EDUCATION
BA(Hons) First Class in English, Oxford University (2006)
Particularly high marks included 84 (Old English) in Moderations and 79 (Renaissance Literature) in Finals. Third out of some 250 candidates in Moderations. Optional examination in Old Norse (Icelandic) language and literature. Dissertations as follows:
- A discussion of Joshua Reynolds’ Discourses on Art. I argued against the common opinion that they contain a consistent philosophy. In my opinion this failed to recognise the essential incoherence of Augustan Humanism, and indeed of established intellectual culture, in the second half of the Eighteenth Century. In later research I found the legacy of the same problems in the controversy between Burke and Paine.
- A close analysis of the writings attributed to King Alfred. This led me to adopt the position that none of them is likely to have been written by him.
Postgraduate Studies in Voice, Royal Academy of Music (2006 – 2008)
Scenes from L’Etoile Du Nord, Lakmé, Zaïde, Les Troyens, Cherubin
Studies with Philip Doghan and Audrey Hyland
(Course not completed owing to changes in funding rules)
5 A grades at A level (2003)
Additional Further Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Mathematics
English
Music
AS level (2002)
Grade A in Early Modern History
9 A* grades at GCSE (2001)
EMPLOYMENT
Private Tutor (2006-present)
I prepare pupils between the ages of fifteen and sixty for A and AS levels and for Oxford and Cambridge interviews, as well helping others to explore private academic interests.
Subjects include English, Philosophy and History.
Several pupils have been successful Oxbridge applicants; others have produced markedly improved examination results.
I offer seminars on essay technique.
History Teacher, Christ’s Hospital (2009-10)
I focused on building pupils' confidence and developing their rhetorical awareness. I encouraged them to bring speech and writing close to one another, so that an essay was conceived as an ideally refined verbal argument in which a single idea was elaborated and tested.
Years 7 & 8: British history from the Anglo-Saxons to William & Mary; the Renaissance and Reformation.
Years 9 to 11: The British Empire; Russian revolutions; GCSE Modern World History, 1900-1994; Apartheid.
Lower Sixth: Politics from Pitt to Peel.
Upper Sixth: The Counter-Reformation; France from 1498-1610; Charlemagne.
Work with individual pupils, including an evening once a week when pupils could see me without appointment.
Assistance with university applications.
Practice interviews for Oxford and Cambridge candidates.
Work in a boys’ boarding house: supervising preps and bed times, registering attendance at meals, general assistance to pupils and other staff.
Tutor to seven pupils, on their request. Frequent meetings to discuss reports, other academic achievements and concerns, pastoral matters; representing them to other staff.
School duties: supervising events, meals etc.
Junior Debating Society
Under 13 Cricket
Grecians’ Club (social venue for Sixth Form)
Freelance classical tenor (2006-present)
Soloist in concert and opera; freelance choral singer.
Tour Guide, Vatican Museums and Roman Forum (Summer 2008)
Political Researcher, Warrington South Conservative Association (Summer 2005)
Conducted demographic research pertaining to a Boundaries Commission inquiry and took shorthand minutes of political and legal meetings.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
John Lewis Award, Royal Academy of Music (2006-7)
Oxford Leadership Prize, Highly Commended (2006)
Academic Scholar, Worcester College, Oxford (2004-6)
Choral Scholar, Worcester College, Oxford (2003-6)
School Monitor (prefect), Christ's Hospital, Horsham (2002-3)
Grade 8 Oboe, with Distinction, ABRSM (2002)
House Captain, Thornton A, Christ's Hospital (2001-2)
OTHER INTERESTS
I am a keen sportsman, playing squash, cricket, fives, badminton, and table tennis. I have toured with musical ensembles to countries including the US, Finland, Norway, Sicily, Germany and South Africa. I also enjoy independent travelling.