Alex

I offer tutoring services in English, History and Drama at GCSE and A level, and English and Philosophy at undergraduate level.

I studied English Language and Literature at University College London where my studies covered a great breadth of literature, from the epics of classical antiquity through to contemporary experimental writing. Due to the scope and comprehensive nature of my degree, I am familiar with all periods of literature in English. However, my particular areas of interest are Old English and Early Medieval literature, Shakespeare, Modernism, and 20th Century poetry. From October this year I will be returning to UCL to do an MA in modern literature.

As well as a knowledge of literature across a range of historical periods, my studies also entailed developing a familiarity with broader intellectual and cultural texts, meaning I have a confident grasp of historical and philosophical texts and thought, including the writings and theories of Marx, Darwin, Nietzsche, Boethius, St Augustine, Camus, and Rousseau - among others.

I have a successful academic history and my written work is of a very high calibre: I was awarded a first for my undergraduate dissertation.

Outside of my studies, I have been an active member of a theatre company at The Dukes, Lancaster and I have worked at the Lancashire Infantry Museum.

Tutoring Experience

Having worked as a tutor for four years means that I am very familiar with the current exam board syllabuses and set texts. I have tutored all aspects of GCSE English, from analysis of poetry, drama and prose to essay writing, creative writing and comprehension. Students I have tutored have achieved or exceeded their target grades: many achieved level 7 and 8.

I have extensive experience as a one-to-one tutor, having worked with young drama and literature students – from my time at college through to the present. Particular focuses have been poetry, text analysis, the study of Shakespeare, essay writing and exam technique, and the development of critical writing skills.

Previously, I undertook a placement at a local high school working in the English and Drama departments. This gave me experience of supporting students and classes of differing abilities throughout Key Stage 3 and GCSE years.

Tutoring Approach

As a recent student, I understand the demands and pressures of coursework and exams, as well as the subtleties of exam technique. My own experience receiving private acting and music tuition has given me an appreciation for the difficulties students can face in their studies and how private tuition can help. Because I appreciate the stresses of student life, my approach to tutoring is sympathetic and responsive to the needs of the student and tailored to the requirements of the exam board’s specification.

My goal is to help others with their studies and share my knowledge: enthusing students with an appreciation for their subject is the best way to facilitate their development.