How can I talk to this guy and get him to like me?

Ok I'm English so we have tutor groups, I don't know what happens in American schools but anyway I like this guy in my tutor group. He doesn't talk much to girls and he's normally quite mean- obviously he's nervous around girls. But still, ALOT of girls fancy him because he's really fit! I'm pretty sure he doesn't like me and to be honest his looks are better than his personality BUT I know if I actually get him feeling comfortable around me, a great personality will come out! So, what can I do to break through to him?? How shall I start conversations without being creepy? What can I talk about? (We're only 12)!