1^st lesson free

Octavia

Rate €57
Response 1h
Students
Number of students Octavia has accompanied since arriving at Superprof
1
Number of students Octavia has accompanied since arriving at Superprof

€57/h

1^st lesson free

Biology
Zoology
Physiology
Microbiology
Molecular biology

PhD researcher in Antarctic ecology with 9 years' experience teaching 13+ science, GCSE and A-Level biology, including a tenure at Harrow School and a previous role as an A-Level examiner.

Biology
Zoology
Physiology
Microbiology
Molecular biology

Lesson location

- Online

About Octavia

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 PhD, 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. I am fully enhanced DBS checked.

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 completing 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.

Alongside my research, I hold several roles within the education and science communication sectors. I am a previous public examiner and 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, where we delve into their icy adventures and groundbreaking research. 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 practised for many years. More recently, I have taken up Cross Training, 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.

About the lesson

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.

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. My lessons are usually 1-hour slots, however, I can offer longer sessions if required, ensuring there are regular breaks for the student.

Rates

Rate

€57

Pack prices

5h: €287
10h: €573

online

€57/h

free lessons

The first free lesson with Octavia will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.

30mins

PhD researcher in Antarctic ecology with 9 years' experience teaching 13+ science, GCSE and A-Level biology, including a tenure at Harrow School and a previous role as an A-Level examiner.

Lesson location

About Octavia

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack prices

online

free lessons

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PhD researcher in Antarctic ecology with 9 years' experience teaching 13+ science, GCSE and A-Level biology, including a tenure at Harrow School and a previous role as an A-Level examiner.

Lesson location

About Octavia

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack prices

online

free lessons

Similar Biology tutors in Birmingham

Dr KHOBAIB (Highly experienced teacher)

Róisín

Poorvaja

Mert

Alex

Ronan

Aathif

Dr Mary (Highly Professional Full-Time Tutor)

Aayan

Muhammad

Brian

Qurat

Monika Gandhi

Rebecca

Christopher

Saanvi

Dr Christopher

Megan

Aishwarya

Daniel

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