James Turrell

My lessons are tailored to each student’s level, course requirements and areas of difficulty. I work in a clear, supportive and methodical way, helping students build confidence with reading, interpretation and essay writing rather than simply memorising points. Whether a student needs help with set texts, revision, exam technique, essay planning or developing stronger analytical writing, I aim to make lessons focused, approachable and genuinely useful.

I usually structure lessons around active discussion and guided analysis rather than passive note-taking. That might mean working closely through a poem, play or passage from a novel, identifying themes, language and literary methods, and then shaping those ideas into a clear argument. I also help students improve paragraph structure, use quotations effectively, and understand how to write with more precision and confidence under exam or coursework conditions. My approach is patient, organised and practical, with an emphasis on helping students understand not just what to say about a text, but how to express it effectively.

Alongside my academic and research background, I am a published journalist and writer, with a book forthcoming next year. I also work in libraries, so supporting people with reading, learning and navigating complex material is already a central part of my professional life. Between my experience in writing, research and library work, I bring a strong grounding in close reading, argument, structure and clear written communication to every lesson.

English Literature can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when students are told to have “original ideas” without being shown how to develop them. I try to remove that fear by breaking things down clearly, asking the right questions, and helping students trust their own thinking. My goal is not only to improve grades, but to help students become more confident, thoughtful and capable readers and writers.