Alastair

I have been studying since I was 20 (after having completed A Levels in Philosophy, Psychology and English Literature). I completed an Undergraduate degree in Philosophy & Creative Writing at London Metropolitan University, a Masters degree in Continental Philosophy at Warwick University, and a second Masters in Social & Political Thought at the University of Sussex. During that time, I also took classes in English Literature, Psychology, and History. I am currently studying for a PhD in Political Thought at the University of Sussex, though I have taken intermission in order to focus more on my teaching. I am also currently teaching part-time at King's College London, at Birkbeck College (also in London).

Tutoring Experience

I have extensive private tutoring experience, and have been tutoring philosophy, politics, religious studies and general study skills since 2014. I am familiar with all of the main exam boards, especially AQA Philosophy (A and AS) and AQA Religious Studies (A and AS). I have experience as both a short and long-term tutor, and as such am fully capable of planning out a study timetable for any length of time (whether days, weeks or months). I have also tutored at Undergraduate level, particularly with students who don't have English as their first language (including, but not limited to, students from: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Japan and Singapore).

Tutoring Approach

My focus is on communication, as every exam board or university professor is primarily concerned with a student's ability to write and speak about the material they've been studying. Because of this, I prefer to have my students write regular essays, in order for them to practice answering questions and learn about important aspects of essay writing such as structure and relevance. I prefer to let the student determine the pace of our meetings, so that they never feel under-stimulated or overwhelmed, but I aim to constantly challenge them in order to better help them improve. I use the regular meetings to go over specific areas of study in more detail.

I am, however, always happy to alter my teaching methods to suit more specific demands (such as assistance with a presentation or understanding course materials). The above indicates my general approach, which I have found works much of the time.

Please note that the 100% discount applies only to the initial trial session in which I meet with the student to plan out what we will do. The first full tuition session is charged at the regular price. I offer this initial session free as you will have already paid for my contact details and I believe you shouldn't have to pay again until we start the tuition.