Octavia B - Tutors - Keystone Tutors

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“Octavia is the most delightful, dedicated, supportive and knowledgeable tutor and my daughter is thriving with her. We are in your debt for having found such an excellent teacher.”

Parent

I have nine years of professional teaching and tutoring experience, including a role as a biology teacher at the prestigious Harrow School in Greater London from 2021-22, where I taught both GCSE and A-Level Biology.

Subjects, Levels, and Exam Boards Offered:

Biology (GCSE/IGCSE & A-Level: OCR, AQA, Edexcel A & B, CIE)
Marine Science (A-Level: CIE)
Combined Science (GCSE: AQA, Edexcel, CIE)
Human Biology (IGCSE: Edexcel)
11+ Science
13+ Science
Common Entrance Science (11+ & 13+)
Undergraduate Biological Sciences (and related disciplines)
General academic mentoring and study support

Beyond the core Biology curriculum at Harrow, I designed and taught my own elective course as part of the Harrow School Diploma. This course, 'Life on the Ice: Polar Biology and Climate Change', was a student favourite and provided an exciting opportunity to explore real-world scientific challenges. Additionally, I participated in the Harrow New Master’s Training Programme, where I gained a strong foundation in pedagogy and the nuances of science education.

Prior to my time at Harrow, I worked as a part-time online science tutor while completing my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the University of Bristol. During this time, I also founded my own tutoring platform, 'Bristol Tutoring', and served as a teaching assistant at the university, instructing undergraduate students in both theoretical science concepts and technical lab skills. To further develop my teaching abilities, I attended an intensive workshop on small-group teaching and blended learning, enhancing my expertise in fostering student confidence and motivation. Currently, I deliver lectures to undergraduate students on ecology-related topics, as well as facilitating laboratory sessions and marking coursework for a range of modules across undergraduate and master's programmes at the University of Birmingham.

Biology, science and the study of animals have been lifelong passions of mine, and I bring that enthusiasm into every tutorial. While I achieved consistently high grades in sciences at both GCSE and A-Level, I understand first hand the challenges students face. Having undergone rigorous tutoring myself in exam technique, subject content, and revision strategies, I deeply appreciate the importance of structured preparation. Many students find the tight marking schemes in science frustrating, particularly the emphasis on specific 'keywords' required to achieve top marks. This is an area I focus on in my tutorials, equipping students with the skills and confidence to excel in their exams.

I am a dedicated and highly motivated biologist with a strong academic background, holding an undergraduate degree in zoology and a master’s by research in biological sciences from the University of Bristol. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Antarctic biology and climate change at the University of Birmingham and the British Antarctic Survey, with the long-term ambition of establishing a career as a researcher and lecturer.

With nine years of tutoring experience and a tenure teaching biology at the prestigious Harrow School in London (2021-22), I have developed a deep passion for education. Alongside my Ph.D., I have served as an examiner for Cambridge International and OCR and deliver revision courses nationwide with Justin Craig Education during school holidays. Additionally, I have contributed to the education sector as a school governor for King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls in Birmingham.

My teaching philosophy is grounded in five core values: integrity, hard work, knowledge, individuality and fairness. I strive to foster a supportive and engaging learning environment, tailoring my approach to each student’s unique learning style, needs and interests. Building strong, respectful relationships with both students and parents is at the heart of my tutoring practice, ensuring that every student feels heard, valued and motivated to reach their full potential.

Beyond academic success, I am deeply committed to my students' personal growth and well-being. I believe that effective teaching extends beyond exam preparation - it should also inspire confidence, curiosity and a genuine appreciation for the sciences. My goal is to nurture both subject proficiency and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.

“Octavia has been an incredibly attentive and thorough tutor, who has helped to massively increase my confidence in A-level biology. She has been especially helpful in aiding understanding of exam technique in answering and applying content to longer data heavy questions, that previously seemed quite overwhelming! This has overall increased my enjoyment of the subject.”

Parent

“My daughter has gained great confidence in understanding the different topics and exam techniques due to Octavia’s professionalism, hard work, enthusiasm, and building great rapport. I would recommend Octavia to any parents and students who are looking at developing their understanding and their skills in these subjects.”

Parent

“Octavia helped our son with his A Level biology after he had been struggling to manage his anxiety and understand what the paper required of him. He not only managed to get through the exams but we have just got his result and he has achieved an A which he was hoping for. We really do appreciate all her support.”

Parent

“The high levels of detail that are provided by Octavia in her tutoring sessions are useful and concise and have helped me greatly improve in all areas of biology. Since starting tutoring with Octavia, I am now achieving 2 or 3 grades higher than I was only a few months ago, I couldn't really ask for much more.”

Parent

Before beginning sessions, I take the time to understand each student’s preferred learning style - whether they benefit from detailed notes, visual aids, or a combination of both. With experience teaching students with a variety of learning preferences, including those with SEND, I am highly adaptable in my teaching methods to ensure an inclusive and effective learning experience.

I also work closely with students to identify their specific areas of need, whether that be mastering challenging topics, refining revision techniques, improving exam strategy, or, as is often the case, a combination of everything. My teaching approach is steady and methodical, ensuring students fully grasp each concept before moving forward. I emphasise clarity by verbalising key points as I write, underlining essential terms and phrases, all of which are provided in structured notes for revision.

To keep lessons engaging and interactive, I incorporate a variety of resources, such as short videos to bring concepts to life, article-based discussions that encourage critical thinking beyond the curriculum and practice quizzes and exam questions to reinforce understanding. Many students find the volume of scientific content overwhelming, so I focus on teaching with precision using key terms from the course specification and insights from past marking schemes to help students learn exactly what is required for success.

For students with a natural curiosity, I go beyond the syllabus to explore connections between scientific concepts and recent developments in the field, fostering a deeper appreciation for science and its real-world applications.

Outside of tutoring, I am dedicated to my full-time Ph.D. at the University of Birmingham. While I am generally available for tutoring in the late afternoons and evenings, I also have some flexibility during the day and on weekends to accommodate clients.

Alongside my research, I hold several roles within the education and science communication sectors. I am a public examiner and a previous school governor at King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls in Birmingham, where I served on both the welfare and curriculum committees. As previous co-head of education and outreach for the UK Polar Network and current STEM ambassador, I am passionate about engaging wider audiences in science. I am also the host of my own podcast called Polar Diaries where I transport listeners to the mesmerising realms of the Arctic and Antarctic through engaging conversations with polar scientists. Additionally, I work as an international lecturer on cruise lines, where I have the privilege of sharing my enthusiasm for polar science with audiences around the world.

In my free time, I have a deep appreciation for the arts, particularly ballet and contemporary dance, which I have practiced for many years. More recently, I have taken up CrossFit, which has pushed my fitness to new levels, and I am now training for various competitions which is a challenge I am thoroughly enjoying.

I am also an avid reader, with a strong interest in non-fiction outside of academia, particularly the works of Stephen King. Music plays a significant role in my life as well; I enjoy a wide range of genres, from pop and jazz to African music, and I always look forward to playing the piano whenever I visit my family home.