Jake

NB: PLEASE NOTE I AM NOT TAKING ON NEW STUDENTS AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME.


About me:

Hello, my name is Jake! I am a graduate of the University of Oxford, from whom I hold a 2.1 in Biological Sciences.

I know better than many how to achieve beyond expectations. For the first few years at school I struggled. I was languishing in the bottom quarter of my year-group in terms of both realised and predicted grades. Through self-adopted learning strategies and sheer hard-work I managed to turn this around and achieve majority A*s for GCSE and A-level, gaining the headmaster`s recognition in the process. When my A-level biology teacher took me aside after class one day to tell me that I might have a shot at Oxbridge, I didn`t believe her. But here I now am.

I understand what it is like to struggle at school. I understand the hard-work and devotion it requires to achieve great things. I understand the support network you need around you to do this too. I also intuitively understand that everyone`s routes and driving forces in life are different.

Since graduating Oxford I have been exploring many avenues of this complex world. I have worked in various sectors - private tutoring, consultancy, scientific research, not-for-profit, and most recently wildlife conservation. I have previously taught environmental issues to school children through a university volunteering scheme and received a 5* review from tutoring a local A-level student.

My tutoring style:

My aim will be to explore various methods and ways of engaging you both emotionally and intellectually with academic problems you are struggling with so that you develop the personal confidence, subject knowledge and capacity to think and act like a student and citizen of the 21st century. This could involve traditional exam-style questions, study notes, customised tips and tricks, puzzles, games, or even props!

In our first lesson I will explore your needs, your aspirations and your strengths and weaknesses to co-create a customised learning plan for you.

And, if it is in your interest and conditions allow I will also consider outdoors-based learning as an effective tool for improving concentration, creatively teaching difficult concepts, and a fun and engaging way to embed/memorise elements of the syllabus! This is especially relevant for biology and geography of course.

I am also able to provide assistance with all levels of UCAS applications and personal statements; and, due to my experience with Oxford I can provide insider advice for Oxbridge applications.

Students can contact me outside of tutoring hours with any queries they might have.

Lesson Details:
- Subjects taught: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Psychology, UCAS
applications, Oxbridge applications
- Level taught: GCSE, A-level
- Length: 1 hour
- Location: Either remotely through Zoom/MS Teams, in person at my family home in
Thames Ditton or a pre-agreed location

I have received a full, enhanced DBS certificate as of November 2023.

Availability: Lesson schedules fall within afternoon and evening hours. Please enquire about my current availability.

Willing to travel: 3 miles

Experience: Teaching experience:
6 months experience teaching environmental issues to primary school children in Oxford
6 months private biology tutoring experience in Surrey

DBS Check: Yes