Mark

Mark has a first-class honours degree in English Language and Literature from Liverpool University, where he received the Evelyn E. Jardine Prize for the best degree in his year. He then continued his studies at the University of Oxford, where he tutored at Wadham College. He taught for 13 years at Syracuse University London Centre, as well as at the University of East London and the British American Drama Academy. He is a keen writer, currently working on his second novel. Areas of interest in this period included Shakespeare, Irish Literature, Literary Theory, Landscape and Literature and Theatrical History.

Mark believes that teaching is about stimulating both creativity and critical thinking, and the teacher’s role is enabling pupils to flourish. He believes a good tutorial or seminar is one where the pupils and teacher arrive at thoughts and insights they could not have attained individually

Availability: Monday to Saturday, from 4.30 pm. Some flexibility.

Willing to travel: 5 miles

Experience: I have a strong academic record. I achieved a first-class honours degree at Liverpool University, for which I received the Evelyn E. Jardine Prize (Best Degree in Year). I was also awarded the Edward Rathbone Prize (Best Exam Results, 2nd year); Alfred Dale University Undergraduate Award; Kathleen M. Irving Prize (Best Essay in Renaissance Literature); and a scholarship to the Yeats International Summer School, representing the university in recognition of its pioneering Institute of Irish Studies, established in 1988.

Throughout my extensive teaching experience, I`ve had to plan and organise carefully. This is in part because I`ve been lucky enough to be able to design my own syllabi and field trips, including trips to Dublin (Irish Literature) and the Lake District (Literature and Landscape). Students at Syracuse were coming to London not only to study but to enrich their cultural experience. For this reason, teachers were encouraged and in fact required to involve themselves in extra-curricular activities, such as theatre trips, guided walks, trips and meals out. Teaching and pastoral care, and a commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of students in a foreign country were essential.

My pre-university education was in the state sector, and I was the first family member to attend university. My experience of the private sector is as a parent. Again, this experience of cultural and social difference and crossover has been hugely instructive for me, in terms of learning by way of contrast.

At Oxford I got my first taste of teaching: Firstly, a handful of inspiring undergraduates at Wadham College; secondly, I started to teach undergraduates at Syracuse University`s London centre. In both cases, I found teaching to be a revelation, a process where different minds engage to arrive at thoughts and enthusiasms none could reach individually. I of course include in that process myself as a teacher. I still carry this view of teaching, and am driven and pupil-focused in my approach.

I am keen to teach as part of an active and self-reflective community, promoting a love of language in and beyond the classroom, and encouraging involvement in all forums, whether poetry or debate, where the clarity and resonance of language is upheld and developed.
I am a life-long writer, and as the birth of our 2 boys re-affirmed for me, an educator at heart. I believe that teaching is about stimulating both creativity and critical thinking, and the teacher`s role is enabling pupils to flourish.

DBS Check: Yes

  This user has a total of 1 images, view them all in their Photo Gallery .