Jack

I am a London/Hertfordshire-based tutor of Politics, which runs alongside my main profession as an actor and singer.

Having studied Government and Politics at AS/A2 level (A* Grade, alongside History and Maths, both A Grade) I then went on to the Degree course in Politics and International Relations at the University of Bristol, being awarded the SPAIS prize in my second year and graduating in my third with a high 2:1.

I then decided to follow my passion of Musical Theatre, and gained a place at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music on their 1 year Performance (Musical Theatre) course, graduating with a Master of Arts (Distinction) and being awarded a Diploma of the Royal Academy of Music.

I am now a full-time actor and singer, who enjoys tutoring in Government & Politics.

I am also an experienced Director of theatrical productions, including a sell-out production of 'Into The Woods' at the Winston Theatre, Bristol, and '[title of show]' at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2016.

Tutoring Experience

I have been tutoring a number of students in both History and Politics for the past four years in preparation for their GCSE and A Level exams, and am looking to take on more students.

I have previously been a Summer School Assistant at Sharpe Academy, Rickmansworth, aiding teachers in leading large classes, as well as having the opportunity to take my own drama class.

Whilst a Director of productions in Bristol and Edinburgh I was responsible for both large and small companies of actors, as well as heading up a creative team and managing an orchestra and backstage crew. Having said this, I always found the one-to-one sessions with actors most enjoyable and productive, and allowed me to utilize and develop the same skills I needed to become a great tutor.

Tutoring Approach

I take a student-led approach to tutoring Politics, identifying the areas where focus is requested and needed, and often relating it back to the wider framework of the exam specification. I also try to create a relaxed environment where the student feels they can put forward ideas and bring their own knowledge in discussions, opening up the possibilities of Politics being interesting, relevant and fun.

For Government & Politics A-Level specifically I always approach tutoring with an effort to relate the more 'boring', textbook-aspects of the subject back to the real world. So much emphasis is placed on using 'Contemporary Knowledge' and examples in exam questions, and I pride myself on making sure I'm up-to-date in terms of knowing the status of political institutions and issues that change at a rapid pace.

Similarly, my approach is also question focused; I have found in my experience that vital time can be wasted, or marks lost in exams because students might not answer exactly the question being put to them. Identifying what is being asked, and figuring out how to form a balanced argument to produce a succinct answer are important aspects of improving technique, as well as refocusing attention to question dissection, essay planning and time management.