Tom R.

Hi there. James here, from South Africa. I taught in London in Walthamstow for my probationary year in 1991, and then in Johannesburg and Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa for a total of 21 years. I have taught Cambridge A Level History and England and South Africa's English and History curricula. I am also a published researcher, poet, and author. I enjoy cross-country running. I like NETFLIX mystery series. I regularly get out wilderness walking and cross country swimming. Since February 2025, I tutor English and Religious Studies for GoStudent. I battled with learning difficulties at school. However, I did very well after school, because I knew that English opens doors. So, I set goals. Then I achieved a B.A (1985) and a B. Ed (1996) degree, at Wits University in Johannesburg. I did a Masters Degree in Theology (Regent College, Vancouver, B.C., 2001) and a PhD in Church History (University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2016). I believe education is a lifelong journey. We master English every day for the rest of our lives. So I'm still learning as I tutor GCSE students, A Level students, and juniors, to reach their highest goals.

I’m a friendly and patient tutor who enjoys helping students build confidence in subjects that can sometimes feel overwhelming. I teach both Maths and Computer Science across a range of levels, from early primary all the way up to GCSE, I adapt each lesson to how the student learns best. My teaching style focuses on breaking concepts down into simple, clear steps. I like to make lessons interactive, encouraging students to ask questions and think through problems rather than just memorising answers. This helps them develop real understanding and the confidence to approach new topics independently. For younger students, I focus on making learning engaging and supportive so they feel comfortable participating. For older students, I emphasise exam technique, structured problem-solving, and strengthening any gaps in knowledge. Whether a student needs help catching up, preparing for exams, or simply gaining more confidence in Maths or Computer Science, my goal is always to create a calm and encouraging learning environment where progress feels achievable. I have a strong background in both Maths and Computer Science, and I have worked with students across a range of ages and learning styles. My experience includes tutoring primary, secondary, and adult learners, helping them improve their understanding of key concepts as well as their confidence in approaching challenging topics. I have supported students with curriculum learning, homework support, and exam preparation, particularly in Maths and Computer Science. Through tutoring, I’ve worked with learners who needed help strengthening foundations as well as students aiming to reach top grades. My experience across different age groups allows me to adjust my teaching approach depending on the student. For younger learners, I focus on building strong fundamentals and making lessons engaging. For secondary and adult learners, I focus more on deeper understanding, logical thinking, and structured problem-solving.

Levels and subjects Lower Level: English - including 11+, TEFL, French, History. Modern Greek. GCSE: English, French, History, Modern Greek. A-Level: History. AQA 'Democracy and Nazism: Germany 1918-1945'. AQA 'Challenge and Transformation: Britain c1851-1964'. Higher Level: TEFL Exam Board Experience AQA, OCR Languages English : Fluent. French : Advanced Greek: Intermediate. SEND Experience Have worked with students who have ADHD. I have also worked with a terminally-ill child with learning issues due to memory impairment. Preferred Student Age Groups Am happy to tutor primary/ GCSE/ A-Level, as well as students or adults who have English as a Second Language. About me I love to travel, explore new places and meet people from different cultures. I spent ten years living in Athens, Greece where I worked as a private tutor: teaching TEFL to a wide variety of people - from complete beginners to students wishing to take Cambridge Proficiency exams in order to access UK universities. I have a BA Hons degree in Modern Languages: English/French with a module in Classical Greek Language and Literature. I believe in stress-free lessons , and learning in a relaxed setting. As a tutor I am not there to add pressure, but to help take pressure off. In terms of hobbies, I love reading, writing stories, and watching Turkish TV dramas. I am also a huge tennis fan. Last, but not least, I enjoy all forms of sugar - especially cake! Aside from my degree, I am qualified to teach TEFL. I really enjoy working with those who don't have English as a first language. It's a thrill to help them improve their speaking and listening - as well as reading and writing skills. It's wonderful to see them grow in confidence when expressing themselves in English. Furthermore, I am qualified to do proofreading. This fits in well with teaching English. I also have a certificate in Counselling Skills.

I have been tutoring online since April 2018, predominantly helping overseas students learn English as a foreign language. Curriculum has ranged from Oxford Reading Tree to Reach, using a variety of subjects to help their learning process. Having been diagnosed with severe dyslexia when I was young, I have always had an affinity with those who struggle with education, and have had to develop my own way to learn efficiently, and use this experience to help others. TEFL 120 Hours Certificate Bachelors Degree for the Arts I hold a bachelors degree in film, and have been a prolific writer since my childhood years. I also hold an HND in music production, and have previously tutored 9 to 15 year olds Djing and music production.