Octavia

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 Ph.D. 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 eight 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 serve as an examiner for Cambridge International and OCR and deliver revision courses nationwide with Justin Craig Education during school holidays. Additionally, I contribute 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 inspire confidence, curiosity, and a genuine appreciation for the sciences. My goal is to nurture both subject proficiency and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.

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 to accommodate clients.

Alongside my research, I hold several roles within the education and science communication sectors. I am a public examiner and a school governor at King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls in Birmingham, where I serve 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, we delve into their icy adventures and groundbreaking research, bringing the wonders of these remote regions directly to your living room. 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—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.