Keith

I am an Oxford graduate in Classics.
After a career in advertising, I taught Latin and Greek as a private tutor in S.W. London for 15 years. My experience of the world outside the confines of the classroom has, I feel, been beneficial in enabling me to establish a relaxed and mutually respectful rapport with all my pupils.
I have achieved excellent results at all levels of both subjects.
Polishing the silver plate provides me with at least as much satisfaction, if not more, than adding lustre to the gold.
I am married with 4 step-daughters. We have recently moved to W. Sussex.

Tutoring Experience

I have tutored well over 100 boys and girls in W. and S.W. London at all levels: first steps, Common Entrance, GCSE and A level. Two students reading Latin at the Open University also engaged me to overlook their work.
Every pupil achieved or exceeded the target that was set for them.

Tutoring Approach

In consultation with the parents, assess the pupil's areas of weakness and strength.
Set a target for achievement within a time-frame.
Ensure that the basics (grammar and syntax) are in place before developing translation skills.
Place the languages in a mythological or historical context where possible to demonstrate that we are not just embarking on a dry intellectual exercise.
Where appropriate, point out the etymological links with English (and, occasionally, other European languages)
and any parallels between the Roman/Greek world and our own.
Provide a relaxed and unpressurised environment in which to work. Humour can be the tutor's most effective tool.
Learning should be fun.