Edward

I am Ed, a Durham University graduate, and future law trainee with a training contract starting in September 2025. While I complete my final year of studying for my the conversion course, I would love to give back and teach some students of my own!

I am an energetic, vibrant, and positive character, with an outstanding academic record and excellent communication and research skills. At school, I received the highest marks in my year for both History and Government Politics at A-Level, and I was informed by younger siblings of friends that my essays were still being used as the exemplars several years after I had left.

At Durham University, too, I continued to develop my academic skills. My undergraduate degree was primarily in History and English Literature (although I also completed a Politics and an Ancient History module in First-Year), and I completed a 12,000 - word history dissertation in my final year, before undertaking a Masters in English Literary Studies. This course was more rigorous, including a 15,000 - word dissertation (this time on three contemporary American novels) and an 8,000 - word creative writing portfolio.

Not only am I highly committed to academic affairs, though. I also engaged heavily in extra curricular activities. At Durham, I captained my hockey team, and contributed to student culture and student politics in a variety of different ways. When I left, I was given recognition for my contributions in the form of the highest award that my college can offer – an Honorary Life Membership – which mirrored the trophy that I was given for similar reasons upon leaving school – the Highstead Cup. I love to socialise and engage with others; I am an excellent communicator; and I work well to empower people.

At school, I entered regional-level debating competitions, and won several awards (and had several laughs) attending Model United Nations events. During my first-year at Durham, I worked at the top of student politics as Junior Common Room Chair. I bring this confidence, experience, and oratory skill to the classroom.

Tutoring Experience

I have lots of experience working with children. At school, I undertook a year of weekly volunteering in a local primary school which went towards my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. I also worked as an assistant coach at Harpenden Lawn Tennis Club, and I have worked for two summers at the children's summer camp, Club Excel, at St Hilda's in Harpenden.

My extensive experience of working with children, combined with my almost peerless academic record, and my communication skills combine to make me an excellent tutor. I understand how to achieve the highest marks in A-Level essays, and how to write excellent personal statement forms for top universities. I can communicate this knowledge clearly, expertly, and positively.

Tutoring Approach

Whether it be during an internship with a top law firm, captaining a sports team, or teaching a student, I never stray from my core values and principles. These are the principles of hard-work, creativity, diligence, and most importantly, positivity. I believe that the best way to teach (or achieve anything in life) is not by pushing people down, but by pulling them up. My teaching approach centres around giving people confidence, and making them feel empowered so that when they sit in the exam, they know that they can achieve the very best grade possible. They believe.

This belief can only be achieved through hard work. That is why I am diligent with my preparation, and have an extremely keen eye for detail. Improving essays for A-Level centres can be condensed into two components. First, there must be a complete understanding and analysis of the topic. Second, there must be the ability to write clearly and persuasively in a way that articulates a critical point of view on that topic and fulfils the requirements under the marking criteria. I am able to help students improve their interest in a subject, reach a balanced and original point of view, and articulate this in a highly compelling manner. All of these are essential requirements to reach the top marks, and all of them are possible.

Thank you very much for reading my profile.