Oliver

I am a recent graduate from Cambridge University, where I studied French, Spanish and Latin. I am a very strong linguist and writer, from a family of linguists, who enjoys engaging with students and working out the best way for them to understand new ideas (and have a good time doing so).

I have always had an impeccable academic record (for example: 2 major scholarships to Charterhouse, 11 A*s at GCSE, 4 high A*s at A-Level) and I have a sound understanding of the various syllabuses. As it is not so long since I sat these exams myself, I can offer a fresh approach to learning. I love teaching!

Something else important which sets me apart from the crowd is the fact that I have always known how to play exams and get good results. This is a knack which not everyone has; I, hopefully, can pass it on.

I have a robust record of improving students' work, turning several Ds into A*s as well as helping people successfully navigate through scholarship exams and the Oxbridge admissions process.

Outside of tutoring, I have a keen interest in making art and music (completing a Masters in Popular Music at Goldsmiths in 2019). I also love games, sports and the outdoors.

Please do get in touch; I would love to help.

Tutoring Experience

I have thousands of hours' experience under my belt tutoring students at prep school, GCSE, AS, A-Level, Cambridge Pre-U, IB and beyond, in English, French, Spanish and Latin. I have also taught Latin as an after-school activity for primary age children (7-11), and have tutored others of a similar age in a more general capacity. In addition, I have coached for entrance exams and interviews, and taught English as a foreign language: all in all, a wide range of student ages and teaching remits. Those whom I have taught have always been extremely happy with my services.

Tutoring Approach

I love words and language, and I try to pass this on at all levels. Students often seem to lack self-confidence in their approach to languages, and this is somewhere I am able to help. It could be a young student struggling to get to grips with GCSE Spanish listening, or an A-Level or higher student who needs help making his or her analysis of Virgil's Aeneid more sophisticated and informed. I relish every point along this spectrum.

It is, of course, essential to review past papers and study the specific requirements for a given exam; however, this is not everything, and I believe that there are some more general principles which help across the board. For example, writing technique (essay structure and argument, for example) is an essential tool not limited to a particular section of a particular paper. Another important element of language study is translation, a skill which is often overlooked but which I believe is one of the best ways to improve every aspect of competence.

My cancellation policy is as follows: if a student cancels a lesson within 24 hours, 50% of the lesson is due to be paid; if within 8 hours, the full fee is due.