Our tutors - Shannon Bacon

Shannon - Psychology, University of Oxford

Hello! I’m Shannon and I am currently in my third year studying Experimental Psychology at New College, Oxford. This is a four-year integrated MSc course which will see me graduate in 2026. This year I was awarded a scholarship at my college for academic excellence after achieving a first class in my second-year exams. When I’m not studying, I like to row for New College Boat Club. This is a sport that I started in my first year and really enjoyed; last year I was the lower boat captain for the women’s side and this year I am secretary for the club. I am also a peer supporter for my college which means I have received welfare training that allows me to assist other students who may be struggling. This year I am also on the committee for the New College Commemoration ball which is a big event at the end of the year which I am really excited for. 

Before, coming to Oxford University, I attended a state school in Milton Keynes, where I studied both my GCSEs and A-Levels. I achieved high grades in my GCSEs, as well as A*s in Biology, Psychology, Maths, and the Extended Project Qualification at A-Level. In my free time, I also liked to play netball and was part of an academy. I completed my bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh awards, with COVID unfortunately preventing me from completing my gold award; through this I learnt many new skills like baking and photography, and also spent lots of time volunteering in Girlguiding.

I have been tutoring since year 12 (aged 17) and have also delivered mock interviews and personal statement masterclasses for Oxford and Cambridge University applications. I have lots of experience, including teaching GCSE and A-Level courses, and also have additional training for working with students who have additional educational needs or who may learn differently. This makes me very flexible to different learning styles that a student may have and I can adjust my lessons according to these to maximise progress. I also have experience working in a primary school for students with Autism which was a rewarding experience where I developed my communication skills. I enjoy seeing the progress that my students make, and the parents I have spoken to have been pleased with the tutoring that their child received.

When tutoring students, I like to help them to see beyond the curriculum to develop a genuine interest and passion for the subject that they are studying. Sometimes studying for exams can seem like a memory test, but I believe that a true understanding of the content and being able to relate this to real life can produce great exam results. 

As part of my current psychology degree, I continue to do anatomy and statistics classes; for this reason, I specialise in tutoring psychology, as well as biology and maths.