Our Tutors - James G

James - Classics and English, University of Oxford

Hello! I’m James, a Wolfson Scholar and doctoral student at The Queen’s College, Oxford. I previously read for two degrees at Oxford: a BA (First Class) in Classics and English at Exeter College and a fully-funded MSt (Distinction) in Classical Languages and Literature at Trinity College. During those degrees, I was thrilled to top my cohort both in the first year of my undergradate and in my Master’s year, to win several university awards for my exam results, and to secure college awards for my work and contributions to collegiate life. Before coming up to university, I attained A*s at A Level in English Literature, Latin, Spanish, and Mathematics, as well as full marks in an EPQ on Darwinism in Thomas Hardy, full marks in an HPQ on Parliamentary Sovereignty, and top grades across all my GCSEs (including an FSMQ). I also enjoyed success in multiple Oxbridge essay competitions while at Sixth Form.

I have been tutoring for six years and currently offer private online tuition in English and Latin up to A Level, as well as university admissions for related subjects. In the summer, I work as a course tutor at the UK’s leading Latin summer school (the JACT ‘Latin Camp’) and have volunteered for two classics education charities. I have also spent time teaching English in London and Peru, accredited with a CELTA (Pass A). For the last five years I have also been involved in running a children’s charity, of which I am now a trustee.

My teaching style is demanding but reassuring. A distinctive feature of my tutorial approach is to encourage students at all levels to make connections between subjects. In my experience, tackling languages and literatures in parallel can generate a far deeper understanding of the relevant concepts. For instance, in the past this has meant teaching Latin and Spanish grammar at GCSE level alongside each other. I am convinced of the benefits of thinking beyond strict curriculum divisions in this way for the intellectual development of students at any stage in their school career, and I therefore particularly welcome approaches from clients who would be interested in tuition in English and Latin concurrently.