Phil

Phil is an exceptional teacher and communicator, having taught at leading preparatory school Dulwich Prep London for the past 5 years. During his time in the school’s esteemed English Department, Phil taught across Key Stages 2 and 3. He has many years’ experience in preparing students for the 13+ Common Entrance examination and holds a 100% record of success at this level. An impressive number of students have attained A or A* grades under his guidance, many of whom have vastly exceeded expected levels. Phil has prepared students for entrance into top public schools including Eton, Westminster, Harrow, Winchester, Kings Canterbury, Marlborough, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and many others. Phil has worked with high achieving students to prepare them for scholarship awards into such top schools as Eton and Westminster. He has extensive experience in preparing students for the London Day School 13+ examinations, including for schools such as Dulwich College, Alleyn’s, Trinity and Whitgift. Additionally, Phil has taught Year 6 English, preparing students for 11+ pre-test exams. He has a keen understanding of syllabus and requirements across all of these levels.

In 2017 and 2018, Phil wrote and directed the main Summer Term theatre productions at Dulwich Prep – an immersive theatre piece and a full-scale musical, both of which were incredibly well received by parents and pupils alike.

As well as using past papers and published resources, Phil draws upon his wealth of experience and creative ingenuity to devise his own comprehension papers, model writing pieces, worksheets and multimedia presentations. He is passionate about engaging students in stimuli beyond the written word, by using the analysis of film, theatre, photography and art frequently in learning. This gives his students an impressive cultural engagement which sets them apart from their peers in understanding and engagement with the text. It also makes learning a great deal more fun and exciting!

Phil focuses on teaching students structured exam technique whilst also nurturing inspiration and passion for literature. He is passionate about tapping into every student’s full potential, understanding that a child needs to experience individual recognition and belief, in order to thrive. As a result of this approach he has seen students blossoming under his teaching; many students who have struggled with English in the past have discovered a confidence and passion for the subject under his care. Parents have commented that Phil’s teaching has been the “breakthrough” in their child’s learning they have been hoping for.

Phil brings a unique energy and excitement to teaching, aided by his extensive experience as a writer and performance poet. As well as performing across London’s top spoken word venues, his writing has been published in both written and filmic form (www.vimeo.com/shmaya). He is also a keen writer of prose, having written two novels for children and young adults. This passion for performance and the written word spills over into Phil’s teaching as he uses storytelling and poetry to inspire students, as well as guiding them in how to use creative performance skills in order to inspire confidence both in and outside the classroom. His skill as a writer and poet make him an expert in teaching creative writing and poetry analysis in particular.

Phil has a great deal of experience in preparing students for interviews and selection days at the top London Senior Schools, having in-depth knowledge of common interview questions and how pupils should present themselves. His experience as a performer enables him to coach students in the use of body language and vocal technique to help them “stand out from the crowd”.

Phil is a highly organised and motivated professional. He firmly believes that a well-ordered and focused teacher inspires the same attitude and approach in his students. To this end, he plans and prepares every lesson with clear goals and objectives in mind. He is a proponent of individualised learning, creating personal plans for students which include target setting and guidance in learning focus. This approach gives his students a sense of control and progression over their learning, as they begin to realise how far they have come.

Phil’s experience as a form tutor and Head of House gives him excellent interpersonal and pastoral skills. He has worked with students who have specific needs, including those with Downs Syndrome and those on the autistic spectrum, whilst also mentoring children with behavioural difficulties.

These varying facets of Phil’s practice and character set him apart as an engaging and effective teacher who inspires and motivates with great success in a tutoring situation. Tutees under his care gain confidence, skill and a keen sense of excellence. They have fun and discover a new passion for literature and learning due to his infectious energy and unique approach.

Phil has recently moved to Northern Ireland with his wife and two young daughters. In his spare time he enjoys running, eating out and drinking great coffee!

Qualifications

English Language and Literature BA, University of Leeds; QTS

Experience

Dulwich Prep London, Henry Cavendish Primary School, Kingsdale Foundation, online and face-to-face private tuition.