Award Winning First Class Philosophy with History BA (Hons) graduate. Experienced GCSE and A-level Religious Studies tutor. Qualified with GCSEs and A Levels (A*, A*, A).

Find out more about Tyler

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

  I first developed an interest in Philosophy during secondary school. At the time, I was unsure which A Levels I wanted to take, and one of my teachers suggested Philosophy and Ethics as one of my subjects. I quickly discovered that I really enjoyed the subject and the way it encouraged critical thinking and discussion.
  
  
  After completing my A Levels, I took a gap year following a period of ill health. During that time, I worked in a secondary school as a General Teaching Assistant and really enjoyed the day-to-day interaction with students. Supporting students in the classroom helped me realise how rewarding teaching can be, and that experience ultimately inspired me to become a private tutor.

• 2) 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 primarily teach A Level Philosophy and Ethics, as well as Religious Studies at both GCSE and A Level. I have also delivered lessons in English Language, English Literature, and History.
  
  
  What I enjoy most about these subjects is encouraging students to think analytically and engage critically with ideas. I particularly enjoy the philosophical elements of the courses, especially topics such as religious language, where students are often able to develop and defend their own perspectives.
  
  
  I’ve found that once students become more confident with the course content, introducing them to a clear and rigorous essay structure can significantly improve their grades. I have worked with students who have progressed from a grade D to an A at A Level, and from a grade 4 to a grade 9 at GCSE, which has been incredibly rewarding to see.

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

  Yes – I had a teacher called Miss Askew, who taught me Religious Studies at GCSE and Philosophy and Ethics at A Level. Without her influence, I do not think I would have pursued this career path.
  
  
  Following my A Levels, I went on to complete an undergraduate degree in Philosophy with History, then worked as a Research Assistant, and I am now completing a Masters by Research in Philosophy. In the future, I hope to continue my research as a PhD student and eventually become a lecturer, teaching Philosophy at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

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

  I believe the most important qualities in a tutor are patience, adaptability, flexibility, and confidence. Every student learns differently, so being able to adjust lessons to suit each individual is extremely important.
  
  
  I also think building a strong rapport with students is essential. Many students continue tutoring with me because I make them feel comfortable and supported from the very first lesson. I aim to identify each student’s strengths and use those strengths to help improve areas they may initially find more challenging.

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

  One of the most valuable lessons I learned as a student was that confidence can completely change academic performance. I remember struggling with essay writing early in my A Levels because I doubted my own ideas and spent too much time trying to write the “perfect” answer.
  
  
  One of my teachers encouraged me to focus less on perfection and more on developing a clear argument and defending it confidently. That advice not only improved my grades, but also changed the way that I approached Philosophy and Ethics as a subject. It is something I now try to pass on to my own students, especially those who lack confidence in their abilities.

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

  One challenge I initially faced in Philosophy was learning how to write analytically rather than descriptively. Many students – including myself at first – focus too heavily on explaining theories without fully evaluating them.
  
  
  Over time, I learned that strong philosophical writing comes from developing a clear argument, engaging critically with different perspectives, and justifying your conclusions. This is now something I focus heavily on in my tutoring, because it is often the key difference between average and top-grade essays.

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

  What I enjoy most about tutoring is the opportunity to support students both academically and personally. Of course, I enjoy the teaching element itself, but I also value getting to know my students, hearing about their day, and helping them grow in confidence within their subject.
  
  
  I particularly enjoy helping students realise that subjects such as Philosophy and Ethics and Religious Studies are not just about memorising content, but about developing analytical thinking, confidence, and communication skills that will benefit them beyond the classroom.

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

  I think what makes me a strong tutor is my ability to combine subject knowledge with approachability and patience. I understand that many students begin tutoring lacking confidence, so I aim to create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes.
  
  
  Alongside my academic background in Philosophy, I also have practical experience working with a wide range of students and learning styles. I genuinely enjoy seeing students improve over time – not only in their grades, but also in their confidence and independence as learners.