James

I have just finished my first year studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge, taking modules in Cell Biology, Evolution and Behaviour, Earth Sciences and Mathematical Biology.

I achieved 11 A*s at GCSE and 3 A*s at A level (in Biology, Chemistry and Maths). On top of this, I have received Gold Awards twice in the national Biology Olympiad and in the Chemistry Olympiad.

I also consider communication to be my greatest skill. Alongside my degree, I'm an award-winning environmental activist and filmmaker. My activism mainly consists of advocacy; I've been interviewed on Channel 4 News, spoken to MPs and journalists in Westminster, given speeches on stage alongside Chris Packham and featured on panels with UN Executive Secretaries.

Organisations and government bodies have trusted me to be an effective communicator in these environments time and time again, and I hope this same articulacy and maturity will be valuable in tutoring.

Tutoring Experience

I am new to tutoring.

Tutoring Approach

Biology at GCSE and A level is a subject dominated by content, with some more difficult areas that require solid understanding. My lessons take account of these characteristics of the course, and combine them with the exam technique and practice methods that I was taught so well at school.

My lesson format would vary depending on the needs of the student, and the stage in exam preparation that they are at.
As a standard I would expect it to focus on drilling down on specific topics that they find particularly difficult, whether that be photosynthesis or genetics, and smooth any gaps in understanding or explain the topic in an alternative way that might make more sense to the student.
For those just starting their course, it can often be helpful instead to systematically cover course content ahead of them being taught it in school, so that they can uptake content more easily and confidently when they hear it for a second time in class.
I can use most videocalling software, such as Zoom, Teams or Meet, to conduct the lessons, and would use a whiteboard to draw diagrams and key words and phrases.
I would also provide homework for the student to complete, which I would mark ahead of the next lesson, allowing us to go through it together. For those students approaching exams, this would focus on past papers, which I found to be the most effective method of revision. In addition to the lesson teaching itself, I would also offer advice on revision outside of the lessons based on what served me well at GCSE and A level.

This format is designed to mirror Cambridge science supervisions, which have been extremely effective in supporting my learning this year.

My lesson lengths would be flexible to suit the needs of the student, but 1-2 hours would be expected.

I am only just starting tutoring now, but I performed very well academically at school, achieving all A*s at both GCSE and A level. Studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge has both taken me into much greater depth on many of the topics covered at A level, but also exposed me to some fantastic tutors through the small group supervisions the university offers - I feel this gives me some idea of what makes personal tutoring work well!