Owen T.

• Cambridge, natural sciences (biological)
• Cambridge/Guildford

I’m a third year Biological Natural Scientist and academic scholar at the University of Cambridge. I underwent the application process in 2016 and therefore was the first year to take the NSAA test. I am the current Biological Natural Sciences subject rep for my college and achieved a first class mark in my first and second year exams. I really enjoy tutoring and like to introduce students to topics outside of the curriculum that often misses some of the most interesting parts of science.

            I am very flexible and try to tailor the tutoring to the student. I have found that first testing the student’s understanding through asking broad questions can then allow me to concentrate on topics that the student struggles with. I think that a discussion which moves between the different areas of Biology allows a much broader knowledge to be built up and helps to make the links between topics that may be treated as separate at A-level. My style of tutoring will depend on whether the student is looking to stretch their understanding of Biology in preparation for interview or whether they want specific tutoring on topics for future exams.

            I have tutored 4 students at GCSE level in preparation for their GCSE exams in the Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. I have also tutored 5 students looking to apply to Oxbridge for Biology. This has included reviewing their personal statements, preparation for pre-interview tests and working on interview technique and wider knowledge.  Feedback:  "Owen provided very valuable and intellectually engaging additional tuition for two high-ability students seeking offers at Oxford and Cambridge. The lessons were well-planned and very interactive, with Owen following-up thoroughly on any areas of misunderstand. The students were very grateful and both were successful in receiving offers " - Headmaster of Sixth Form College     “Owen helped me work for my chemistry and physics GCSEs. I found his tutoring very useful and easy to understand as well as motivational and supportive. I went up two grades in each subject and I would definitely recommend his lessons!” - Student     “Before our first session, I was worried about how to answer the interview questions as well as my speaking skills, but Owen gave me an insight into what an interview is like and what the interviewers are looking for.   Owen always prepared beforehand for what he would test us on that day and he always gave us feedback and useful comments when we finished answering his questions. Additionally, he always asked what topics we wanted to get tested on as well as testing us on areas we were less comfortable with.  Owen also taught me about many aspects of molecular & cell biology and human physiology. I learned how to think on my feet and respond to unseen questions.   As we met up every week, we could see the progress quite clearly and became more and more confident.” - Student

            I really enjoy getting involved in different sports and since joining Cambridge this has focussed on rowing. I am now Selwyn’s Men's Captain and row in the Men’s first 8. Previously I have played Rugby as well as competing in endurance events such as Devizes to Westminster kayak marathon and Ten Tors.