and progressing, I have returned to tutoring and hope to do what I can to support young people in realising their potential.

Personal Approach

There are three aspects to my approach: developing a rapport with the student, tailoring my tutoring to their needs to maximise effective learning, rather than following a set formula; focusing on understanding and engaging with the subject, rather than rote-learning exam answers, so students are well-equipped and are more thoughtful; and encouraging them to think about goals and ambitions, and how their effort in this particular subject helps achieve them.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I'm currently a government economist in Her Majesty's Treasury, where I've worked for five years on a wide range of topical issues, such as: Brexit; COVID vaccines; global supply chains; Chinese trade policy; and most recently energy. The hours are predictable, leaving me free in weekday evenings and all-day on weekends for tutoring.

Testimonials

''You were absolutely brilliant with X and completely turned his lack of confidence and ability at the time around to a genuine love for economics. So much so that he almost studied it at University, but opted for a degree in Environment and Business at Leeds instead. He is now about to start a Masters in Real Estate at Reading. Without your great teaching - and endless patience - he may not have got the grade he needed to make all this a reality.'' (Parent of Economics Student)

''Hi Tom, just wanted to let you know that I got an A overall in Economics - not bad from a D in the mock when we started! I'm really pleased with it and very thankful for all your help, you helped me understand the subject so much better. Thanks as well for your help in Maths - got an A there too. Once again, thank you for all your time and effort.'' (Maths and Economics Student)