Joe (Tutor)

 Greek (primary, ks3, gcse, degree, adult-learner, a-level)

 Latin (primary, ks3, gcse, degree, adult-learner, a-level)

I graduated from King`s College, Cambridge in 2009 with a degree in Classics and then completed my PGCE at Queens` College, Cambridge in 2010. I currently supervise Cambridge University undergraduates in Latin and Ancient Greek, and tutor both languages to degree-level standard in London and Cambridge. I tutor in Cambridge during the week and in London on Sundays and in school holidays. I also run a London-based private tuition company, Titanium Tutors.

I believe in three key principles:

1. ANYBODY CAN EXCEL IN LATIN AND GREEK
With a little guidance and a decent amount of independent work, it is genuinely possible for anybody to master the ancient languages.

2. GRAMMAR IS KEY
I believe that an understanding of Latin grammar is empowering. It eliminates guess-work and maximizes success. If correctly taught, it can also be a lot of fun.

3. TUTORS ARE FACILITATORS
Private tuition can be extremely helpful, but it is not a replacement for independent study. Fast progress and true success are only possible if the student works outside of the sessions.

There are six main aspects to my teaching:

1. Energy & Pace: I am highly energized and like to work speedily and efficiently.

2. Slow down to speed up: I believe that thorough and detailed explanations in the short term are an essential investment in time, and enable a faster pace in the future.

3. Structure: My subject splits itself very naturally into manageable units and topics. I like the student to be aware of these chunks and how they fit into the broader picture.

4. Reinforcement: I begin every lesson recapping the work covered during the previous session. This takes as little as five minutes, but repetition is the key to successful learning.

5. Homework: Independent study is the only way to get the most from private tuition: the two must work in tandem. I set work to be completed between every session.

6. Resources: In most cases I like to use a combination of the Cambridge Latin Course and my own worksheets. I often tailor-make resources to the individual student if the need arises.

Above all, I strive to make my lessons fun and enjoyable. I love my subject and want all of my tutees to love it too.

Availability: >>>
Weekly slots for 2011-12 in London and Cambridge are currently full but I operate waiting lists in both locations.

However, I usually have some availability during the school holidays: during the Easter Holidays 2012 I`m teaching 2-22 April.

I recently founded a tutoring business - Titanium Tutors - and work with an excellent Classics tutor who completed her BA and MPhil in Classics at Cambridge, and has taught full-time in a leading London school. Please contact me to arrange a lesson with her.

Willing to travel: 2 miles

Experience: >>>
I am currently Head of Latin at a school in Bury St Edmunds.

I currently supervise Cambridge undergraduates in Latin and Greek (at Pembroke, Homerton, Downing, Murray Edwards, Caius, Clare, King`s, Peterhouse, St John`s and Emmanuel colleges).

I have had extensive tutoring experience in Latin and Greek (and a wide variety of other subjects) over the past six years.

Over the summer holidays 2010 and 2011 I taught intensive `ab initio` Latin to Oxford and Cambridge beginners at the JACT Latin Summer School in Wells. I will be returning again in July 2012.

Qualifications: >>>
BA Classics (King`s College, Cambridge)
PGCE Classics (Queens` College, Cambridge)

CRB Check: Yes

Has References: Yes

Will Tutor Online: Yes