Laura F.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

Queen Mary University of London, UK - MSc Clinical Sciences (Infection Sciences),

The Open University, UK Online - BSc (Hons) Natural Science,

University of Pretoria, South Africa - BSc Genetics (65%)

Crawford North Coast College, KZN, Durban - National Senior Certificate (South Africa):

English 83%, Afrikaans 65%, Mathematics 58%, Life Orientation 87%, History 75%, Life Science 71%, Physical Science 62%.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Tutoring Subjects

Common Entrance: Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), English, Mathematics, History

GCSE: Biology, Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English 

A-Level: Biology

University: Biology and related subjects (e.g. Genetics and Microbiology) 

Private Tutor

Over 7 years of tutoring experience supporting students aged 9–21 across a range of subjects. I have particular experience teaching GCSE Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), helping students build confidence, improve exam technique and develop independent learning skills.

SKILLS & INTERESTS

I am an enthusiastic, patient and approachable tutor who enjoys building strong relationships with students and tailoring sessions to individual learning styles. I particularly enjoy helping students grow in confidence and develop curiosity for science.

Outside of tutoring, I am very outdoorsy and enjoy hockey, tennis, football, paddleboarding and hiking. I also enjoy creative hobbies such as knitting, paint-by-numbers, and reading (particularly fantasy).

I have a strong interest in biology, especially genetics, human biology and mycology, and I enjoy sharing this enthusiasm with students to make learning engaging and relatable.

I also enjoy gaming, including The Sims 4, Hogwarts Legacy and collaborative games such as Mario Kart! 

I speak Portuguese fluently (native speaker).

WORK EXPERIENCE

Clinical Scientist Trainee, Health Services Laboratory (NHS)

Infection Sciences Associate Practitioner, Health Services Laboratory (NHS)

Medical Laboratory Assistant, Health Services Laboratory (NHS)

Content Creator (A-Level Psychology), Internship, UpLearn

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I first became interested in tutoring during my undergraduate degree, when I began supporting students across a range of ages and subjects. What quickly stood out to me was that many students were not struggling because they lacked ability, but because the material had not yet been presented in a way that suited how they processed information. Taking the time to understand whether a student learns best visually, verbally, through discussion, or through step-by-step problem solving often leads to that rewarding “ah-ha” moment, where confidence begins to grow and the subject starts to feel accessible. I find this individualised approach to learning one of the most effective and fulfilling aspects of tutoring.

My own educational journey has been driven by curiosity and a genuine love of learning. From studying Genetics at undergraduate level, to completing a Natural Sciences degree and most recently an MSc in Clinical Sciences, I have always been motivated by understanding how the world works, particularly within biology. Through my studies and work in NHS laboratories, I have developed a strong academic foundation which I enjoy sharing with students in a way that makes complex topics feel approachable and engaging. My passion for both science and education has ultimately led me to make a career change into teaching, and I will be beginning a Secondary Biology PGCE this year. Tutoring has played a significant role in shaping this decision, as I have found teaching students one-to-one to be incredibly rewarding.

With over seven years of tutoring experience, I aim to make learning engaging, supportive and tailored to each individual. Every child is different, and I believe it is important to be flexible in teaching style, whether that involves diagrams, real-life examples, structured practice questions, or open discussion. By adapting explanations to suit the student, I aim to help them build both understanding and confidence. I also place strong emphasis on creating a calm and encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes, as this is often where the most meaningful learning takes place.

I also have a strong understanding of neurodiverse learning styles, including students with ADHD, and appreciate that focus, motivation and engagement do not always follow a “one-size-fits-all” approach. From my experience, students often benefit from lessons that feel more interactive, varied and structured in a way that works with their attention, rather than against it. I aim to incorporate a mix of visual aids, discussion, active recall and manageable steps to help maintain focus and make learning feel more achievable. I am particularly passionate about helping students recognise that needing a different approach to learning is not a weakness, but simply a different way of thinking. With the right support, students can build confidence, develop strategies that suit them, and achieve outcomes they may not have thought possible.

One-to-one tutoring provides a unique opportunity to move beyond the constraints of the classroom and focus on a student's specific needs, whether that is strengthening foundational knowledge, preparing for exams, or developing study and revision strategies. I enjoy working with students of all abilities, from those aiming for top grades to those who may feel overwhelmed and need help rebuilding confidence in a subject.

Ultimately, I find tutoring incredibly rewarding. Seeing students develop independence, gain confidence, and experience those moments where concepts finally click is what motivates me most. My aim is not only to support academic progress but also to foster curiosity, resilience and a positive relationship with learning that extends beyond exams.