Jessica

I am an Art Historian with a broad range of specialisms from Renaissance to Modern and Contemporary art history. I studied at Cambridge University and the Courtauld Institute of Art before working at MoMA in New York, Tate Britain, London, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh School of Art, Glasgow and the Soane Museum, London.

My passion is working with young people, passing on my love for learning. Since 2009 I have taught at a number of prestigious Independent schools in London, as Head of Department, A Level Examiner and Oxbridge Coordinator. I have also lectured at the National Gallery and taken study visits to destinations across Europe.

Publications

2017: K. Blatt, Leonardo da Vinci and the Virgin of the Rocks: One Painter, Two Virgins, Twenty-Five Years, Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2017.

2012: Blatt, K., Getting into Oxford & Cambridge, 2011 and 2012 entry (12th and 13th ed.) Trotman Publishing: 2011 and 2012.

For a full list see: https://www.virginoftherocks.com

Tutoring Experience

I have over fifteen years' teaching experience as a private tutor and as Head of Department in Art History at prestigious Independent schools, as an A level Examiner and Oxbridge Co-ordinator. My students achieve exceptional results, always increasing their grades twofold through my private tutoring, most of them exceeding expectations.

As Oxbridge Coordinator I run university application and Personal Statement writing workshops. I have a near perfect success rate supporting my tutees obtain interviews, and most are accepted to read Art History at Oxbridge or their chosen first choice of university. I also have a wealth of experience supervising undergraduate and MA dissertations, helping with planning, structuring and proof-reading longer writing projects. All my students achieve a 2:1 or 1st, and often accept prizes for their written work.

I have supported the writing of EPQs and Extended Essays for the IB, as well as working with younger students to prepare for 11+ and 13+ entrance examinations. As an entrance examiner, I have an excellent understanding of expectations of students at these transition points and have helped my students achieve places at excellent schools, from Westminster to Highgate, Godolphin and Latymer and St Pauls.

Many of my students are neurodivergent, and I enjoy, and have a great deal of experience, supporting students with dyslexia and other SEN. I use tried and tested techniques to help students develop their study skills and support their unique learning preferences.

School Teaching Experience:

Godolphin and Latymer School (2011-2018)
Queen's College, London (2018-2023)
Christ's Hospital School (2023-2024)

Tutoring Approach

My approach is holistic and individualised, tailored to the student I am working with. I aim to understand your interests and learning styles, creating a warm and trusting working relationship. I have a wealth of experience working with students with SEN and EFL and take a students' unique learning preferences into account. I have trained as a life coach and motivating students to feel ownership and pride in their work is central to my ethos.