Xavier A
I focus on Economics tutorials as well as Politics and History up to A Level. Alongside work with Oppidan, I'm a keen cyclist, rock climber, aspiring squash champ and devout politics nerd.
Education
University of St Andrews - International Relations & Social Anthropology (1st)
Oxford School of Drama - Postgraduate Diploma in Performing Arts
Bio
Born and raised in Buckinghamshire, I am (in the wise words of our founder, Henry) a foolishly aspiring actor now based in London. I'm an avid theatregoer but also a devout politics nerd, who can enjoy a performance at the despatch box as much as one on the silver screen. I graduated with a degree in International Relations and Social Anthropology, which gave me a broad basis in politics, economics and the sometimes daunting art of essay writing.
I have experience teaching classes of kids, having helped run drama classes for various ages, and know how to keep learning exciting, creative and fun. I studied at a state Grammar, so can offer help with 11+ prep. I'm also a history buff who loves learning outside the classroom, so please come along to the City of London Ghost Tour I run at the weekends!
Approach
I thrive off creative problem-solving and meeting new people. I look forward to inviting everyone (including the mentee, guardians, and myself) into a dialogue about what we want to achieve from our sessions and how best to get there.
When not mentoring, I'm an actor, but my approach to both draws from very similar ideas. A lot of acting is about self-confidence: investigating who you are and trusting that your authentic self is enough. That isn't a skill you necessarily discover in a rehearsal room, nor is it something you either have or don't. Rather, it's an attribute that needs constant attention in every walk of life. It's a part of myself I'm always working on and I like to centre its development at the core of my mentoring.
I don't see much point in being a talking flash card. I'm much more interested in fostering a space that empowers mentees with the confidence and the curiosity to begin asking questions about the material, their mentors, their peers and themselves.
What parents say
‘Xavier helped my daughter prepare for her GCSE History exams. She was particularly struggling with the essay questions. Xavier was incredibly patient and made it all very straightforward. He helped with her confidence and allowed her to grasp some of the trickier concepts. He was very responsive and a pleasure to deal with. I cannot recommend him enough.’ Mother of Year 11 Student.