katharine w.

• oxford, biochemistry
• oxford/london

I graduated with First Class Honours in Biochemistry from Oxford University in 2018 and have plenty of previous tutoring experience. I gained straight A*s at GCSE and 3 A*s at A level (in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics) so am perfectly positioned to tutor these subjects.

            I try to encourage students to think independently because information is retained better and understanding is deeper when you are not just fed facts. Thinking critically and interpreting data is an important part of Biochemistry and I try to develop these skills with my tutoring approach. Every student has a different learning style and I try to cater to individuals but in general I have found that learning through examples and practice questions is most effective so I make extensive use of this technique. The main thing is to ask questions, engage and be curious!

            GCSE:  I have extensive experience working with an online tutoring forum called HowCloud tutoring GCSE chemistry, biology and maths. This approach is mainly based around past paper questions and using a Q&A format to ensure that I cover the topics that a student finds particularly challenging.      AS/A level:  I have tutored A level Mathematics and Chemistry in a local secondary school in Oxford for 1 hour a week over the course of a year so I have a good understanding of the different syllabus structures between exam boards.      Oxford interviews:  I have helped a number of students prepare for Oxford interviews in Biochemistry including giving a series of mock interviews and one on one tutorials to expand background knowledge of the subject and to increase a student's confidence in the run up to the interviews.      Personal Statement advice:  I was told by my Oxford college that my personal statement was one of the best they have seen and is still used as a model example for students who are looking around the college and interested in applying. In the past, I have provided personal statement advice to students intending to read Biochemistry at university including giving suggestions on the best books to read, how to structure the personal statement and prioritise material to help your personal statement stand out from the rest.

            There's more to life than Biochemistry so I've got lots of other interests. I'm heavily involved in sports at university and I am women's captain of Brasenose College Boat Club so am committed to rowing and play football for the Oxford University team. I'm also interested in music and have accomplished Grade 8 classical guitar as well as being a member of the guitar ensemble at the Royal College of Music in London.