Hugh

I am an Oxbridge educated Senior Leader in a mixed High school in Hertfordshire. I have been in school leadership since 2005. Before that I was Head of History in a mixed High School in London. I have written and contributed to a number of history textbooks. I set up a successful Government and Politics department at my last school

Tutoring Experience

34 years teaching experience in London and Hertfordshire (continuous service), teaching from 11-18, KS3,4,5, Pearson, OCR and AQA history qualifications, and EDEXCEL Politics 'A' level

Tutoring Approach

As a History teacher with 31 years’ experience, I have seen several trends in teaching during my career: different learning styles, growth mindsets and Rosenshine's principles of instruction to name a few. I have also seen more specific changes in History teaching, from the emphasis on source evaluation to enquiry learning and, more recently, the pre-occupation with memorising material for exams. All have their merits, but I would also contend that History teaching benefit from a culture that promotes oracy and encourages debate, that narrates the positive and doesn't stigmatise failure, that uses a variety of teaching methods and keeps students on their toes. Finally, I believe in setting high standards for all students and providing the extra scaffolding where necessary for those that need help getting there. As the co-author of 2 textbooks for key stage 3 in the early 2000's, I was very involved in the pedagogy of History teaching in London secondary schools. I worked with the Institute of Education in selecting students for teaching courses and led a very successful department at my last school serving a deprived area of north London.