Blog

I'm Dom, an online tutor for children aged 4–14, and someone who thinks a lot about education, learning, and the stuff schools don't teach. These are my thoughts. Dive in.

If anything you read resonates with you, come and find out how I work.

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Me in one of my many adventures.  This was picture was taken in France in the pyrenees.  When I am not teaching, I am out and about.
I love jujitsu.  This is mean in France, France Saint Pierre and Miquelon where I spent a few months.  Learning BJJ has been a journey and I want to help others along this jounrey too.
I love jujitsu.  This is mean in France, France Saint Pierre and Miquelon where I spent a few months.  Learning BJJ has been a journey and I want to help others along this jounrey too.
The Bike I Haven’t Bought: A Reflection on Money, Scarcity & Self-Trust
Dom Payne Dom Payne

The Bike I Haven’t Bought: A Reflection on Money, Scarcity & Self-Trust

For years, I’ve had the money to buy a new bike, yet I haven’t. What started as a simple question led me to reflect on childhood experiences, family values, scarcity, and the beliefs we carry about money into adulthood. Through memories of boarding school, Hong Kong, immigrant parents, and a cycling journey across Europe, this essay explores the tension between saving and spending, security and joy, and asks a deeper question: when does financial responsibility become fear? Ultimately, it’s a reflection on self-trust, permission, and learning how to live in the present.

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Unintentional Consequences of the VAT on Independent Schools
Politics Dom Payne Politics Dom Payne

Unintentional Consequences of the VAT on Independent Schools

Private education versus public education is an age-old debate that continues to evoke strong opinions. Is it genuinely fair that some individuals in society can afford a different and potentially better quality of education for their children? Additionally, is it perilous for a central authority to have control over various educational events and ideas? In this discussion, we will explore some of the effects and implications of adding VAT to private schools in the UK, examining how it might impact both parents and students alike.

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Dumbing us Down
Philosophy of Education Dom Payne Philosophy of Education Dom Payne

Dumbing us Down

What if everything you thought you knew about education was a lie? In this post, we dive into the profound and eye-opening insights of John Taylor Gatto, a celebrated teacher who pulled back the curtain on the modern schooling system. From the confusion of disjointed curriculums to the subtle conditioning of dependency and self-esteem tied to authority, Gatto's observations are both challenging and inspiring. If you’ve ever felt there’s something deeply off about conventional education—or if you’re searching for alternatives—this is a must-read journey into the heart of what schooling truly teaches.

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