Melissa

I have always been fascinated by Greek mythology; the stories are compelling and the role they played in Greek life - from politics to art - is intriguing. Because of this I have pursued a classical education up to Masters level and remain so engrossed in the literature of the period that my daughters have goddesses' names! As I have delved deeper into the history of Greece, I have found much to admire, but I have also become increasingly interested in the rise of the Roman Empire and their reworking of Greek myth for their own ends. I visit Greece and Italy when I can (which is not nearly frequently enough!) to immerse myself in the cultures and can never resist the opportunity to retell the tales of those ancient peoples. It is my unceasing dedication to augmenting my knowledge of these two cultures that I feel makes me an ideal tutor in this subject. I am a member of The Tutor's Association and familiar with current best practice.

Tutoring Experience

While I am a qualified English teacher with many years' experience teaching that subject, I have also enjoyed teaching both Drama to KS3 and Classical Civilisation at A-Level. My specialty in Classical Civilisation is epic and drama, though I would relish the chance to adapt to other topics. I have been tutoring for a number of years (so that I can also be a full-time mum) and have had many students who have enjoyed exam success following our sessions.

Tutoring Approach

Tuition differs from classroom teaching in that the programme may be tailored specifically to the individual's needs. I identify strengths and areas for improvement and work to consolidate the student's understanding, not only of the subject matter but also of how to express their knowledge clearly in the exam. Honest discussion of issues is key to improvement and I find communication with both student and parents is essential. My tutees enjoy greater confidence in the subject and achieve grades they can be proud of, when they follow my advice and meet my high standards. My passion for the classical world means that my students receive one-to-one tuition that not only tells them how to approach a topic in the exam, but also why we are still studying that topic so many thousands of years on.