Isabe; Murphy

When living in Bordeaux, I started tutoring English in-person to a young French student. He started around A2 level and after a couple of months, we were working on C1 level exercises and extracts and having fluid conversations. This role was so rewarding, it helped me to think about the English language in new ways as I went through grammar in depth, double meanings, how to phrase questions and the difference between formal and colloquial English, all of which changed the way I viewed the French language too through translation exercises from French to English and conversing with his non-English speaking family in French.

For the past two summers I have conducted countless art, sporting, and cultural activity sessions as well as led large numbers of students on insightful excursions to popular UK sites from University of Oxford’s colleges to Windsor Castle and many cities in between. My Activity Leader role with International House London allowed my passion for language and culture exchange, which grew during my study year abroad in France, to flourish. I utilised this interest to guide international students through a busy activity schedule at the summer school. I found myself in roles of greater leadership within this such as Coach Leader on many excursions, often being the main First Aid trained staff member and organising and delegating large evening activity duties amongst our team. I grew in confidence each summer, shared my experience and advice during staff inductions, and improved my communication skills whether that be out on the field or more formally in meetings, and working through language barriers too, using techniques learnt from my role in France as an ESL tutor. Note I have had extensive Safeguarding training through this summer school role too.

I am a passionate Biomedical Science undergraduate whose love for Biology begun at GCSE level. I would relish in the opportunity to continue tutoring, as I did in France, to young scientists, using teaching methods learnt as an enthusiastic Activity Leader and knowing how it felt to be faced with extensive Biology specifications. I would support my students greatly, keeping their interest piqued as we navigate this thought-provoking and intricate subject!