Natalie

Highly experienced biosciences and applications tutor (14+ years) with a 1st class MCantab in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University, MPhil and PhD in History and Philosophy of Science. I gained two college scholarships and the 'Oxford University Prize for Excellence in Biosciences'.

My book 'Enchanted Creatures', on monsters and the imagination is out in 2024 (Orion) and 'Planta Sapiens', on the latest science of plant behaviour was published with Paco Calvo in 2022 by Little Brown. I have worked at London's Natural History Museum, the Zoological Society of London and for Kew Gardens. My own natural history 'cabinet of curiosity' contains many amazing specimens such as nautilus shells, beaver skulls and insects that can illustrate biological topics. Occasionally I rear live exotic butterflies and moths at home. My book 'Feathers and Eggshells' about the birds of Hampstead Heath was published in 2000.

Tutoring Experience

Over the past 14 years, I have tutored over 150 students in the UK and abroad, from age 11 to those completing university finals and postgraduates. These include students with diverse abilities and concerns, and I really enjoy helping students develop their approach to their academic work and building their confidence generally, whatever level they are at.

For school students, I work with all A-Level boards and IB.

I can help with the complete application process for Oxbridge and other universities, Masters and PhD posts.

I also specialise in supporting project work, from essays and EPQs to theses and developing essay-writing and study skills.

Tuition should have a broad benefit for students across their academic life. This is where the real value to 1-1 sessions lies. I love biological sciences, but in biology sessions, I work to build student's wider academic approach. I always try to contain anxieties, breaking down obstacles into manageable tasks, while empowering students to explore wider ideas for their own interest.

The feedback from all of my students has been that they have achieved higher marks than they expected and enjoyed biology in a way that they had not before. In many cases, the benefits of sessions extended well beyond biology.

Tutoring Approach

I offer several kinds of session:

Subject material and exam preparation:

Tailored to student needs and aims. We can work on understanding complex course material and experiments, specific exam technique and open-ended discussions to expand beyond the syllabus. Sessions include subject-tailored Powerpoints, to which students will have full online access.

I run intensive AS/A-level revision courses for groups and 1-1. Please contact me if you would like to explore this option for intensive last-minute exam revision! I can cover an entire A-level syllabus in a matter of days and can guarantee improved marks.

Project work:

EPQs, essays, coursework, research projects. From school to postgraduate level. I can help and support students in developing their thinking and perfecting excellent pieces of work that will get top marks on any bioscience related subject. My experience as a professional writer comes in handy here!

Admissions and applications:

Oxbridge and elsewhere in the UK, and abroad. I can offer complete support with CV building, knowledge building, Personal Statements, exam preparation (such as the NSAA) and interview preparation. I have worked with students from abroad applying to the UK and vice versa. I can also help with guidance and developing career plans.

I also work with students doing Master's and PhD applications. I can help with developing projects and getting all the applications materials written.

--

I primarily tutor online via Zoom or Skype. In some circumstances I am happy to have a session face-to-face to facilitate online sessions.

I offer an initial discussion by phone and support via WhatsApp outside of sessions.