Rahul R

My Passion & How I Inspire

My approach to tutoring is shaped by my experience working with young people both inside and outside academia. Getting to know the young person behind the student is key to understanding how best to engage their interest in the material - especially for SEN students. From the outset I create a friendly atmosphere that emphasises the importance of dialogue to the teaching process. I encourage the student to actively ask questions and not be afraid to make mistakes. This develops their confidence, as well as nurturing their intellectual curiosity and passion for the subject.

Rather than lecturing them (and quickly losing their attention!), I try as far as possible to guide their understanding from what they already know to more challenging material - encouraging them to share their own thoughts and ideas. I challenge them to explain what they think and why they think it, offering constructive feedback throughout this learning process. This Oxbridge-style tutorial format, leads to deeper understanding of assessed material, as well as developing the crucial ability to think critically. This approach lays important foundations for students to be proactive, independent thinkers in academia and in later life.

These advantages are complemented by a rigorous focus on results. Lessons are thoroughly prepared in advance and tailor-made to the academic needs of the individual student. These include regular verbal and written exercises that hone in on particular areas of weakness. This allows us to quickly identify, talk through and rectify misunderstandings together. This not only develops a watertight foundation for future learning, but leads to fast progress. This provides the student with a sense of achievement and pride - which in turn motivates them to strive towards even greater success!

My Experience

I have worked as a professional tutor for the past 6 years, alongside my undergraduate and post-graduate studies at the Universities of Durham and Cambridge. I am currently working towards a PGDE and hold Qualified Teacher Status. My tutoring approach is therefore informed by the latest research on pedagogical best practice, as well as a wealth of cross-disciplinary experience. I have successfully offered bespoke tuition to over 100 students in the above subjects, across ISEB, AQA, EdExcel, OCR and Cambridge IGCSE syllabi.

I have also worked for several summers as an Activities Manager at Stafford House Study Holidays, a highly reputable summer school. This experience working with children outside of an academic environment, has granted me a well-rounded perspective on how to best engage the interest of a student - as well as maximise and sustain their progress.

Subjects That I Teach

  • Dissertation
  • Dissertation - IB
  • Dissertation - GCSE
  • Dissertation - Undergraduate
  • Dissertation - 11+
  • English
  • English - IB
  • English - GCSE
  • English - Undergraduate
  • English - 11+
  • Essay Writing
  • Essay Writing - IB
  • Essay Writing - GCSE
  • Essay Writing - Undergraduate
  • Essay Writing - 11+
  • French
  • French - IB
  • French - GCSE
  • French - Undergraduate
  • French - 11+
  • History
  • History - IB
  • History - GCSE
  • History - Undergraduate
  • History - 11+
  • Latin
  • Latin - IB
  • Latin - GCSE
  • Latin - Undergraduate
  • Latin - 11+
  • Maths
  • Maths - IB
  • Maths - GCSE
  • Maths - Undergraduate
  • Maths - 11+

My Qualifications

University of Cambridge, MPhil in Political Thought and Intellectual History (74%)

Durham University, BA in History, 1st Class Honours (73%)

Sheffield Hallam University, Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (Pending)

Manchester Grammar School, IB, 44/45 points (Total)

Higher Levels: French (7/7), HL Latin (7), HL History (6)

Standard Levels: English (7) Chemistry (7) Maths (7)

Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay: A, A (3/3)

IGCSEs, 10 A*s in History, French, Latin, English Language, English Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Classical Civilisation

My Video Introduction

Fun fact

I am a fully qualified and LTA accredited tennis coach - a service which I still offer on request!