Rachel Okine

In my biology tutoring sessions, I focus on using textbooks and learning outcomes specific to each exam board, ensuring that the material we cover aligns with each student’s school curriculum and exam requirements. This helps them stay on track and ensures they are well-prepared for all aspects of their exams. I incorporate practice papers regularly to allow students to familiarise themselves with exam-style questions, track their progress, and identify areas for improvement. This approach builds confidence as students gain the valuable experience of timed conditions and question formats.

I also place significant value on teaching students effective revision and study methods, which are crucial for their independent learning. I guide students on how to create study schedules, prioritise topics, and use methods like active recall and spaced repetition techniques to retain information. By emphasizing these methods, I aim to help students become more efficient and self-sufficient in their study habits, not just for biology but for other subjects as well.

In addition to textbooks and practice papers, I use note-taking tools to break down complex concepts in a clear and visual way, helping students retain key information. I encourage them to adapt these notes to their learning style, whether through diagrams, bullet points, or mind maps, so they have a useful resource for revision. I am also willing to go above and beyond by sourcing/making such resources myself.

My lessons are designed to be interactive, allowing students to actively engage with the material while also providing them with the tools they need to study independently and succeed on their own. I will frequently signpost useful websites, videos and online content to help them.