A highly experienced media teacher who specialises in film. Can cover all exam boards leading to university.

Learn more about Gary

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

  I am a media & film teacher by profession who specialises in film. My chosen field is film as I have always been a massive fan of the medium. This is considering I started out in theatre in performing and then moving to stage management. It was through this transition that I realised I prefered the production side of staging musicals and plays. When it came to looking for a creative industry career, film production was a natural choice as I was a fan and there were specialist roles that suited my skills such as in the camera and lighting department. This is where I freelanced as a career after university. I moved into education because I found it appealing to be able to share my education and subject experiences with young people looking to pursue a career in the creative industry. I became a very successful teacher because I was able to identify ways to adapt the curriculum and shape it to the learning requirements of my students. I started tutoring due to the pandemic because I’m worried about the missed school time students are experiencing all over the world and the way education institutions are responding to the problems students face.

• 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 can teach everything from the media industry as I have in-depth education, skills and experience in each of the different media platforms. This includes practical, technical and theoretical knowledge.

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

  I am a visual learner which is evidenced by choosing a career in the creative industries. When I was in school I was involved in the school yearly musical productions which were directed by my maths teacher. I found maths difficult, but because I had a relationship with my teacher through participating in musicals I found that I was willing to work harder at the subject because I did not want to disappoint him. This worked out for me as I got a positive result in my final exam instead of failing the subject.

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

  Personalise the learning to the student's needs and learning abilities. This method of teaching has been paramount to my success as a teacher.

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

  When I left school I did not go straight to university. This is because I grew up in a deprived area with parents who did not work. I worked in a minimum wage job for a few years but became frustrated that I was wasting my talents so I chose to pursue a career in the film industry. I decided that I needed to improve my life through education and had to work hard to save up money to pay for my university fees as a mature student. Once I completed my degree as a mature student I realised the value of education and how it can transform lives. I think this is why I became a teacher as I want other people to progress and give them the opportunity to change their lives through education as I have done.

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

  In terms of content and technological advances, I have no difficulties because I keep up to date with the education systems around the world. However, as a teacher, the challenges arise from the equality divide of the students access to technology. We are currently using technology that monitors students homework, progress and exam grades while using fingerprint scanners for students to buy their lunch. The challenge is that new technology is wonderful and can enhance information communication and education, but it still requires a student to have computers, smartphones and internet connection at home. While this is manageable for most students it is often students from lower-income families that cannot afford the technology and therefore do not get the same benefits and opportunities. This is challenging because I was in the same situation and know how this can impact a students life choices and progression.

• Do you have a particular passion?

  Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different? My passion is film as it provides a medium for people to tell important stories as well as to entertain. Film language is universal as you can communicate the story to the audience without speaking if needed. This is why a silent film or foreign language films can be understood by any type of audience and are recognised for international film awards.

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

  I have high expectations and believe that I can help students reach their target. This is because I will adapt to the students' learning style and prior knowledge. Education should not be a barrier to overcome, it should be used to enhance the information students have already gained from their social, entertainment and life experiences.