Experienced UK qualified teacher (2008) and International Head of Department for A 'level Business & AP Economics, over 18,000 hours of student contact time. Cambridge International IGCSE examiner.

Find out more about John

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I took up GTP teacher training for Business Studies back in 2008. This was a Graduate Training Programme which took place in a large UK state school in Kent. For 15 years I worked as Head of Department for Business & Economics, teaching GSES’s and A-levels. It was in 2022 that I first started tutoring privately and I have been tutoring fulltime since July 2023.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach both Business Studies and Economics, for GCSE and A ‘level. As a businessman myself, with 30 years’ experience in the corporate world, I enjoy using real life examples to help bring topics to life; especially from my time with Jaguar Cars. When it comes to Economics, I use bespoke PPT’s to help deliver my online sessions. These PPT’s include screenshots of the exam syllabus, graphs, key terms, practice questions, past papers, mind maps, revision video links and worksheets. My two least favourite topics would be Balance of payments & balance sheets – dry topics with little opportunity for much excitement.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Teaching enterprise is an important part of business studies. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet Richard Branson on several occasions, and I find him an inspirational role model, for myself and others. As for economics, I recently discovered Thomas Sowell who, after a troubled childhood, had an amazing career as an economics lecturer. His understanding of complex economic theories is outstanding, and he breaks things down to make everything more accessible.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  There are several qualities that cross over with those of an entrepreneur, for example: Hard working, creative, optimistic, determined, multiskilled and independent. I’d also suggest that I am passionate about my subjects, that I am empathetic, competent and somewhat old school, with a hint of humour.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I first started teaching at a big UK school that was underfunded and oversubscribed. My Y12 business class had 42 students, the sixth form classrooms were in an old building situated half a mile from the main school. On my first day in front of this daunting class, I took off my jacket to put on the back of my chair, as I went to sit down, the weight of my jacket tipped the chair over and I ended up flat out on the floor; I suspect this was all by design. Anyway, despite the drama and the acute embarrassment I kept a smile on my face and carried on – such is life.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  Although my subject knowledge was very robust, I initially struggled with the complexities of assessment objectives and exam technique. So, in 2010 I put myself forward as a moderator of coursework for AQA A ‘level and OCR Nationals. Then, several years ago I was appointed as an examiner for Cambridge International. These opportunities have given me valuable insight into how to maximise exam marks, which have boosted results for some of my students by two grades or more.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  Teaching is my passion and my focus. However, my teaching is enhanced by broadening my experiences wherever possible. Coaching Judo is also a passion and something I have practiced since I acquired my black belt back in 1996. Day to day, I either enjoy some weight training at my local gym, or a game off online chess with an old student, exercising mind and body.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  After working as head of department in schools in every hemisphere around the globe for 15 years, then tutoring successfully for the last two years, I feel I am very well qualified to be a Superprof! This is underscored by 30 years working in a business environment, alongside an MBA from Christ Church Canterbury in 2000. Also, being an examiner, a sports coach since 1996 and an advanced Chess player, has all conspired to develop transferable skills. I’ve also worked as Head of Secondary school, head of Key Stage four and Head of Year Eleven, as well as being a dad!