Durham University student (A* in A-level Latin) teaches Latin online for GCSE level and below.

Find out more about Hattie

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

  1. I loved Latin from when I started studying it in Year 7, and my enjoyment for the language only grew as I studied it to A-level. My passion for History began a bit later, in Year 9, when I had an absolutely fantastic teacher. I am now going into my third year studying History at Durham.
  
  I became interested in tutoring when I realised that it sat at the intersection of three things I love: my subjects, teaching (I used to teach younger cadets when I was in the CCF and really enjoyed it), and spending time with young people (I have volunteered for a children’s charity in my spare time since 2019).
  
  After I began to tutor my first student I saw how rewarding and enjoyable I found it and have never looked back!

• 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).

  2. I teach History and Latin to GCSE level, as well as English for primary school. My favourite topics in History are 20th-century global political history and, very differently, the Wars of the Roses. In Latin, I particularly enjoy grammar and anything to do with the Aeneid.
  
  I like discussing with students any topic which they are passionate about- if they are excited about it then so am I!

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

  3. The previously-mentioned Year 9 History teacher (Mrs Butcher), as well as Mrs Williams (Religion) and Mrs Pytel (Latin) were all teachers who had a particular impact on me. They made me love their subjects through their enthusiasm and genuine interest in their students, and I very much hope to emulate them in my teaching.

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

  4. I think aside from subject knowledge, which is a given, I think enthusiasm for and passion about your subject is vital- it is infectious and I have loved being taught by people where you can see this come through. Flexibility is also key as every student is different, as well as patience and good communication skills.

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

  5. I know I have mentioned this point a few times now, but the role of Mrs Butcher in taking History from a subject which I didn’t mind and sometimes disliked to my favourite subject in the course of a year can’t be overstated. It really made me see how much a teacher impacts your enjoyment of a subject, and showed me the kind of teacher I want to be.

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

  6. I always found timing a challenge in exams, and so it is something I am particularly passionate about helping students to overcome.

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

  7. Aside from teaching, my main passions include Latin and Ballroom dancing, volunteering, swimming, and spending time with friends and family.

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

  8. I think I am a Superprof because I have buckets of enthusiasm for my subjects and for teaching them, I am still in education so understand both the joys and challenges this can involve for students, I take a tailored approach to each student, and provide regular updates to parents. I have been very pleased to receive brilliant feedback from the students I have taught.