Saul B

I am a Professional Mentor at Oppidan which means this is what I do for my job (alongside my law conversion course). I am a Swahili speaking, coral conservationist who makes soup and loves mountain adventures.

Education

Oxford University - Archaeology & Anthropology (1st) Cambridge University - Masters in African Studies (1st) University of Law - Post Graduate Diploma in Law (current)

Bio

I joined Oppidan in August 2023 as one of their Professional Mentors specialising in 11+ Journeys. I also specialise in History, Politics and Oxbridge applications.

After representing Great Britain Under 17’s Waterpolo, I was an educational youth leader for Habonim Dror and taught English and Maths at my local Kumon centre.

While being an archaeologist in Lesotho and an anthropologist in Zimbabwe, I ran educational group sessions for local young people.

As President of Oxford’s Waterpolo Club, I led a team of volunteers for KEEN’s Oxford branch, helping run day-long events for children with disabilities.

Since finishing my Masters, I have worked as “The Soup Guy” (a soup business), "The Pizza Boy" (a pizza business) and secured a Training Contract with A&O Shearman. I worked as a Project Manager on a farm in Tanzania and volunteered on a coral conservation project while completing my PADI Dive Master course in Kenya. I taught scuba diving (from age 10) and tutored English (from ages 8 to 60) on Ringle.

Now, as a qualified Day Skipper, I will be moving to London to study at The University of Law in Moorgate.

Approach

Ben, a 10-year-old from Kenya, wanted to learn how to scuba dive. As he lacked self-belief and confidence, I used continuous positive feedback and a relaxed approach to put him at ease. He finished his dives with a broad smile and a confidence to return for more dives!

Olloyer, a 17 year old from Uzbekistan, was applying for medical school. I used my application experience to help him draft his CV and cover letter while providing a clear action-plan for filling in his work experience gaps. We also practiced the interview technique that I have successfully used: answer planning, practising and pitching.

Anna, an 18 year old South Korean, wanted to improve her English. I tailored our session around her passion for Egyptian archaeology so that she engaged in the language with interest and enjoyment. I always plan my sessions to ensure they are structured and engaging by combining clear objectives with the student's passions.

What parents say

"The process has been very good and particularly happy with the match of Saul. A is happy to engage after his very busy day and we're making good progress." Mother of Y6 student, October 2023

"He is one of the best mentors that I've encountered! He lead lesson based on tutee's requests on lesson style and his teaching methods are very clear and concise. What I liked best was the way he encouraged me to talk more by asking follow-up questions." - Ringle student, February 2023

"Saul is a great mentor. He’s good at leading conversation and gave me good feedbacks including paraphrasing. The atmosphere of lesson is relaxed and calm, which made me feel so comfortable that I can talk with confidence. Definitely I want to have another session for free-talking I believe he has lots of interesting and good stories to share." - Ringle student, March 2023

"Saul is good at the revision of writing; in particular, excellent at making writing concise." - Ringle student, March 2023

"Thank you so much for connecting us with Saul; he is a perfect fit for my son through his early 11+ introduction." - Parent of Year 4 student, October 2023