Max
School:
Harrow School
A-Levels: English (A*), Latin (A*), Drama (A*)
Pre-U: French (D2 - A* equivalent)
University:
University of Oxford
BA: English Language and Literature. Double First Class degree.
Top 21% of cohort.
Academic Scholar after receiving First in Preliminary Examinations.
Received Boulter Prize for English.
Teaching experience:
I have been tutoring frequently since March 2021, with a combined total of over 150 hours and sixteen different clients. I specialise in tutoring English Language, English Literature, and Drama, up to A-Level;and English Language, English Literature, Drama, and French, up to IGCSE. All of my clients thus far have come to me via word of mouth as a result of the positive and motivating experience of my previous tutees.
I have also formally assisted two students with the Oxbridge English Literature application process - one of whom was successful - and have advised countless others on the subject. I have worked with several other students on their UCAS application and personal statements, as well as catering for students applying to European universities. At a somewhat less formal level, I have been employed as a 'study-buddy' to assist with revision and homework across all of a clients' IGSCE subjects.
This year, I am teaching part-time as an English Language Assistant on behalf of the British Council at the Lycée Galilée, just north of Paris. This decision was partly an opportunity for me to live abroad and indulge in my Francophilia, but it was also prompted by my enjoyment of private tutoring. I teach twelve hours per week with classes ranging from 12-30 students to improve their English speaking ability and knowledge of anglophone culture. The part-time nature of the job allows me ample time for tutoring.
Teaching style & philosophy:
I have tutored a variety of students across a spectrum of confidence, capability and attention spans - from Oxbridge candidates to a candidate retaking their English Literature IGCSE - but one principle I apply with all my tutees is to help them derive pleasure from learning. Whether this is on a more abstract level of grasping a complex text or theory, or simply seeing an improvement in their grades, once a candidate starts to enjoy their work, it becomes much easier to develop their ability and enthusiasm for the subject - and it makes it much easier and more pleasant for me as a tutor!
Arriving at this state of 'learning as pleasure' is naturally the earliest and most crucial part of the tuition process. In order to attain it, I strive to develop a personable and trusting relationship with my tutee, applying a highly specific and tailored approach to their learning process. Having benefited from the similarly personalised style of the Oxford tutorial system myself, I find this style of teaching to be particularly effective - encouraging curiosity, specificity, and self-led discovery.
This tailored tuition works best when playing to the student's personal strengths. If they feel more confident in a certain topic or area of study, this can be used as a gateway or link to bolster weaker areas. If are more comfortable with strong visual learning, then that is how we might approach a certain task or subject. I have also often found that, especially with students with learning disabilities or STEM-inclined students, this can be achieved applying a near-mathematical 'formula' to humanities subjects and their mark schemes.
The most important aspect of my teaching philosophy, however, is approaching every session with enthusiasm. I consider myself very lucky to be able to tutor the subjects I enjoy. I therefore aim to infect every tutee with a similar passion for study and reading. Witnessing any growth in a tutee's ability and confidence is a delightful bonus.
Additional information:
Outside of tutoring/education, I am also a budding theatre and film director. Through my production company, I have written and produced over six different plays, most recently at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I was on the Oxford University Drama Society committee, overseeing new writing and leading playwrighting workshops for two years as a student. I regularly work in the production or location department on HETV/film sets - most recently 'Young Sherlock' and 'The Department' - and I wrote and directed 'Breakwater', the first feature film at the University of Oxford in forty years.
I am therefore open to coaching dramatic writing and similar creative endeavours, borrowing from my experience as a writer, but also as a student of Olivier Award-winning playwright, Mike Bartlett.