University of Oxford Geography graduate specialising in GCSE and A Level Geography lessons, as well as Oxbridge interview preparation. Focus on problem solving, individual approach and smart learning.

Learn more about Dawid

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

  Even as a young child I have always been studying and flicking through atlases and different geography related books that I could get a hold of. It has become something that just comes naturally, the interest of the world and how it functions from both a political and physical perspective. This desire to learn more has stuck with me ever since, which led me to study geography as a university degree at undergraduate level. Since my A-levels, I have been tutoring casually and informally to family friends, and I have only decided on private tutoring during university.

• 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).

  As a human geographer I love anything to do with geopolitics, population and migration, as well as specific case studies which add a strong real life element to what I learn and teach. Equally, I find aspects of physical geography just as thought provoking, particularly when studying processes that you can see taking shape in real life landforms. Anything that is visible and occurs in the actual world really brings the subject to fruition for me.

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

  Most of my teachers throughout school have been extremely supportive without putting too much pressure on the pathway I take, both academically and beyond. Whilst I don't have a specific role model, this environment throughout my education has really enabled me to choose what I thoroughly enjoy and pursue it throughout my life, which I am extremely grateful for.

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

  The chance to lead one to one sessions is a huge advantage that allows to tailor the lesson to the individual needs of the student. It gives such a good opportunity to create a safe and encouraging platform where the student is able to voice their individual needs and demonstrate their way of thinking, which is something that is extremely difficult to achieve in a school classroom. Taking time to understand exactly what the student requires from the sessions, and realising that this will be unique to each student, brings out the best in students and helps one to become a good tutor. For that to occur, a good tutor must have patience, charisma, be easy-going and very personable with consistency.

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

  Geography is really anything you want it to be. The opportunities to study the most niche topics which interest you can always be made into a geographic debate. I have encountered so many research projects which continue to surprise me, but at their core are very geographical. Some examples include: how salmon spawning in rivers actually influences the geomorphology of upland areas, the geographies of sourdough bread production, or how benches in urban spaces can be examples of hostile architecture. The list goes on, there is truly no end to geographic enquiry.

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

  I feel that geography's open-ended nature is a blessing and a curse in one. It is difficult to determine when something is relevant to your study, and at what point you should stop researching a certain topic and move on. The question of 'what is geography?', as mundane as it can sound, is actually one that I still struggle to find a definitive answer to, and it really comes through when studying or researching within the discipline.

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

  My passion within the topic has emerged during my undergraduate studies, particularly when researching my thesis. Although as a broad topic I enjoy debates within geopolitics, intersecting those studies with everyday realities of people who experience the effects of the global political scene is what drives my desire to research more. Whilst I attribute most of my drive to my enjoyment of geography that emerged from a young age, it could have easily been tainted or made difficult if it wasn't for my teachers and tutors throughout academia. In this sense, I truly believe that being a personable yet proactive teacher is what can make education enjoyable. Tutoring has become a side passion of mine as I continue with studies because I have first-hand knowledge of how teaching can completely alter the experience of a student into a positive one.

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

  I can (most likely) find a topic within geography that any student will find enjoyable!