Experienced Environmental Policy, Politics, History & Human Geography Tutor | MA King's College London | Specialist in Environment, Politics & Globalisation

Find out more about James

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

  My interest in political, social and environmental issues really took shape in the early 2010s, when I was heavily involved in environmental activism and direct action. I worked for Friends of the Earth and later for an international social justice and environmental magazine, which deepened my understanding of the connections between people, power, and the planet.
  
  What really sparked my interest in teaching was the outreach and campaigning work-explaining complex issues to people in clear, engaging ways. That desire to share knowledge never left me. Studying for my MA in Environment, Politics and Globalisation took things to another level. It gave me a much deeper academic grounding and made me want to help others explore the subject in the same meaningful way.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach topics related to politics, environmental studies, and global change. I'm especially interested in the big-picture stuff - how global systems interact, where power lies, and how that affects both people and ecosystems. I genuinely believe that tackling global problems requires an informed, critically-minded public.
  
  I love unpacking tricky questions, diving into academic texts, and encouraging students to think beyond the obvious. I enjoy guiding students towards developing original arguments and creative approaches to their assignments. If there's one thing I like a little less, it's overly dry or technical debates that miss the broader human or political context-but even then, I try to find ways to make it relevant and interesting.

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

  I've been lucky to have a few inspiring teachers along the way, but my MA dissertation supervisor stands out. They were incredibly supportive but also pushed me to go further-to challenge my assumptions, dig deeper into theory, and be ambitious in my ideas. Their feedback wasn't always easy, but it was always constructive, and it taught me how powerful that kind of encouragement can be. It's a style I've taken into my own tutoring.

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

  Patience is essential, as is the ability to adapt to each student's individual needs and learning style. A good tutor doesn't just explain things-they ask the right questions, encourage curiosity, and create a space where students feel confident enough to take risks in their thinking.
  
  I also think it's really important to help students develop their own voice. These days, with AI and easily available online content, the real value is in being original and reflective. And of course, being calm and supportive goes a long way-students are often under a lot of pressure, and a good tutor helps to lift some of that weight.

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

  During my MA, I once finished writing an essay a day early, only to realise I'd completely misunderstood the question. Panic set in-but I pulled an all-nighter, rewrote the entire thing, and actually ended up getting one of my highest marks. It was stressful, but also a great reminder that truly understanding the question is half the battle. The whole experience taught me how powerful focus and perseverance can be when you're under pressure.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still face in your subject?

  One ongoing challenge is how fast things change-especially in environmental politics, policy, and international relations. Keeping up with new developments and emerging academic thinking can feel like a moving target. But it's also what makes the subject so exciting. It offers constant opportunities to analyse real-world events through academic lenses, which makes learning feel incredibly relevant and alive.

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

  I'm passionate about education in its broadest sense-especially helping people engage with complex, important issues in a way that's empowering rather than overwhelming. I love when students want to approach their assignments from bold, radical angles, drawing in big ideas that aren't always on the reading list. That kind of creative, critical thinking is what makes tutoring really rewarding for me.

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

  I'm a calm, patient tutor who's genuinely invested in helping students succeed. I take the time to understand how each student learns and tailor my approach accordingly. I don't just want my students to pass-I want them to feel confident, curious, and capable of taking on challenging ideas in their own way. And I bring a bit of warmth and humour to the process too-because learning should be something you can enjoy, not just endure.