GCSE/A Level Biology/Science online tutoring, from a Cambridge University undergraduate. Over 7 years of tutoring experience.

Find out more about Vinu

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

  I chose medicine due to my grandmother’s brain tumour, which when removed during surgery stopped her from being able to speak. At the time, all I understood was that they must’ve cut out/ disrupted areas other than the tumour, but I wanted to know more, and thus find a way to stop events like this from happening to others. When I got to university, I realised there are many institutional problems within the NHS, and it led to my interest in Politics for my intercalation, as I hope to fix these inefficiencies so everyone can benefit from a better healthcare system. I tutor due to my personal battle of getting into Cambridge – coming from a non-selective state school was not easy, because I had to do all of the research myself! But, this allows me to be a good tutor since I know so much about the admissions process, and I love helping others improve academically.

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

  I teach medicine admissions, HSPS admissions, personal statement editing, and A level/GCSE maths and science. I personally love all of these! They all require different teaching levels and skills, which allows me to have a great variance in my day. I love mock interviews – I think it is a wonderful opportunity to push the student beyond their limits, and see how they can handle the pressure (I of course, give them the techniques required to master interviews!)

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

  My role model was my science teacher in year 9 – she was a lovely woman named Miss Pearl. I did not pay much attention in class until this point, but she set me straight and helped me to start focusing on my education. She sparked my initial interest in science and maths, and I will forever be grateful to her for that.

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

  The most important principle in tutoring is being a fun one! I always paid most
  attention in the lessons where the teacher was engaging and interesting, and I aim to embody this when I tutor, because this is the way in which the student will learn the most.

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

  I was in physics in year 10, and the teacher told me I was being put next to a student who was struggling, to try and help him – it was my first experience being a tutor, and I loved it! Him and I became really good friends, and are still in contact to this day (he did achieve a grade 9 by the end!)

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

  Most students don’t understand how hard they must work, if they want to get to the top of their field – most people who perform best at Cambridge are working most 10+ hours in the day. This is something I personally started to embody a year ago, and my aim is to push students to work just as hard as I do, so they can get the results they desire.

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

  I have a strong passion in helping others – I don’t see tutoring as a job, because I personally love seeing progress. For me, the most satisfying thing is seeing a student gain confidence in their ability, and subsequently ace the exam.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof?

  All students who have come to me regularly have achieved their desired outcome.