Sajjad I

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

London School of Economics, BA International History - First Class Honours

University College School,

A-Levels: Pre-U French (A*), History (A), Pre-U English (A).

GCSEs: History (A*), Latin (A*), English Lit (A*), English  Lang (A*), Maths (A), French (A*), Spanish (A*), Biology (A*), Chemistry (A*), Physics (A*) 

At the LSE, I studied Napoleon, Russian history, Far Eastern history, US history, the extra-European world in the 20th Century and other topics of Early Modern history. My dissertation was on Japanese opium production during WW2.

I studied Edexcel History at A-Level (topics inc. American Dream: The USA, c1917-96, India, c1914-48: "the road to independence" and Rebellion and Disorder under the Tudors 1485-1603).

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Love Learning Tutors

Common Entrance: History, English, Religious Studies, Verbal and Non Verbal Reasoning

GCSE: History, English Lang, English Lit

A-Level: History, University Applications, Oxbridge Applications, Interview Practice

-     Supervised two children (year 2 and 4) primarily with their English homework. Always maintained a degree of fun in the sessions - a key skill when tutoring younger pupils.

-     Taught iGCSE History; guided the pupil to a complete understanding of the styles of answers required for each type of exam question; student achieved A* (9) grade.

-     Tutored A-Level History; focused on source analysis and essay structure to maximise scores; oversaw progress of coursework; student achieved an A grade.

-     Assisted two Spanish students in English (KS3 and iGCSE); displaying strong communication skills.

-     Familiar with Oxbridge application process and received an offer for Oxford History.

WORK EXPERIENCE

I worked as a Research Assistant at the Phelan United States Centre, researching 1970s US history with a focus on Henry Kissinger.

Previously I have worked as a Legal Assistant and have helped direct a successful food startup in London.

SKILLS AND INTERESTS

I’m currently trying to begin a career in historical documentaries. So most of my spare time is spent watching films or reading about history/current affairs. Some of my favourite movies are international and I would consider myself a big movie buff.

Additionally, I try to play as much sport as possible both for the social aspect and for fitness of course. At school I was a rugby captain but my favourite sport is American football, so whenever I get the chance I try to convince a friend to come play at the park. I watch a lot of sports too and love trying out new sports/activities. I love dancing too but none of my friends are good dancers. When the weather is nice, I love to skate in particular long boarding because it’s less noisy.

I like to think that my general knowledge is pretty great so if there’s ever a quiz being played I get super competitive. I used to play more PS4 but sadly haven’t found the time recently.

My favourite book is Zadig by Voltaire and I highly recommend it. My favourite movie is Blade Runner (if I have to choose only one!). My favourite series is the Sopranos.

I love going to art exhibitions and my favourite periods are the Baroque and Neoclassical.

I speak three languages, English, Farsi and French but my French is a bit out of practice. I really love learning languages and hope to learn more soon.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I enjoy teaching and I consider private tuition to be a highly important aspect of academic success. I consider strong relationships with students to be fundamental to successful tuition as a tutee needs to have faith that the extra time they are investing will amount to positive results.

I believe what makes me an excellent tutor derives from my own previous experiences as a tutee. I recognise that for many students, studying can be tiresome and thus additional lessons outside of school can be preconceived as even more tedious. I therefore believe that for younger students, it is necessary to make the sessions interactive and more fun in order for them to engage with their work with a more positive approach, which in turn delivers positive results. For older students, it is essential to work on what the students feel they need help with. By GCSE age and older, a tutor should be a support figure who can advise on the more complex academic problems a student may face. Just as my former tutors did with me, I believe reviewing essays and explaining the methods of improving are fundamental to how a student can achieve the highest scores and be proud of their work.