Sam Groom - Private Tutor in Central London, West London, Hampshire, and Berkshire

Having recently graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge, with first-class honours in Modern and Medieval Languages, I am excited to share my enthusiasm for language, literature and culture with others. Throughout my education I have benefitted from outstanding teaching, delivered in a wide range of styles but united by a love of the subject matter and the creativity required to make a given language relevant to the world of the pupil. I have often told my friends, when they insist that they "can't do languages", that anyone can learn a language if they find the method that suits them. I work with each of my tutees to find the most efficient and enjoyable language-learning techniques for them as an individual, and to inspire them to strengthen their relationship with the language independently.

I passionately believe not only that learning languages improves us as individuals members of society by giving us direct access to treasures of world culture, broadening our cultural horizons and inviting us to step into others' shoes, but also that learning a language can and should be easy, rewarding and fun. In an age of advanced language-learning software, a personal tutor is indispensable in ascertaining and maintaining the best approach for each learner.

My Education & Qualifications

• City, University of London, 2018 – 2019
  Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL): Distinction
• University of Cambridge, 2014 – 2018
  Modern and Medieval Languages (French and German) (BA): 1st
• School: Winchester College
  At this school I achieved 10 A*s at GCSE and 4 D1s at the Cambridge Pre-U, the top grade in this challenging A-Level alternative. My Pre-U mark in German was the highest nationwide. I was an academic scholar, head boy (Aulae Praefectus), and the winner of prizes for academic essays, oral presentations and creative writing.

My Approach to Tutoring

I believe that anyone can learn a language if they take a little time to work out a method that suits them. As a tutor, I work quickly to identify my tutee's ideal style of learning and tailor every lesson to this approach. Moreover, I get to know my tutee's personal interests in order to incorporate these into learning materials and thereby maximise attention and retention. One can see a language as a lens: if you learn to look through the lens at things that interest you, the whole process is easier and more enjoyable. I find that this view allows me to help learners who believe they struggle with languages; however, I equally enjoy stretching those who are already able and confident. I am happy to work with my tutee in a way targeted towards a specific short-term goal such as a test or a trip abroad, as well as providing regular learning support. Language-learning at all levels provides opportunities for the exploration of different facets of human culture, and for their critical discussion. I am very happy to give guidance on essay-writing in English or in the target language on literature, history, philosophy, current affairs or anything else of interest to my tutee that is relevant to their studies or their wider development.

Fun Facts About Me

At school I ran the debating society; nowadays, I am a keen debater of ethics and politics. I play the piano, sing (in a choir, by myself or to myself, depending on the day of the week), and enjoy listening to all kinds of music. I like to play tennis and table-tennis and to swim. I love travelling and discovering new parts of the cultural and natural worlds. I am training to be a barrister.