When I arrived at Oxford to read Biology, the reading came in quantities I'd never seen before. I had no system for getting through it and no idea how to remember it afterwards.I'd had a private education and every advantage going. I hated it.

I taught Biology at Brighton College for 15 years, so I...

You've made it to summer.

The school bag is somewhere in the hall. The uniform is in a pile. Your teenager has rediscovered horizontal living and appears to have no intentions of changing that in the near future.

And somewhere in the background of your mind, quiet but persistent, is a question you...

“Aaaaaaarrrrrgggghh!” Is a sound commonly heard in many UK households at this time of year. 

When GCSEs and A-Levels are looming, tensions can run high, and getting your teenager to revise can sometimes feel like trying to nail jelly to a wall.

If you’re struggling to gently encourage your teen to...

A guide for parents and students with upcoming exams.

Introduction

The Easter holidays are a crucial time for students preparing for GCSEs and A Levels. With exams fast approaching, one of the biggest questions students and parents ask is: how many hours a day should you revise for during the East...

Introduction

Mock exams are over, and whether your teen is feeling relieved, stressed, or somewhere in between, this is a crucial time in their revision journey. But what happens next? As a parent, you want to support them in the best way possible—without adding to their pressure.

In this post, I’...

Are you feeling frustrated or overwhelmed in your studies? Tired of trying hard and getting results that don’t reflect this? As an experienced biology teacher, tutor and examiner,  I’ve seen students who have previously enjoyed their studies, achieved well, or been confident learners, bury their hea...