Paul

I am the head of history at a thriving independent school in the West Midlands and a member of the Royal Historical Society. I have several years’ teaching experience and have played a key role in promoting a love of history and boosting academic performance in my school. Whilst my doctoral thesis was based on the English Civil Wars, I have a broad range of historical interests and in recent years have developed a greater level of experience in studying and teaching American history. I have taught up to second year undergraduate level and have successfully supervised many A-level and university students’ research projects.

Tutoring Experience

I have considerable teaching experience, having worked in state and private schools as well as universities since 2009. My recent A-level history teaching experience has centred on AQA’s The Making of a Superpower: The USA, 1865-1975, though I have previously taught A-level units on Britain during the early 1900s and the English Civil War. I currently supervise coursework projects on witchcraft and aspects of early modern British history, both of which are topics that I have also taught at undergraduate level. In addition, I have plenty of experience teaching AQA’s GCSE units on Health & the People, Elizabethan England, Conflict & Tension in Asia, 1955-1975 and Democracy & Dictatorship: Germany, 1890-1945. Furthermore, I have considerable teaching experience at Key Stage Three, with a general emphasis on British history from 1066 to the World Wars as well as the American West. Alongside my experience in teaching history, I have three years’ experience teaching AQA’s A-level unit, Government and Politics of the USA and Comparative Politics.

I have a proven track record with A-level and GCSE results, with the majority of my GCSE students securing grade 6 or higher. My A-level results have likewise been strong, with most of my students typically achieving a grade B or higher. Several of my former students have obtained places at Russell Group universities and progressed into successful early-stage careers in law, insurance, media and education.

Tutoring Approach

I aim to empower my students by giving them a thirst for historical research and debate. Discussion of ideas, analysis and evaluation of primary sources and historians’ interpretations form the basis of my approach. From there, I like to guide students with organising their thoughts and ideas into coherent and substantiated written arguments. My use of writing frames and positive, reflective feedback typically boosts students’ confidence and enables them to make progress. Students can expect a sympathetic and patient tutor who wants to help them unlock their potential.