Ben
As a musician and poet, storytelling has always been at the heart of what I do. And whether I’m leading a writing workshop of Traveller children in Belfast, performing my one-man show An Imaginary Circus to families at the Edinburgh Festival, or singing songs on the sunny coast of Hastings where I live, my aim is always to make people excited about the magic of their own imaginations.
My teaching experience began in Belfast where I moved to complete a Masters and then PhD in creative writing. During that time I taught undergraduate and Masters students, while running creative writing workshops for children in local Northern Irish communities. Back in London, I began working as a tutor with several top London agencies, teaching children from 5-18 years of age. From my current home on the south coast, I tutor children online in 8-plus, 11-plus, 13-plus, GCSE and A Level for London grammar, selective and independent schools, plus university admission.
Kids always come up with the most incredibly imaginative ideas. They are born storytellers (usually much better than adults, I have to confess…). My job as a workshop leader is to create a space where they can feel confident to let their stories unfold. Just as everyone is unique, so every child has a different way of seeing the world, and a different story to tell.
I have a degree in English from Durham University, and a Masters and PhD in Creative Writing from the Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry, Belfast.
The words and ideas that children come up with in the vibrant and encouraging space of the Story Room amaze me. I look forward to seeing you there!
List of subjects Ben tutors in:
- KS1, KS2 and KS3 English Booster
- SATS preparation
- Creative writing for all ages (one-to-one and group sessions)
- 7-plus and 8-plus Entrance Exams
- 11-plus and 13-plus Entrance Exams
- GCSE ENGLISH – all boards
- A level ENGLISH – all boards
- King’s Scholarship (Eton)
- Westminster Challenge’ (13+ Scholarship)