Isabella C
"Since working with Isabella, I’ve seen a noticeable increase in my daughter’s confidence and enthusiasm for science."
Parent of GCSE Biology student
Biology
Chemistry
Maths
Physics
Academic History
University of St Andrews, Integrated Masters MSc in Marine Biology with Chemistry Minor – 2:1
A Levels: Maths (A), English (A), Biology (A), Chemistry (A), Physics (A)
About Me
I would describe my teaching style as highly adaptable, emphasising a good working relationship with the student so I can intuitively know if they are struggling with the content. My usual method is a combination of whiteboard, flashcard and past paper work so that we can consolidate knowledge and get the student used to the specific wording of exams (particular as it varies by exam board), however, I would say that developing new angles for approaching a problem is one of my greatest strengths; I do not feel satisfied until it clicks for the tutee and I have no issues changing my tactics so that it is better suited to the individual.
Recent tuition
GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics (AQA)
I tutored this student (Royal Masonic School for Girls) in GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We have been working on these subjects over a two year period. She is a high-achieving student who felt tuition would be useful as she struggles due to her ADHD despite being a very intelligent and sweet girl. We have worked together to take her from passing grades to comfortably getting 8/9’s on every test and exam.
IGCSE Edexcel Biology
I tutored this student (Winchester College) in GCSE Biology. We worked on this subject for a year. He was a high-achieving student, however, he was struggling with getting an ADHD diagnosis and needed extra help with organisation as he was increasingly struggling with burn out. Laying out exactly what was needed of him and keeping lessons fast paced was key here and we would often employ a technique where he would teach topics back to me to keep him engaged. He ended up going from a borderline pass to a 9 in his exams.
SQA Scottish Highers
I tutored an older student who was looking to go back to university to study dental hygiene. They needed to achieve a B or higher and after failing last year’s exam this was a resit. This student’s biggest issue was confidence as they had been out of school for years and had become rusty with how to properly answer questions using scientific jargon. This student achieved an A and will be attending Glasgow university in the autumn.
IB ESS (Environmental Systems and Societies)
This student was very intelligent and just needed some practice with exam papers and structured, supervised revision time. We worked very closely with the spec and marking schemes in order to perfect her technique. Since much of my masters was in maritime law, I was able to bring new marine perspectives to her essays. She achieved top grades and got into her university of choice in Europe.
OCR A-Level Biology
I worked with this student over her two year A-Level course. Being a young carer she had lots of challenges in her life and wanted some guidance outside of the few college contact hours she had. Her main issue was confidence in exams but we worked together to overcome these problems and she achieved an A* in her final exam.
WJEC A-Level Biology
I was referred to this student through the Sheffield Scholarship Tutoring Program, which was an opportunity for students in lower income areas to receive free tuition in the months leading up to their exams. The student was incredibly hard working and sweet, so I was delighted when she got into the university she wanted. Initially she had found the past papers intimidating, however with the context of WJEC grade boundaries she slowly gained faith in their ability to attempt longer, more imposing questions.
AQA A-Level Biology
This student was extremely bright but struggled with distractions and was prioritising other parts of her life more. Having the structure of our lessons kept her accountable and she found that because she had a natural aptitude she enjoyed honing her skills and saw that it didn’t take much to jump to getting 9’s. This student was able to get into the medicine course she wanted thanks to those few extra hours each week.
AQA Triple Science and Maths (Foundation)
I worked with this student over the course of a few months as he had received poor marks in his mocks. I was brought in to try and raise him to a passing grade. He was struggling with behavioural issues at school (feeling let down in large classes) but when given proper structure and attention he flourished and began repeatedly scoring 80% and above in class tests. On his final exams he did not score below a 7.
Edexcel A-Level Biology
I worked with this student over the course of a year. She struggled with paper 3 as there was an element of dissecting a real scientific paper and adding your own commentary. Every week I would assign a new article or journal and we would then discuss it for ten minutes at the start of every lesson. This helped her to become more comfortable in using scientific language naturally and she became much more analytical as time went on. Having been predicted a 5 at AS she went on to achieve an 8 in her final exam.
BTEC Applied Human Biology
I worked with homeschooling this student as they became a school refuser after suffering from chronic illness. This student missed multiple months of school and desperately needed structure and guidance. Although very intelligent and amiable this student was feeling hopeless in their pursuit to catch up. We worked for four hours a week, completing every past paper available in order to have her feeling exam ready and she ended up getting into her university of choice.
Hobbies
My main sport focus at the moment is training to do a half marathon with my flatmates and trying not to injure myself (again!). My long time passion however is scuba diving and last year I achieved my PADI divemaster. I have always been a keen swimmer and diver (both board and scuba) and I am currently trying to get a dry suit license so I can brave the cold water in the UK!
Out of the water I am a keen cook, with a particular interest in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. While at university I worked in kitchens and still find it very satisfying and relaxing to have such a physical task with a rewarding end product.
Although I teach STEM I have a real love for reading and my favourite book of the year so far is ‘I who have never known men’.
Testimonials
“(Isa)Bella’s been teaching my teen BTEC Human Biology for a year online, and I can’t recommend her enough.
My daughter has excelled at all exams and coursework since her online sessions with Bella began: the ‘before’ and ‘after’ difference in my daughter’s success is startling – especially as she had decided after the first term that Human Biology was very much her least favourite subject!
Just as importantly my moody teenager LOVES Bella, and looks forward to their 1-1s. Which is just as well, as due to health reasons my daughter’s unexpectedly having to be homeschooled just before her final exams.
In these stressful times Bella has been instrumental in keeping up my daughter’s continued engagement in Human Biology, and she’s admirably maintained her confidence in the subject. I couldn’t recommend Bella enough!”
Parent of BTEC Human Biology student
“Bella has an extremely wide range of knowledge and is super reliable. She explains concepts in different ways to suit my learning style and is always patient and supportive, making it easier to understand. She’s helped build my confidence in myself and in my knowledge of higher biology.”
Mature student, A Level Biology
“Isabella is an exceptional science tutor, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. She is incredibly friendly and always takes the time to understand the individual needs of her students. Isabella is very accommodating and patient, creating a supportive learning environment where my daughter feels comfortable asking questions and challenging herself. Since working with Isabella, I’ve seen a noticeable increase in my daughter’s confidence and enthusiasm for science. This positive change is truly thanks to Isabella’s dedication, encouragement, and genuine care for her students’ progress.”
Parent of GCSE (AQA) Biology student
