Approachable, friendly tutor History teacher at Woodford Green - Lewis - Woodford Green

Find out more about Lewis

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I developed an interest in education, whilst fulfilling the role as an education ambassador, whilst studying for my undergraduate degree in History and Politics, I helped first year students navigate the complexities of first year degree study, including giving them tips and tricks in relation to research, and essay preparation, this then spurred my interest in developing a career in teaching, and wishing to help others nurture and reach their academic potential. My interest in private tutoring came as a natural progression from teaching in secondary school for a number of years, and provided me with a sense of control and an ability to educate and help others in a way that I felt would best utilise their skills and potential, touching on my years of experience to achieve this.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach a variety of subjects, with a focus on 7+ , 11+ and 13+ entry for both Maths and English.
  Having worked for years with schools and as an admissions tutor. Helping students gain places to Westminster, Winchester, Harrow and various other selective schools to ensure students are both academically and emotionally prepared for the rigour of entrance exams and the interview process. In addition I teach English across the year groups having studied the subject at A level, and History and Politics at all levels including GCSE and A level, having studied both subjects at undergraduate level and masters level. I enjoy discussing early modern and modern history with students, with a particular emphasis on the Elizabethan era, Cold War , Nazi Germany and 20th century history, looking at British ,American and European history. I cover most GCSE and A level topics as part of the syllabus, across the national exam boards. I have taught these subjects both in school and as a private tutor, and as such have a firm grasp of the exam board requirements and the best way to help students consolidate their learning objectives and outcomes and reach their academic potential.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Across my formative years of schooling I had the privilege of being taught by some fantastic teachers, including Mr Hiscock my English teacher at secondary school, and Mr Davis my Politics and History teacher, both inspired passion, independence, and an ability to assess and look at both subjects critically, ensuring I was both academically challenged and made to look at both subjects beyond the prescriptive nature of the syllabus. This helped me to develop a lasting and real passion for these subjects, achieve my goals, and I wish to use some of the same methods to engage and challenge my own students.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  There are many qualities required to be a good tutor. I would summaries in 7 key areas.
  
  Motivation
  It's essential to understand what motivates a tutor. Are they interested in helping your child grow and learn
  
  Adaptability
  No single teaching style fits every student. Tutors need to adjust their approach based on what the student needs and where they are struggling. It's also important that the tutor be flexible to change their teaching as the student progresses, and starts to unlock their full academic potential.
  
  Patience
  Working through struggles requires patience. Some students may need more patience than others. A tutor must demonstrate this characteristic. They must also ensure that children are learning at a pace that suits them, and always always remember that each student is unique in terms of their strengths, abilities and weaknesses.
  
  Enthusiasm
  Tutors need to be excited about learning and have a passion for it. Many children become discouraged with school when they Struggle and find themselves slipping behind their academic cohort, which can causes emotional distress and students 'switching off' so enthusiasms is key to ensure students engage and interact with the tutor and the course/subject content.
  
  Empathy
  A good tutor has empathy for their student. They should listen to the student and understand their needs and challenges. Doing this will help in building a foundation and a good rapport with the student and ensure that feel valued and listened to.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I had a fantastic primary school teacher ( year 2 and 3) who pushed me academically in my early years, when I myself used to struggle with comprehending English and other core subjects. She was a a relatively young teacher ( as I am myself now) but ensured that I had the extra tools and help I needed to strive and succeed. This included many hours of 1 to 1 work and ability to help me develop strategies to learn. She was an inspiration in my journey to become a teacher and latterly a private tutor myself. Sadly she passed before the age of 30, but has remained a constant guiding force in my teaching/tutoring career. I like to believe I have adapted her methods and aim to be judicial in my approach with students, always taking time to understand their needs and an ability above all to remain patient and an encouraging force. ( As I believe this is what helped me unlock my own academic potential, and go on to be very successful in terms of my schooling in late primary and secondary school and beyond)

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  Sometimes difficulties can involve trying to get unwilling students to fully engage in respective subjects areas, this can often be because a students confidence has been so severely knocked, that a completely fresh approach and a re imagination of how to teach the subject is required, although this challenge can be tough, it's often more rewarding when the 'nut has been cracked' and students start to open up, engage and a sense of enthusiasm grows for the subject. Other challenges include constantly evolving use of resources, to ensure students are fully equipped with the tools that they need to succeed and prosper in our challenging world.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My passion in teaching is broad and I like to help students look at the syllabus in a more creative and unique way, with discussion and sharing of resources so that they can develop a richer understanding of the subject, building upon their skill set and also their ability to navigate the subject in both school and exam settings.

• What makes you a Superprof?

  I think my years of dedication to private tuition, ability to unlock students potential, and push them to achieve academic success in a friendly and warm environment are what helps me stand out as a Superprof, this is supported by many 100s of very happy former students who have gone on to achieve great things and either improve or grow in confidence to cement their grades.