Benjamin

I graduated from the University of Cambridge with a BA in English. Since then, I have been a tutor for eight years and a classroom teacher for five. In that time, I have tutored pupils ranging in age from eleven to undergraduate, both in the UK and internationally. For the last three years I have worked as a homeschool teacher; for two of these years, I have been teaching nine GCSE subjects while managing a small team of tutors full-time. I am currently based in the USA teaching and writing.

Over the last two years I have begun paying for tuition myself, having weekly lessons developing my knowledge in Maths and Biology, and in learning Polish. Believe me when I say I understand your struggle!

Tutoring Experience

English Literature (Undergraduate, A Level, GCSE)
English Language (A level, GCSE)
Maths (GCSE)
Physics (GCSE)
Chemistry (GCSE)
Biology (GCSE)
History (A Level, GCSE)
Politics (A Level)
Spanish (A level, GCSE)
French (GCSE)
Italian (GCSE)

11+ and 13+ exams
Interview practice
Personal Statement and CV / Cover Letter workshops

Tutoring Approach

My approach varies depending on the student and the subject. For a list of some ideas, see below; or get in contact with me, and we can talk about what your specific needs might be!

If you're looking for tutoring because there's a subject you're struggling with, I focus on building up the foundations of a subject, and looking for new or unusual ways of explaining the basic concepts, to see if this can get things to 'click'. Often students aren’t made aware of how subjects connect together – my experience teaching a broad range of subjects has helped me with this previously. This might involve explaining 'why' things are the way they are in maths, by looking more in detail at the history behind the development of a concept. Or, it might involve a logical, clear, even ‘scientific’ approach to a subject that looks subjective, like English Literature. For Languages, a surprising amount of progress can be made at GCSE by dividing the exam into parts and memorising enough useful phrases to get through what is likely to come up. GCSE language exams can be demystified - you might be surprised!

If you find you’re already doing well, and you’re looking for tuition for that extra push to reach the top grades, then targeting any remaining weaknesses, and learning how to bring in extra knowledge or reading, is useful. I would add that for humanities subjects, understanding the mark schemes clearly (as these can be ambiguous in their wording) is also key. For Maths and Science, learning to recognise common pitfalls, and to anticipate these in exam questions, is particularly useful. The upper end of GCSE language exams, meanwhile, is where language learning really begins; therefore, rather than learning it through a textbook, it is best at this point to explore life in the second language by taking small steps through everyday media that speakers of this language use. Essentially, doing what you would do anyway, with more structure and rereading.

I can write short lesson reports after sessions upon request. This helps everyone to keep on the same page with current targets and long term progress.

Please get in touch with your specific goals; I would be excited to discuss your needs and agree on an approach that works for you. Make sure to check the First Tutors guidelines and my current availability to make sure you're happy to proceed. As I am currently based in the USA, please bear in mind that I will be unable to reply to emails before 12:00 UK time. I look forward to meeting you!