James

I have an MA (Hons) in English Literature from St Andrews University and an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia. I’m currently studying for a PhD in Sociology (looking at the cultural implications of new technologies) at the University of Warwick.

I taught English Language and Literature for two years at Kiangsu-Chekiang College, Sha Tin, Hong Kong before returning to the UK. I taught English literature and language and spoken English to students, aged 14-20 including preparation for HKCEE and A-Level examination.

Since 2014 I have worked as the Americas editor of the international news magazine The World Weekly (theworldweekly) while also writing for numerous other publications including national and local newspapers (Guardian, Independent, Huffington Post, etc).

Availability: I am currently available for students aged 10-18 who have clear goals for the next academic year. The sooner I hear from you the sooner we can organise a bespoke timetable that will help you to excel in next year`s exams!

Willing to travel: 3 miles

Experience: I teach students of all levels, from 11+ through GCSE to A2, as well as working with adults. I am familiar with SATs and independent schools` entrance exams and I have a Trinity (TESOL), TEFL qualification.

I prepare bespoke lessons:

- For exams (SATs, 11+, independent school entrance, GCSE, A-level)

- To develop greater subject understanding (particularly for parents whose children may be considering studying English at university)

- To improve schoolwork generally (focusing on comprehension, grammar and essay-writing in other subjects, particularly History & Classical Civilization)

- To encourage reading and writing outside education (including English as a second language)

- For interviews (private schools and leading universities)

- I also teach verbal and non-verbal reasoning and other subjects (including History, Classical Civilization, Maths, Latin and Ancient Greek) at primary or prep-school level.

I teach ten week courses in Creative Writing for adults that closely follow the course design of the masters at the University of East Anglia (the leading UK course, other graduates include Ian McEwan, Kazuo Ishiguro, Anne Enright, Tracy Chevalier, Anjali Joseph, Naomi Wood, Christie Watson).

The courses of study I arrange complement student’s schoolwork, but I am particularly keen to broaden student’s appreciation of English more generally – giving them the confidence and depth of knowledge necessary to excel in the challenging interviews required by private schools and leading universities.