Experienced and professional Latin teacher offering tuition for Common Entrance, GCSE and A-level.

Learn more about Liam

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

  I became interested in Latin and Greek during secondary school. I studied Latin A-Level and enjoyed the experience so much, I decided to read Classics at Edinburgh University. When I started working as a Classics Teacher at St Benedict's school in 2013, a colleague recommended me for some private tutoring. I found the experience incredibly rewarding, and I have continued to tutor Latin in my spare time ever since.

• 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 tutor Latin, although I am able to tutor Classical Civilisation and English as well. I have prepared students for Common Entrance Exams, GCSE and A-Level, and have even worked with mature students who want to study Latin in their spare time. My specialism is Epic Poetry (both Latin and Greek) although I enjoy Greek Tragedy and Comedy as well.

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

  I had a wonderfully charismatic professor at Edinburgh University called Dr Rees. I always enjoyed his lectures because his enthusiasm for literature was infectious. My favourite honours course was about panegyric literature (speeches of praise) which, on the face of it, may sound a little dull, but I found it fascinating, largely due to Dr Rees and his passion for this area of literature. I love Michael Scott's programmes on the BBC and the historical fiction of Robert Harris, particularly his Cicero trilogy.

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

  A good tutor needs excellent subject and curriculum knowledge. In my experience, the students who are struggling often need help to improve both. Ultimately, students want to pass exams, so coaching them for this is the ultimate goal and is often where I begin my sessions. A good tutor needs to be personable, patient and, above all, encouraging.

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

  During my time at St Benedict's I was lucky enough to go on three school trips: one to Greece and two to Pompeii and Rome. I will never forget entering the colosseum for the first time and beholding the sheer size of the arena, or seeing the Fiorelli casts in Pompeii and pausing to think about the people and what they experienced the day Vesuvius erupted. These sights will remain with me forever and I would encourage anyone who has not seen them to do so!

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

  The teaching of Latin is disappearing in state schools, which is a shame. Numbers are still healthy in the independent sector, but fewer students are selecting it as a GCSE or A Level, favouring science subjects. I understand this, but I do think learning Latin is still valuable as it teaches you so many skills that you can apply at university and beyond.

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

  I love making electronic music in Ableton and FL Studio. I particularly enjoy working with analogue drum machines and synthesizers and have amassed a small (but expensive) collection of gear. I have made some music and released it on SoundCloud. The quality of the music I make varies!

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

  I started teaching in 2012 so I have over 10 years of teaching experience. I have worked with many tutees over the years, helping them to achieve their goals. If you are motivated to succeed, I can help you. I love working with tech too, so I would say I am an innovative and engaging online tutor.