Joseph M

As a First-Class History student at Trinity College, Cambridge, who left school with all 9s at GCSE and all A*s at A-level, I know better than most how to help people achieve their academic goals. As a tutor, I take a 'student first' approach. Everyone learns differently, and I understand that different methods work for different students. Flexibility is therefore a key part of my approach. At the same time, I understand that performing well academically is as much about asking the right questions as it is about giving the right answers. After all, there are no 'right' and 'wrong' answers in the humanities. My focus, then, is on getting students to think critically. My lessons take the form of guided conversations which put students on the spot, rather than lectures which simply tell students what they need to know. I strongly believe that if you can get students thinking for themselves, the academic results will follow. I teach History, English Literature and Politics at GCSE level and above. I'd be especially interested to hear from students applying to Oxbridge this year. My academic profile: History student at Trinity College, Cambridge. Achieved First-Class results in both first and second year. Ranked 2nd out of 168 History students in my year at Cambridge in 2024. Won the 2023 Bowen Essay Prize, run by Trinity College. Very highly commended by St. Hugh's College, Oxford, and Trinity College, Cambridge, for Julia Wood and Robson History Prize entries. Won school history prize for four years in a row, as well as the politics prize in Sixth Form. A-levels: A*s in History, English Literature, Politics and EPQ. GCSEs: all 9s.

I have been tutoring for the past three-and-a-half years now, and I have loved every minute of it. So far, I have had twenty students, and each of them has responded very well to my tutoring methods. That is because, in each case, I have identified and applied the approach that works best for them. I have tutored History and English Literature at both GCSE and A-level, as well as Politics at A-level. I have helped two students successfully apply to Oxbridge.

Before we start our lessons, I will arrange a free pre-lesson consultation which I will use simply to get to know you. I will ask you what it is, exactly, that you're looking for help with. What subject is it? What exam board is it? Which particular paper is it? Which particular question is it? It is only by getting to know you and your needs that I can be a good tutor to you. I will then ask you how you learn best. Do you like listening to lectures? Or do you prefer a more discursive style of learning? These are all questions that need answering if I am to find the approach that works best for you. Once I've identified what you need help with, and how I can best help you, we can get started with the lessons themselves. After the pre-lesson consultation, I will create a lesson plan for you. I will calculate the number of lessons I think we will need to have if you are to achieve your goals. I will figure out what we will need to cover in each of those lessons. I will identify what work I want you to do after each of those lessons. In short, I will establish a programme according to which I think you will realise your full potential as a student.