James

Hello! I am currently studying History at New College, University of Oxford.

I have loved History ever since I started school, and am passionate about encouraging and helping others to achieve the best they can within the subject. I am a motivated student, but equally, I enjoy sharing and teaching History.

As Head Boy at my school, I established a scheme which provided extra tutoring, by myself and 35 sixth form volunteers, to help students studying for their GCSE`s. This process provided me with valuable experience. For instance, it became clear that tuition on a one-to-one basis must be tailored to the preferences, interests and pace of each student as they develop and progress. As well as this, the scheme gave me an insight into the student mindset; how exams can seem daunting or even overwhelming. To combat this I ensure my students are given a broad grounding in the subject, before we target specific areas of analysis, using exam-style questions.

My approach is based on the system from which I have greatly benefitted at my University; written work by the student receives feedback, which is then discussed, ensuring that my students understand and reflect on their work before progressing. As well as this, I try to teach a broader set of skills to make exams seem more approachable, such as how to read critically, take notes, revise from these notes and draw up arguments in a concise and accurate manner.

I also have a good deal of experience assisting with the application process to Oxbridge, offering help at my school to a number of applicants.

Willing to travel: 10 miles

Experience: Experience tutoring students for both History (A Level) and Maths (GCSE) for two years. Throughout my first year at University, I tutored two A-Level History students Online.

Experience both providing tuition and overseeing a tutoring programme which I implemented at my school. This required me to understand the demands of the Edexcel GCSE course, ensuring that my tutees` exam style responses were tailored towards the expectations of this specification. This scheme was very successful, and I was elected for the Award for Contributions to the School in 2019. I have experience preparing students for different exam boards, for instance OCR, at both GCSE and A-Level.

I have assisted with the Oxbridge application process for a number of History applicants. Having been through the process myself, I know how demanding each stage can seem, although for some reason, the common perception of both the admissions and interview stages is that one `can`t revise or prepare for them`; this is certainly not the case. The key to being successful is preparation. The criteria which the admissions test and interview assess remain constant, with similar themes recurring each year. Having helped History applicants with each facet of the application process (personal statement, admissions exam, written work and interview preparation) I feel as though I would be able to help future History applicants.

Here are some of the Reviews I have received...

From parents of Tutees:

`James assisted my son with his History A level and instilled huge confidence in his ability to reach his full potential. He is a fantastic tutor – not only is he extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, but he also can articulate this knowledge in a clear, concise manner and in a way that is relevant to answering exam questions. My son really enjoyed the lessons and found them invaluable in his exam preparation.`

`He really goes the extra mile - I was very impressed with how he prepared for each lesson in advance and took the time to ensure that my son fully understood the areas being covered in each of his History lessons.`

`James has been my daughters Maths tutor for a year and a half and has really helped her gain confidence in this subject. He is patient and friendly and she feels very comfortable asking him questions. Her math’s ability has come on leaps and bounds. He is reliable, open and easy to talk to. I would highly recommend him!`

From Tutees:

`My A Level History course included an extended essay and James reviewed this for me and his advice and feedback were invaluable. He also was very helpful during the early planning stages of the essay for example helping me choose a question I felt comfortable with and provided great resources to help me with my research.`

`James tutored me for my A Level History course. We mainly focused on the Cold War in Europe, which at first I struggled with. He was very clear and knowledgeable when explaining the complex historical dilemmas throughout this period. Thanks to James’ help I was able to participate more in class discussions, and moved up 2 grades!`

`James was uplifting, especially through difficult topics, where a confidence boost was needed. He worked at a pace comfortable with me yet still able to keep us on track.
James would work through topic by topic examining and working on areas where my knowledge was lacking or needed improving. His personal, motivating method of tutoring gave me the confidence and skills needed to improve in my maths GCSE.`