About Me
I’m a teacher, examiner and lifelong student of History.
History has been a major part of my life for many years — both professionally and personally.
I have worked in education for more than 16 years, including SEND education. Therefore, I am capable of teaching students with a wide range of abilities, needs and learning styles.
Over that time, I have come to believe that one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is helping a student move from:
“I don’t think I can do this.”
to:
“I understand what I need to do — and I can do it.”
That change in confidence can make an enormous difference.
Teacher. Examiner. History specialist.
My experience as both a teacher and examiner has shaped the way I approach tutoring.
I know that a student can have a good understanding of a historical topic and still struggle to demonstrate that understanding effectively in an examination.
They may know the facts but struggle to:
answer the specific question being asked
select the most relevant evidence
develop an argument
analyse rather than describe
structure an effective essay
reach a supported judgement
These are skills that can be developed through careful teaching and practice.
That is why my tuition focuses not simply on what students know, but on how they use that knowledge.
-
I don’t believe in simply giving students more information and hoping that it will improve their marks.
Instead, I try to understand where the difficulty lies.
If a student writes an essay, for example, I can look at how they have approached the question, how they have selected their evidence and how successfully they have developed their argument.
We can then work through the answer together.
What was done well?
Where could it be stronger?
What would an examiner be looking for?
What could be changed?
Most importantly, why would that change make the answer better?
The student can then apply those lessons to their next piece of work.
This approach helps students gradually become more independent in recognising and correcting their own weaknesses.
-
My academic background includes:
BA – Archaeology & Classical Studies
University of South Africa
BA Honours – Ancient History
University of South Africa
PGCE
University of South Africa
Master’s in Education – History
University of Pretoria
PhD – Linguistics, Language & Literature / Classical Studies
University of South Africa
I have taught in a variety of educational settings, including mainstream and special-needs environments.
I also have experience as an examiner and examination team leader.
-
My interest in History has never been limited to teaching it.
I have taken part in archaeological excursions, volunteered with palaeontological departments and continued to research and learn about the past throughout my career.
I find the opportunity to explore the past, ask questions about it and help students make sense of it endlessly fascinating.
That enthusiasm is something I hope to bring into my lessons.
Why H is For History?
Because History is much more than remembering dates and names.
It is about asking questions.
It is about evidence.
It is about understanding why things happened and considering different interpretations of the past.
And, in an examination, it is about being able to communicate that understanding clearly and convincingly
That is what I want to help students do.
Could I help your child?
If your child is preparing for an upcoming History or English examination and would benefit from individual support, please get in touch.
We can have an informal conversation about where they are now, what they are finding difficult and what they would like to achieve.