Paul

Specialist tutor in International Baccalaureate. Fluent across arts, literature, humanities.

Philosophy and English Graduate (First Class) from New College of the Humanities (University of London)
IB Diploma Graduate (top 1% worldwide, 44/45 points with 7s in English, History, Theatre at HL)

My interest is supporting students to become critical and independent learners. I provoke you to think for yourself, ask intelligent questions, and interrogate your own work. My approach is discussion led, and the result is a thorough understanding of the subject which leads to the clarity required to excel in examinations.

The mechanism here is simple. Examinations in the arts and humanities are testing for critical thinking ability. You have two options: either you can actually do critical thinking about your subject and then demonstrate this in your essay writing - or you can try to learn to imitate critical thinking without doing it. The first method is more reliable, and has the added benefit of making you a better human being.

In addition to academic tuition, I take great pleasure in working as a mentor with young people, from pre-university students to recent graduates. We explore together the basic questions about how you want to live, and together create practical strategies for orienting yourself and developing a robust and flourishing personal practice.

I can also offer assistance on personal statements, interview preparation, International Baccalaureate study, and university choices.



When not tutoring: I work as a theatre director with my company Theatre Barbaros. I also have a Grade 8 Distinction in piano and am a qualified children`s cricket coach.

Availability: (as of February 2024)
Availability on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday evenings.

Willing to travel: Home Only

Experience: I have tutored professionally for seven years since leaving university, at every level from Year 7 to adult learners. I have successfully coached several students to pass Oxbridge examinations. I have lectured at a local philosophy school.

In 2020, my work as a theatre director led me to found an artistic residency site in rural France, where I now live most of the year. I am continuing to organise online sessions for a few students and mentees, with a focus on IB Diploma and undergraduate students.