James

I am an easy going individual with an approachable and fun demeanour. I'm passionate about my subject and have worked hard to gain skills and qualifications within the discipline. I have many other hobbies in my spare time, including squash, badminton, going to Church and reading, to name a few!
I'm different from your stereotypical classicist, as I come from a working class/state school background in Norfolk, and began my Classical studies at AS level while studying at Diss Sixth form. I now have a BA in Classicsal Civilisation from Roehampton University and an MA in Classical Studies from the Open University.

My availability is varied due to my full-time position in boarding. I have availability mostly on Wednesday and Thursday at anytime, and can ensure sessions fit around both our schedules elsewhere. My current work rota can be very complimentary and flexible towards tutoring sessions.

Tutoring Experience

I have worked within illustrious boarding schools for the past six years of my career since graduation. While my roles have been predominantly pastoral, I have acquired significant classroom experience and skills suitable for working with young people during this time, and am further looking to develop these skills. I undertook the Sussex SKE in Latin that enhanced my knowledge of the language and pedagogy surrounding it's teaching, and this year I am seeking to gain further teaching experience before taking up my place on the PGCE at Kings College London. I already have experience delivering the Cambridge Latin Course and De Romanis to small groups and achieved a B myself in the 2023 OCR Latin AS level, with an A in the language paper. My Classical Civ background is embodied through my Masters Degree, acquired through part time study over the duration of the pandemic, while working full time.

Tutoring Approach

My approach to teaching Latin is rooted in fun, varied lessons, that combine the reading approach (analysing comprehension of longer stories and passages) with the more traditional drills and exercises to solidify understanding of grammar rules and vocabulary retention. I make great use of my contacts within Classics and education to develop and utilise engaging and creative resources to compliment these established course/text books.

I am familiar with teaching the CLC and De Romanis, and have significant experience with the textbooks Latin to GCSE 1&2 and the new coursebook Suburani.

I currently live in the boarding school where I work, and use of their classroom facilities and the resources of our Classics Department are not off limits, should students wish me to teach from my home. Adult learners should be DBS checked if visiting me at my home regularly however.