Octavia

I graduated recently from the Univerity of Oxford with an MSt in Greek And/Or Latin Languages And Literature, after I spent four years studying at The University of Edinburgh, where I graduated with a First Class MA (Hons) in Classics. I participate still in the Oxford Latinitas Project and I ardently believe in their mission to bring ancient languages to life, in particular through experimental spoken Latin, which advanced my understanding of Latin through the added challenge it brought.

Latin may be considered a ‘dead language’, but the study of it cultivates highly desirable skills, including a better command of the English language, and it opens up access to a body of sensational and foundational literature from a perspective that cannot be viewed from translations alone.
I also have a proficiency in composition in both Latin and ancient Greek, prose and verse; I continue to compose my own Latin poems for pleasure. I encourage students to translate into Latin to consider the best means of expression, to keep their Latin vocabulary active and in turn become more aware of the constructions and the careful word choice of ancient authors.

My love of the Classics was sparked at school by the engaging lessons given by my charismatic Latin and Classics teachers, whose classes would leave us thirsting to know more. Now I wish to follow in their footsteps and to share my passion for the Classics by teaching students from all backgrounds to enjoy reading, interpreting and discussing ancient literature for their own enjoyment.

Tutoring Experience

While studying for my degree at the University of Edinburgh, I provided language and literature tutoring to undergraduate students, as well as revision sessions to prepare for university exams. I would examine the set text with them and tackle the sections where they found the grammar difficult by breaking down each sentence; I would guide them through each part so that they could see for themselves how it pieced together.
Once an understanding of the grammar was established, we could then move onto a discussion of the overall linguistic effect and I would encourage them to use their broader Classical knowledge to inform its context. I also arranged for weekly informal reading groups, in both Latin and Greek, to supplement our studies and to provide a chance for an open discussion of our Classical interests beyond the set curriculum.

Most of all I draw from my wealth of experience as a student to combine the best methods and teaching styles that I have personally found to be the most engaging and beneficial.

Tutoring Approach

I have a clear and methodical approach to teaching Latin as a language and I am quick to adapt my methods and explanations to suit the student’s personality and learning style. I begin by discussing the student's tutoring needs, their objectives and how they prefer to learn; I not only want to know where the student is weakest, but I also want to find where their strengths lie to create bespoke lesson plans that are to their greatest benefit. I have a very creative mind myself and in addition to the more traditional methods, which I find remain the most effective way of learning, I use a variety of imaginative and stimulating resources.

The length and frequency of lessons depends on the student's requirements; they may wish to have shorter intense revision style sessions, or extended (longer than an hour) lessons to cover multiple areas. Generally, I begin a lesson by reviewing any set exercises or homework and then review what was covered in the previous lesson to build on their knowledge each time.