EXPERIENCE

Richard is a supportive, skilled and successful Head of Department and Examiner with over thirty years experience in the classroom. He has taught and led in world class independent and maintained schools across the UK and overseas. Whilst teaching in schools, he regularly tutored online, providing bespoke tuition for students across the UK and globally. This experience (coupled with the privilege of supporting his own home educated children) inspired Terrarium Education.

He has variously served as Head of English, Head of History and Director of Humanities, teaching English Literature, English Language and History at Common Entrance, Scholarship, GCSE, iGCSE and A Level.  Early in his career he spent two years teaching English as an Additional Language overseas. The progress and value-added grades of his students have been amongst the strongest within the departments he has run. Currently, he is an examiner for GCSE English Literature and a Senior Examiner for GCSE History. Previously, he has examined A Level History.

Richard spent a formative seven years at Brighton College. Recently voted Independent School of the Decade by the Times; the college is regularly placed amongst the top 10 highest performing schools in the UK. Furthermore, Richard served as Headteacher at an independent grammar school. Richard's experience extends into the maintained sector too, working as Director of Humanities at a Multi-Academy Trust.

Richard has enabled candidates to secure places at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Russell Group universities whilst he has also successfully prepared students for scholarship examinations to first rate public schools such as Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Shrewsbury and Oundle. Throughout his career, Richard has also interviewed 11+ and 13+ candidates and marked entrance and scholarship examinations. 

He has successfully taught students with special educational needs and complex social and emotional needs, supporting them and enabling them to achieve their goals. Success has come from a flexible approach and a desire to adapt to individual need. His work running debating, history, journalism and creative writing clubs in schools also significantly enhances his tuition. 

PHILOSOPHY and MISSION

Richard strives to unlock and de-mystify the curriculum. He develops meaningful connections with students and is keen to adapt to individual educational needs and grow students' confidence. His lessons both support and stretch whilst being engaging and enjoyable. He seeks to listen to the parent and child so that the tuition is personalised and structured effectively. 

Terrarium Education's ambition is to imbue a love of literature, history and politics whilst enabling students to develop skills and build the knowledge required to progress rapidly and turn ambitious dreams into reality. Tuition can be precisely focused on the requirements of an examination or it can be broad and exploratory.

"At Terrarium we believe in bespoke, child-centred tuition. The business is growing but will always remain true to its core vision: to provide a personalised education that maximises the potential of every student, builds cultural capital and inspires a lifelong love of learning." (Richard Mace)

Richard's extensive pastoral experience as a Housemaster, Head of Boarding, Head of Key Stage Four, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Headteacher, mean he and the team are sensitive to the needs of families and children. Moreover, as a father to two home educated sons, he has a profound understanding of the needs of children who learn at home. 

"We are keenly aware of the various challenges young people can experience as they navigate their educational journey. Students and parents can anticipate strong communication, sensitivity and support. Every child deserves the very best education and the potential of any child should never be constrained." (Richard Mace) 

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

It is important to note that Richard maintains appropriate professional development to ensure he is up to date with statutory requirements and wider developments in teaching and learning.  Academic training in the last three years has included, "Top Marks at GCSE - Macbeth", "Next Steps in A Level English Language",  "GCSE History - Handling the Sources" and "Outstanding Teaching in A Level History". As a public examiner for both English and History, he maintains a close understanding of the demands of the exam boards and he attends and delivers examiner training annually. He has recently attended pastoral and safeguarding courses such as, "Staying Safe Online",  "Deputy Safeguarding Lead Level 3", "Attachment and Trauma Training" and "Autism Awareness in the Classroom".

Should you wish to discuss your child's education with Richard and explore how Terrarium Education can help, do not hesitate to phone or fill in the contact form. We would love to hear about your needs and aspirations and see how we can help.