James

Experience

- 11+ English & Maths

- GCSE Geography

- A Level Geography

- A Level History of Art

- A Level Politics

- Undergraduate Geography

- Undergraduate Politics

I have tutored students to outstanding success for over a decade.

I specialise in preparing students for 11+ entrance examinations, who routinely gain entry to the top selective schools in the country. My educational background attending Wilson's School (regularly listed in top three grammar schools in the UK), has given me close insight into the context of this pedagogical setting.

I have worked with students on a trajectory into and beyond securing places on prestigious degree programmes in Geography, Politics and Art. My students have seen large improvements on their GCSE, A-Level and degree level courses through my tutoring, boosting their results into the top grades on coursework and examinations. As a trusted tutor, my students have returned to lessons to enhance their results on their degrees.

My experience as a freelance writer and researcher, and artist's assistant for large public exhibitions gives my tutoring a meaningful connection with the industry associated with these subjects.

Biography

I have been a tutor for over ten years, during which I have helped many students realise their best potential. I live in London and welcome both online and in-person clients.

I will be starting a PhD in Visual Cultures at Goldsmiths, University of London in September 2023. Generally speaking, my teaching has been cross-pollinated by my studies: I earned my MA in Contemporary Art Theory at Goldsmiths, University of London, in 2019, where I attained a high Distinction grade. Prior to this, I studied at the University of Nottingham where I gained a 2:1 in Geography.

Personal Approach

My approach is one which has proven highly effective in helping students gain top marks and stretch them to the best of their ability. I work to build a rapport with my students by being highly attentive to their individual styles of thinking and working: every student has their own strengths which I help to bring out in our time together.

I strive to make lessons both rigorous and interesting to make sure my students stay engaged and on target to meet their aims. This requires sensitivity and a cooperation in diagnosing how we can best collaborate. I welcome working with parents as little or as much as they have capacity to feed in, but in any case, can take charge of things independently.

I am interested in finding ways to break down the barriers to access that students face along different dimensions of identity and need, in the hopes of furthering their self-esteem and academic success.

Above all, I am always friendly and professional. I enjoy working with all kinds of people and do not make assumptions about what we can learn from each other.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I am also an artist, writer, and researcher who secured a place on the PhD Visual Cultures programme at Goldsmiths, University of London, which I will undertake on a part-time basis starting September 2023. My professional background in academia and tutoring has more recently been complemented by working as a Research Assistant for film, radio and historical projects based at the British Library and the National Archives.

In my free time I enjoy cultivating my allotment; listening to experimental radio, and going to contemporary art exhibitions.

Testimonials

''James helped my son, [11+ student], study, revise and pass his grammar school entrance exams. He made the lessons enjoyable, fun and they were always very well planned. He’s a very knowledgeable and calm tutor who explains and answers questions with great patience. My son looked forward to seeing him every week and he received many tips and tricks that I would never have thought of. I would recommend James to anyone who needs similar help.'' (Parent of 11+ student)

''James is really efficient and thorough with all the marking and gives really beneficial feedback on loads of points. He is very good at explaining things in detail and ensuring all concepts are understood abd very good at identifying issues and gaps in knowledge, and things that need improvement. Naturally very easy to talk to and understand what you're saying. Always on time and prompt and always calls on the exact time it's meant to start.'' (Geography A-Level client)