Mr M.

Hi! I’m Arashk, a third-year medical student at the University of Oxford with over two years of tutoring experience. I tutor A-level students and help prospective medical students prepare for university interviews, with a particular focus on developing the communication, confidence and critical-thinking skills needed to perform at their best.

I see a tutor’s role as being a guide rather than someone who simply talks at a student. As a result, my lessons are driven by discussion and questions from both myself and the student. This allows me to adapt each lesson to the individual student while helping them develop the deeper understanding and problem-solving skills needed for exams/interviews.

Interview Preparation:

For interview preparation, my aim is to recreate the style of discussion students are likely to encounter at an Oxbridge interview. We might begin with a familiar A-level concept before gradually extending it into unfamiliar territory. Also, I might talk through a new concept with the student before asking them to develop their own thoughts, theories and explanations. I would then ask follow-up questions that encourage them to apply what they have just learnt. This is important because oxbridge interviews are not simply tests of how much scientific knowledge a student can memorise. Interviewers want to see how students approach unfamiliar information, respond to guidance and think critically. In other words, seeing if the student would thrive under their teaching.

Alongside scientific discussions, I use critical-thinking questions and ethical scenarios to develop students’ reasoning and communication. We also work on practical interview technique, including structuring answers, thinking aloud effectively, using pauses confidently and maintaining natural body language. My goal is not to teach students a collection of rehearsed answers. Instead, I want them to become comfortable thinking on their feet, articulating their reasoning and engaging confidently in an academic discussion.

A-Level Tutoring:

For A-level lessons, I take the same interactive approach. Using an online whiteboard, I break difficult topics down step by step and use targeted questions to identify gaps in understanding. Rather than immediately providing an answer when a student gets stuck, I’ll often give them a carefully chosen hint or question that helps them reach the solution themselves, while providing detailed explanations whenever needed. Also, I generally avoid setting formal homework, as I appreciate that students already have busy academic schedules. Instead, where appropriate, I’ll suggest specific topics, questions or resources they can work through in their own time, giving them clear direction on how to make the most of their independent study.

If you think my teaching style would suit you, please feel free to get in touch and arrange a trial lesson. I’d be very happy to discuss your goals, identify what you’d like to improve and see how I can best support you.

I look forward to hearing from you!