Nicholas

About Me

I am a prize-winning Historian, future trainee solicitor and part time tutor in English, History and Politics. I studied History at St Andrews, during which time I was placed on the Deans List and won an academic prize for my writing, after which I completed a Masters in Business Management at Imperial College.

At GCSE, I attained 7A*s, 2 A’s and 1B (including A*s History, English Literature and English Language). At A-level, I was awarded 3A*s (English Literature, History, Politics). For my A2 level exams, I scored 100% in all examinations except 1, by utilising specific exam-techniques which I incorporate in my tutoring approach.

My approach

I believe the process of learning to research, structure and write compelling essays should be made enjoyable, satisfying and challenging in order to maximise students’ engagement and achievement.
I am committed to helping my students achieve their academic potential, by cultivating a genuine interest in their subject matter, whilst ensuring students develop the core skills and techniques needed to satisfy the requirements of examination boards.

For English, History and Politics, these often include:

- How to effectively structure a high-scoring essay (developing a hypothesis, structuring paragraphs around key statements, creating a balanced argument, concluding powerfully etc.)
- How to memorise and deploy key pieces of evidence support one’s argument
- How to learn and incorporate relevant content not covered within the syllabus – to stand out in examiners’ eyes
- How to utilise a diverse, targeted academic vocabulary to score high marks
- How to manage time and plan effectively in pressured exam conditions

Excelling at GCSE and A-level is largely a result of students’ abilities to develop these skills and, in doing so, demonstrate a clear understanding and fulfilment of the exam board marking criteria. Often, however, students are not taught how to develop, refine and deploy these skills to consistently excel in their examinations.

My approach focuses on filling this gap in knowledge, whilst simultaneously building students confidence in, and enjoyment of, their subject matter.

Willing to travel: 3 miles