Catherine

Hi, my name is Catherine! I have a PhD from Imperial College as well as a first class (hons) degree in Applied Biology, along with over 30 years of teaching experience.
I currently have some weekend availability for Year 13 students studying OCR A-level Biology
I love my subject and working with young people to help them to achieve their full personal and academic potential. My current students (all year 13) have all improved their grades. For example, one student has gone from a C in September to an A in October.
My Year 12 A-level Biology lesson was rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in a previous school.
Also an online tutor of A-level Biology for over 7 years, and the majority of my students have obtained exceptional results during this time.
My particular specialism is in developing effective exam techniques.
My other extensive experience is as an Principal Examiner, Team Leader and Reviser for A-level Biology. This has given me huge insight into how to approach exam questions and also the most effective revision strategies to prepare for A-level Biology exams. I have also been an OCR Trainer for teachers new to delivering OCR A-level Biology. I am currently an Examiner for Cambridge International AS-level Biology. I am also a Reviser for A-level Biology, checking and proof reading future exam papers. I am also very experienced in supporting students who aspire to medicine/vet medicine/dentistry or related subject areas.

I am an Advanced Skills Teacher in Biology and Science, coaching and mentoring, with a huge enthusiasm for my subject and passion for teaching and learning. Recently, I taught (remotely) A-level and IGCSE Biology to pupils at an outstanding independent school in Norwich. This work followed an exciting post as Biologist in Residence at a leading boarding school in Kent.
I enjoy continuing to support young people through tutoring to help them to fulfil their personal and academic potential. I am a patient and friendly person with a warm sense of humour who forges positive relationships with tutees.
In 2017, all of my tutees did incredibly well at A-level, IGCSE and GCSE - I am very proud of them! In 2018, all five of my A-level Biology tutees also did well and got into their first choice university. One tutee went from a grade D in A-level Biology to a grade A (resit). In 2019, my A-level tutee went from an E grade at AS level Biology to a C at A-level, getting into their first choice university. Until the cancellation of the A-level examinations during Covid, I had been supporting three A-level Biology students. In 2021, these A-level students achieved A* (now at UCL studying Medicine), A (now doing Geography at Durham University) and A (now studying Marine Biology at Portsmouth).
In 2022, all of my tutees gained places at their first choice Russell Group universities such as UCL, Exeter and York. All achieved A* to B grades in their Biology and I am extremely proud of them all!
A-level results 2023 - all of my students achieved great grades (A* to B) in their A-level Biology and are off to Russell Group universities such as Exeter to study a range of different courses including Medicine at UCL. Great news and congratulations to them.

Tutoring Experience

Recently, I taught (remotely) A-level and IGCSE Biology to pupils at an outstanding independent school in Norwich. This work followed an exciting post as Biologist in Residence at a leading boarding school in Kent.
I enjoy continuing to support young people through tutoring to help them to fulfil their personal and academic potential. I am a patient and friendly person with a warm sense of humour who forges positive relationships with tutees. I am totally committed to building their confidence and motivation.
In 2017, all of my tutees did incredibly well at A-level, IGCSE and GCSE - I am very proud of them! In 2018, all five of my A-level Biology tutees also did well and got into their first choice university. One tutee went from a grade D in A-level Biology to a grade A (resit). In 2019, my A-level tutee went from an E grade at AS level Biology to a C at A-level, getting into their first choice university. Until the cancellation of the A-level examinations during Covid, I had been supporting three A-level Biology students. In 2021, these A-level students achieved A* (now at UCL studying Medicine), A (now doing Geography at Durham University) and A (now studying Marine Biology at Portsmouth).
In 2022, all of my tutees gained places at their first choice Russell Group universities such as UCL, Exeter and York. All achieved A* to B grades in their Biology and I am extremely proud of them all!
A-level results 2023 - all of my students achieved great grades (A* to B) in their A-level Biology and are off to Russell Group universities such as Exeter to study a range of different courses including Medicine at UCL. Great news and congratulations to them all!
This academic year (2024), my tutees achieved an A*, 3 As and one B grade. All achieved at or higher than their predicted grade. One is going to study Medicine at UCL, another is into Oxford University to study History. Proud of them all!
My particular specialism is in developing effective exam techniques.
I am very experienced in supporting students who aspire to medicine/vet medicine/dentistry or related subject areas.

Tutoring Approach

I use a range of different teaching and learning strategies which best suit the individual tutee. While identifying areas of particular challenge to the tutee and focusing on clarifying these topics, I constantly use past paper questions so that the tutee is able to apply their knowledge and understanding. A significant input is also on effective exam techniques and revision strategies to raise achievement. Building confidence in the subject is also a key aim. Ahead of each lesson, every tutee is provided with detailed revision notes tailored to suit their needs. I always provide feedback and follow-up work after each lesson.
I am very proud of two of my students from 2022/2023 - they each won Biology Awards from their respective schools in recognition of their hard work, commitment, improvement and dedication to their Biology studies. Both achieved significant improvements in their grades in their mock exams earlier that year.