Rufus M.
I have just finished a three year History degree at Oxford University, graduating with a high 2.1. During my time at Oxford I have consistently achieved at a high level, achieving high 2.1s in both Prelims and FInals overall, with a first in a number of my exams, additionally as part of my application process to Oxford I achieved a very high mark of 74 in my History Aptitude Test (the mark required to obtain an interview is 50). As a result I feel that I have a good understanding of the skills necessary to be a good historian, and in particular the skills necessary for a successful application process to Oxbridge. As the personal statement and interview process can be slightly unnerving, knowing what is expected in each of these aspects means that I am fully able to support and advise in these areas to hone your ability and make you more confident in your ability to deal with these part of the application process. I endeavour to tailor my tutoring approach to the individual person that I am tutoring. This involves getting to know them as a person and communicating effectively with them to find the optimal teaching style to best suit their needs and therefore help them to get the most out of the tuition, and develop their understanding further.
I endeavour to tailor my tutoring approach to the individual person that I am tutoring. This involves getting to know them as a person and communicating effectively with them to find the optimal teaching style to best suit their needs and therefore help them to get the most out of the tuition, and develop their understanding further. Having been exposed to the Oxford tutorial system for the past two years, which emphasises one on one discussion and the individual more than is the case at most other universities, I have developed an appreciation for how closer contact teaching can be extremely useful, both in ensuring that the student fully grasps the material being taught, and drawing out their full potential.
During my time in sixth form I regularly took part in mentoring younger students lower down the school with areas of history they were having issues with, as part of my school's "History Clinic" programme, which helped me develop my skill at helping others with their work and ensuring that they had adequately grasped the topic under discussion, as well as developing my general interpersonal skills. In addition to this I was also President of the School History Society and gave several lectures on topics outside the school curriculum as part of the society's termcard over the course of the year. Being a student myself I do not have extensive personal experience of teaching others, however, I have had the experience to learn from many highly skilled teachers, both at school and at University, which leads me to believe that, combined with my strong interpersonal skills, I will be able to replicate the necessary qualities to teach effectively.
I have pursued a range of extra-curricular interest both before during my time at University: Debating and public speaking: I was elected onto the Secretary’s Committee of the Oxford Union Society. My responsibilities included researching and inviting speakers and arranging one of the seven debates for the term ‘This House Believes Big Pharma Prioritises Profits Over Patients’. I also facilitated events throughout the term helping in the running and logistics of numerous speaker events and the termly ball. I was President of my school debating society, competing in regional inter-school competitions. Rowing: I row for my college and have competed in a number of regattas, in addition I was elected Boat Club Treasurer. I enjoy running, including taking part in the Oxford Town and Gown 10k run.
