Cambridge University medical student teaching biology - A* in A level OCR Biology A

Find out more about Matthew

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  Ever since I started my medical course at Cambridge University, and noticed how much I enjoyed it, I became very passionate about helping other students getting into medical school too (and of course other related courses)! This includes excelling in the relevant A levels (as I teach biology, chemistry and maths) and in the medical application (including UCAT, personal statement and interviews). There is a lot of work to do but it is all achievable if you enjoy it and put in the work.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  Medical applications: although UCAT preparation tends to be an exhausting time in every medic's career, it is all worth it when you get your offer to study medicine. My favourite part of the application process is personal statements - it is very interesting to see the experiences of students and how they reflect. Every now and then a student writes a very powerful statement and that is always really moving - maybe that can be you!
  
  Biology: this provides an important foundation to medicine. I particularly enjoy microbiology, genetics, human biology and biochemistry which are all covered in varying levels of detail in biology A level. Unfortunately there are also some topics which students enjoy less including ecology and plants, however they must still be covered and perfected.
  
  Chemistry: this provides an important foundation to medicine. I particularly enjoy organic chemistry because the structures and mechanisms were fascinating to me, and it also gives a good basis to medical chemistry. Physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry are still interesting to me but less so than organic. I hope to make all parts enjoyable to every student though!
  
  Maths: this has always been a joy of mine. I love how the numbers just work together to come to a solution - it is definitely very satisfying. I particularly enjoy algebra and calculus, although all aspects are fun to work with.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I had a few role models which inspired me. The first was my gran and grandad who showed such kindness and resilience. The second was a surgeon who I had work experience with - he was very honest about how the NHS is struggling but also encouraged me to pursue medicine due to how rewarding it is. My third and final role model was my A level chemistry teacher who was so intelligent, he changed the way I think and learn forever.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor has to have several qualities. The first is an obvious one but they must have knowledge secured by a deep understanding of their subject. The second is patience and the ability to be okay with explaining a concept several times if need be. The third is the most important in my opinion - enjoyment. This is absolutely essential because learning is made easier if you are having fun at the same time, and if a tutor enjoys the subject it makes me so much easier for the student to enjoy it too!

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  Some of my favourite times in college was in a group of students applying to medical school, which was set up so we could all learn together and help each other with all parts of the application process, including UCAT, BMAT, and interview preparation. This was such a valuable and fun time because we were all really good mates and it helped everyone so much.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  The thing I struggled with most is the amount of work that is necessary to succeed. This is something every student needs to face up to and deal with, especially going into a medical career because the work you are doing now is very little compared to the work you will do in the future (in medical school and in clinical practice). I hope to help all students deal with this inevitable fact of life by making learning easier and quicker, but without cutting corners.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  Although medicine (particularly surgery) is my main passion, I have always liked the idea of teaching, and have always thought that if I wasn't going into medicine then I would go into teaching. Tutoring through Superprof has shown me that I do really enjoy teaching, especially the subjects and topics I enjoy. In terms of my medical passion, I have enjoyed learning embryology and developmental biology, and have always wanted to do surgery so I hope to pursue a career with some sort of combination of these in the future.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  My method of tutoring has proven extremely effective with all of my students. I have helped many go from Cs and Ds in their A levels to As and A*s and also helped many students get 3000+ in UCAT and perfect their personal statements. I hope to do the same for you, in a high-quality, productive and fun way!