A diligent and patient graduate of the University of Liverpool looking to tutor in history. KS3, GCSE and A-level teaching based online to improve grades and exam technique

History has always been a passion of mine from an early age, not only through a personal interest and enjoyment of the past through people and events, but a way of also understanding the present. This led to my choice to study history at GCSE and A-level where I achieved a 9 and an A respectively.

I recently completed a three year history course at the University of Liverpool where I achieved a first-class honours. This course focused on a range of different periods from Antiquity to medieval times, to World War II. I explored many geopolitical, economic and social developments over time which helped to develop skills in research, critical thinking and written communication through in-depth scrutiny of historical sources and data. In addition to independent study and research skills the course also required both individual and collaborative presentations. These presentations helped to improve communication skills as well as teamwork and coordination by sharing ideas and listening to others. These are skills that can be applied in a teaching role where concerns, questions and discussions are key to understanding, and ultimately improving work. My university modules included a range of assessments including standard essays, primary source analysis, literacy essays and a final dissertation.

For me it is key to focus on exam questions and mark schemes as early as possible. Familiarizing yourself with the criteria that markers are looking for enables students to get into a habit of producing strong, well-rounded answers that consistently meet the higher bands of marks. Reading and breaking down example answers are also really effective ways to improve grades that I would also focus on during lessons. This helps to improve writing by showing how the best answers are structured whilst bolstering vocabulary, punctuation and grammar. Contextual knowledge is another crucial area where improvement is found so students can go into exams familiar with the material. Context allows students to identify the chronology of the past while providing an understanding that allows them the chance to understand events and historical figures through causation. To target these areas I would include quizzes and recall exercises into lessons to refresh memory and reinforce knowledge.