Adam
"Adam has been tutoring my son for the Oxford University Classics Admissions Test. He has been immensely helpful in improving my son’s Latin in sessions that, I am told, are enjoyable as well as stimulating and stretching."
Parent of Oxford University Classics admissions student
13 +
A Level
Ancient Greek
Classics
French
GCSE
Latin
Oxbridge Applications
Academic History
Postgraduate Degree, University of Oxford: Greek and/or Roman History, Distinction (an average of 76)
Undergraduate Degree, University of Oxford: Classics (Literae Humaniores), Double First (First in both second year exams and in final exams).
A-Level/ Pre-U: French Pre-U: D1 (equivalent of above an A* at A-Level) Latin Pre-U: D2 (equivalent of an A* at A-Level) Ancient Greek Pre-U: D2 (equivalent of an A* at A-Level) History A-Level: A
GCSE: Maths A* English Literature A* English Language A French A* German A* History A* Latin A* Ancient Greek A* Physics A* Chemistry A*
All grades were achieved at Westminster School.
About Me
I am an enthusiastic and committed tutor, and believe that the most important part of a tutor’s role is to engage with the specific needs and learning methods of each individual tutee. Flexibility and empathy are therefore fundamental to my tutoring style. Making sure that lessons are stimulating and exciting, rather than just informative, is key to ensuring a positive learning environment where students can continue to develop. I try to find out what it is in a subject or topic that interests the tutee, and adapt my methods accordingly. My sessions also incorporate a sense of fun, whilst helping the student to think for themselves. Encouraging a student to think independently is something I learned from the Oxford tutorial system, and is central to their enjoyment of a subject and to further learning.
Recent tuition
I prepare students for the Westminster School Scholarship Exam, ‘The Challenge’ (especially the Latin, Greek, and French papers). I also provide tuition for Classics and French papers for other age 13 scholarship or entrance exams, including applications to Eton and St. Pauls. In addition to this, I prepare students for Latin and Greek GCSE and A-Level exams and for the University of Oxford Admissions for Classics (admissions test; personal statement tuition; interview preparation).
Latin and Greek A-Level, and University of Oxford Classics Admissions
Between July 2023 and May 2024, I tutored a student (Ampleforth College) for his A-Levels in Latin and Ancient Greek. I also provided intensive tuition to help prepare him for the University of Oxford Classics interviews and the Classics Admissions Test. He was the only student in his year at school to win a place at the University Oxford, and is on track to perform well in his A-levels.
GCSE Classical Greek
I tutored a student (Westminster School) in Ancient Greek for a few sessions over the 2023/2024 Christmas period. I helped him to consolidate his Greek language skills and ensure he was well placed for the following school term. I focused on explaining to him any grammar and syntax he found difficult, and improving his grasp of vocabulary.
Latin Language classes at University of Oxford
I taught this student weekly Latin Language classes at the University of Oxford for a six-month period. She was already a relatively strong student, but there was room for consolidation and improvement. Each week, I gave her a grammar test, went through a Latin syntax topic, and set homework. Her performances in early tests and homework were adequate, but by giving extensive written feedback and explaining any previous mistakes in detail at the start of each class, her performances improved substantially. When going through a new topic, I tailored my explanations to make sure they focused on aspects she previously found difficult. At the end of the six months, she scored one of the highest marks in the year in a year-wide test.
Latin Language classes at University of Oxford
I taught a student weekly Latin Language classes at the University of Oxford for a six-month period. He was an intelligent student but had scored lower than expected in his first assessment of the year. I felt this was due to minimal preparation and low motivation, rather than a lack of ability. When teaching him, I made lessons more varied and engaging, and in written and oral feedback I emphasised the importance of proper preparation for grammar tests so that he could perform well in future exams and understand the texts he translated. His scores in weekly grammar tests improved considerably as the six months progressed, placing him towards the top end of the class.
Hobbies
As well as teaching, I studied for a master’s in Ancient History and remain interested in many aspects of ancient and more modern history. In particular, the politics of the Roman Republic, on which I completed a 25,000-word dissertation, continue to fascinate me. Beyond academic pursuits, I’m a keen footballer and cricketer, and a relatively regular long-distance runner. I also enjoy travelling and trying to keep up my modern language skills.
Testimonials
“Adam has been tutoring my son for the Oxford University Classics Admissions Test since July. He has been immensely helpful in improving my son’s Latin in sessions that, I am told, are enjoyable as well as stimulating and stretching. Adam is always punctual and has gone over and above by also helping my son with his UCAS statement. I would highly recommend Adam as a tutor.”
Parent of Oxford University Classics admissions student
