about us
We are dedicated professionals with academic expertise and many years of teaching experience. We are committed to helping you become more confident in Latin and achieve strong exam results, offering tailor-made lessons with plenty of practice and study materials.Â
QUALIFICATIONS
MA (Hons) in Classics, University of Cambridge
PGCE in Latin (with Classics), University of Cambridge
Qualified Teacher Status, Enhanced DBS
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BACKGROUND
I am passionate about the classical world and I love to share that passion with students. I love how many disciplines are involved in studying Classics, and how many parallels can be drawn between the ancient world and today!
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TEACHING EXPERIENCE
As a classroom teacher and tutor since 2014, I have taught children from the age of 10 up to Year 13 students before sitting their final A-Level exams. I have worked with beginners who found the first concepts translating Latin challenging, to A level students who require some extra support and feedback on tackling exam questions.
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TEACHING APPROACH
I always make sure I adapt my lessons to the student's particular learning style and way of thinking. My lessons are well prepared and designed with the bigger goal in mind. However, smaller steps are made in each lesson so we don't get overwhelmed with information. Alongside grammar drills and games, we also look at games and exercises that help with learning vocabulary. If I find that one particular exercise isn't suitable, I adapt the lesson and move to a different approach. Through my classroom experience, I have developed various resources that can help target any specific areas for improvement.Â
In all lessons, I try to keep the tone friendly and light-hearted, with plenty of silly jokes dotted around! If learning is fun, it is always easier!
Laurens Macklon
QUALIFICATIONS
MA (Hons) in Classics, University of Edinburgh
iPGCE in Classics, University of Leiden
Qualified Teacher Status, Enhanced DBS
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BACKGROUND
My interest in the Classics was awakened when I was still at school; my Latin teacher inspired me so much that I wanted to delve deeper into the world of Classics, and I went on to study Classics at Edinburgh University, graduating with an Honours Master’s Degree.
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TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Since 1997 I have been teaching Latin and Ancient Greek at secondary schools and I continue to enjoy teaching Classics every day! During the week I work full time as Head of Classics at a boys’ grammar school in Kent, which I enjoy very much. I have also been a private Classics tutor for many years, providing online lessons using a whiteboard for teaching grammar and translation skills as well as getting the student to practise Latin through exercises. Â
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TEACHING APPROACH
People often underrate Latin and what it can bring us. The amount of knowledge and skills it can provide is endless. That is why I have always enjoyed teaching Latin, as it never fails to open up worlds of ideas, stories, and ways of thinking. My lessons are always varied and structured in such a way that the student gets the chance to learn new things, practise the language and is given ample opportunity to ask questions. I believe learning is about not being afraid to make mistakes. For me 'FAIL' stands for: First Attempt in Learning! The lessons cover all aspects of Latin: grammar, translation skills, syntax and accidence, and literature and historical backgrounds at GCSE and A levels. Over the years I have built a large supply of teaching material, which I make available to my students and which help to tailor the lessons to suit your needs. With a bilingual background (English & Dutch) and a conversational level of French, Italian and German, I enjoy teaching about the roots and derivatives of these languages in connection with Latin, thereby hopefully providing a greater understanding and enjoyment of Latin. But my main aim is to always help students achieve their very best in Latin and prepare them effectively for their exams.
