Psychology Tuition: AQA A Level, EPQs, Undergraduate Research Projects - Experienced Tutor and Oxbridge PhD Graduate Offering Tailored Support to Improve Academic Outcomes and Student Wellbeing

Find out more about Dr Sophie

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

  My interest in psychology began with a fascination for the unusual phenomena that can occur in the human experience when the functioning of the brain goes awry. I started to buy books such as Oliver Sacks' The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and V.S. Ramachandran's Phantoms in the Brain. After exploring a range of options, I decided to study for a BSc in Psychology at the University of Birmingham-and it was during my time there that I became particularly interested in forensic psychology. I was especially intrigued by the impact of social influence on human behaviour in situations of aggression and violence. This curiosity eventually led me to criminology, where I delved into group behaviour and co-offending dynamics, earning both a Master's degree and a PhD from the University of Cambridge.
  
  While I have always been a curious person who loves to learn, pursuing academia has not always been an easy path. I recognise how stressful the journey through education can be. Having navigated the school system as a dyslexic student in a school ill-prepared to deal with such challenges, I understand the frustration of being underestimated and left behind. Even once at university, the stress of numerous deadlines, opaque assignment instructions, and unresponsive tutors was often terribly overwhelming.
  
  
  Having made my way through this and endured many challenges along the way, I now take joy in guiding others through similar experiences and sharing strategies for a more seamless academic journey. As a mentor, I feel I can relate to students who may not be achieving as highly as they could be, and I enjoy helping them recognise their strengths and reach their full potential.

• 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 specifically teach content in Psychology and Criminology; however, I also offer academic coaching and mentoring across the social sciences. I particularly enjoy supporting students in developing skills in academic writing, planning assignment, and designing research. These topics can often be intimidating for students, however, when that lightbulb moment occurs, there is nothing more satisfying than witnessing their growth and understanding.

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

  It may sound cheesy, but my parents were the people who inspired me the most during my educational journey. They always told me that the only way to truly fail was not to try at all. The screensaver on our family computer was a quote by Michelangelo: "The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." I read this every time I logged onto the computer to do my homework, and the words have stayed with me ever since.

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

  Ultimately, a good tutor empowers students to take ownership of the learning process, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed.
  
  
  I aim to be an educator that creates an environment in which students feel a sense of purpose and responsibility in their learning. By providing students with transparency around what they are being asked to do and why, and making our sessions applicable to the goals identified at the start of the course, I hope to cultivate a sense of personal investment in the learning process.
  
  I also aim to create an environment in which students feel happy, confident, and comfortable, when challenged by others, and in challenging themselves. By providing an environment where students feel that they are valued, and that it is safe to fail, I believe students become more open to feedback, and engagement in self-reflection.

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

  A piece of advice I received when applying to university still stands out in my mind 12 years later. I was in the first year of my A-levels, attending a conference about applying to university. The room was filled with academics advising us on the experiences and skills needed to secure a place at a top university.
  
  At the end of the conference, the speaker emphasised the importance of seizing every opportunity, to make your application stand out. Then, he asked us to raise our hands if we had approached any of the academics in the room to ask about work or research experience opportunities. It was a perfect opportunity after all - we were in a room filled with experts eager to help us with our university applications. Yet, out of about 100 people, only 2 raised their hands. The speaker pointed to those two students and said, "Those are the people who are on track to get into the best universities."
  
  It was a light bulb moment that I will never forget - take every opportunity, and don't be afraid to ask!

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

  Figuring out how to manage the heavy reading load, prepare adequately for lectures and seminars, and take effective notes while still listening to the speaker were challenging skills to master at university-particularly as a dyslexic student. Over time, I picked up tips and tricks and developed techniques that worked for me. There is always an element of trial and error in these processes, and it's important to remember that it's meant to be a learning experience. However, having someone to point you in the right direction can be invaluable! That's what I'm here to do-offer guidance and share strategies so students can navigate these challenges with greater confidence.

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

  I vividly recall the crushing anxiety and feelings of loneliness and isolation that came with struggling in school and university. There's no worse feeling than being overwhelmed and not knowing who to turn to for support. Having navigated those difficult times, and learned valuable skills and lessons along the way, I am now passionate about sharing what I've learned with others. I want to be the support that I often wished I had.

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

  I have an in-depth understanding of the academic world, having studied for a BSc, MPhil, and PhD from Russel Group and Oxbridge universities respectively. I have also worked as an academic, conducting research, presenting at conferences, publishing papers, and teaching and supervising students on undergraduate courses. As such, I have the knowledge and skills to provide guidance to those pursuing their studies in the social sciences.
  
  Most importantly I understand what it's like to feel overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of where to turn for help, and I'm dedicated to making sure my students don't face those same struggles alone. I am not just a tutor-I'm a mentor, a coach, and a guide dedicated to supporting students on their educational path.