Richard

I am of dual heritage, I was born in Bradford, but I grew up in Dhaka, Bangladesh. My first primary school was for expatriate children, with a strong focus on the arts. My secondary school was a private, English Medium school which followed the O Level curriculum. This school was extremely academic, with progression through to each year group only guaranteed by passing two sets of exams each year. I was therefore well prepared for exams when my parents moved back to the UK for the start of Year 10. I attended a state school in Southampton for my GCSE’s and then Peter Symonds sixth form in Winchester.

My diverse educational experience gives me access to a variety of learning styles and cultural references that I am able to employ when supporting my students. Cultural background is often a factor when learning how to get the best out of young academics.

My wife is a popular English tutor in Kingston Upon Thames, where we live. We are proud parents to a baby daughter.

Tutoring Experience

I have worked as an educator for 18 years. I have a particular skill set in supporting students with special educational needs. I am published in SEN magazine for my work with the families of children on the autistic spectrum.

University level: student support for a final year dissertation on the LLB degree at Bristol UWE. The student was predicted a 2:2 but after our work together she was awarded a 1st class degree.

Secondary School: I have prepared multiple students for their GCSE’s, working with pupils from Year 9 onwards. Exam boards include: AQA, Pearson Edexcel and IGCSE. Schools represented by my students include: City of London School Boys, Hampton School, St Helen’s School Girls, (all fee paying independent schools). Also, I have students who attend Wallington County Grammar School and Kingston Academy.

Adult Education: Drama tutor at Identity School of Acting and The Unseen Drama School.

Tutoring Approach

My approach is person-centred. I begin with an individual student's point of interest in the subject and then expand their engagement in order to teach the whole curriculum. I support each student to develop a clear argument in their essay writing. Structure is vital when preparing for exams.

I have a passion for global culture and history, which means I am able to encourage students to develop their contextual responses to literary texts. I am an avid follower of local and international news, which allows me to effectively illustrate the best way to approach English Language papers. Speech writing and delivery are second nature to me. I have a passion for creative writing and know how to tailor an article for maximum effect.

Above all, rapport is crucial. The tutor-student relationship is paramount. I believe I have the inter-personal skills required and can always find the right balance between professionalism and compassion to bring the best out of any student.