Our tutors - Jack Ovens

Jack - Chemistry, University of Oxford

Hi, I’m Jack, a fourth-year Chemistry student at Balliol College, Oxford. I am currently completing my Master’s project in Physical and Computational Chemistry, having achieved a First-Class result in the undergraduate component of my course.

Before coming to Oxford, I studied Maths (A*), Further Maths (A*), Physics (A*), and Chemistry (A*) at Truro and Penwith College in Cornwall.

During my time in education, I have received multiple university, college and school academic prizes. Although this academic success might make it seem as though learning comes easily to me, as a dyslexic student I have often had to develop unique and creative strategies to overcome challenges and succeed. I vividly remember the feeling of recognising my potential but struggling to translate it onto paper or, at times, yearning for more challenges but not being in an environment equipped to provide the resources needed to thrive.

This is why I became a tutor. I believe the knowledge and learning techniques I’ve acquired can be incredibly valuable to students of all abilities. I am patient, enthusiastic and adaptable with my teaching style allowing students to maximise their time developing their skills. The shift from a traditional classroom setting to a more personalized tutorial environment, where discussion and engagement are central, is part of what makes my style of teaching so effective. This approach allows me to challenge and stretch my students while fostering deeper understanding.

I particularly pride myself on my ability to explain the real-world applications of STEM concepts and techniques, as I believe that learning should go beyond simply passing exams. Connecting abstract ideas to practical applications often helps build a stronger foundational understanding of the subject, which allows for students to build confidence and tackle adversities in both exams and any future admissions process.