John Clay

EXPERIENCE

For ten years I was an Associate Professor in Durham University's History Department. I gave lectures, seminars and supervisions at every level, from first-year undergraduates to postgraduate researchers, as well as having pastoral and admissions responsibilities. I remain an Honorary Research Fellow of Durham and an active researcher in my field. I've appeared as an expert on several BBC documentaries and podcasts, and as a guest speaker at the BBC Radio 3 Free Thinking Festival.

My other passion has always been creative writing. I've had two Roman historical novels published with Hodder & Stoughton, and - when time allows! - I am working on my third. I delivered creative writing lectures and tutorials in the English Department at Durham University, and appeared at literary and historical festivals across the UK. I also offer creative writing tutoring for all ages and abilities, so please do get in touch if this is something you're interested in.

Later I moved into school teaching, and spent three years teaching History and Politics at an ISI "Excellent"-rated independent school in southwest London. I have a detailed understanding of the specifications and marking criteria for every subject I teach, across all major exam boards. I have taught and tutored students of all abilities, and have developed strategies for bringing out the best in all of them.

My career path has given me unique experience of teaching before, during, and after A Levels. I understand the student experience from both perspectives. I have seen the pressures and demands of GCSE and A Level study, and as sixth form tutor have guided dozens of students through the UCAS process, including multiple successful Oxbridge applications. My experience as a Durham University admissions tutor taught me that, when it comes to the most competitive universities, the personal statement is very often the deciding factor. My experience as a writer means that I can help my tutees sculpt their perfect application, one that showcases academic skill while bringing out their uniqueness and passion.

Just as important, I understand the transition from school to university, and all the challenges it brings. During my time at Durham University I also served as pastoral tutor to first-year undergraduates, which involved helping students make the (often difficult) jump to a new level of independence and academic demands. For tutees about to take their A Levels, part of my package is therefore to help them prepare mentally and practically for that transition.

One of the great things about my varied career track has been the chance to live and work in other countries, with all the mind-expanding experiences that brings. Before my doctorate I also worked as a professional archaeologist. Over the years I have pursued historical and archaeological research in the USA, Mexico, Austria, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland. Feel free to ask me about the time I stumbled across a 5,000-year-old skeleton...

TUTORING APPROACH

Every student is unique. They have their specific talents and strengths, their own skills and needs. I well understand the heavy demands of the classroom, and the frustrating reality that a teacher cannot always tailor their approach or devote enough time to tap the potential of every single pupil. If you are reading this, you have likely come to the same conclusion.

Hence my starting point is always to learn about my new tutee. What motivates them to study their subject? How do they perceive their own strengths and weaknesses? What do they want to achieve? And what methods do they find get best results for them personally?

Then we work out a plan, and decide how to implement it. Along the journey I aim to inspire and enthuse, to broaden their perspectives, to encourage with compassion and understanding. This will be alongside specific skills:

How to structure effective arguments tailored to the marking criteria
How to write fluently, persuasively, and concisely
How to organise study and revision for maximum efficiency
How to extend knowledge and understanding beyond the curriculum
The last skill is vital, not just for writing better essays, but for bringing such wider knowledge into the classroom. It will enhance the student's enjoyment of the subject, impress their teachers and peers, and help instil a lifelong love of the subject.