Aarzu S.

I'm Tilly, and I'm a second-year medical student at Oxford University. I have been tutoring for over three years now and love helping students in maths, science and for medical school admissions tests. I hope to be a friendly, approachable and enthusiastic tutor assisting students in their learning by helping them both understand topics deeply and enjoy their learning as much as possible. I studied at Putney High School, where I achieved all 9s at GCSE and A* in biology, chemistry, maths, and my EPQ. However, I am now a second-year medical student at Oxford University. I have been tutoring for 3 years and really enjoy helping students to reach their fullest potential.

*Empowering Students to Reach their Potential as a Dedicated Tutor I specialise in helping students excel in GCSE and A Level Maths & Business Studies, boosting their confidence and surpassing their academic targets. With a track record of guiding students to achieve grades from C to A*, I focus on unlocking each student's potential. With nearly 10 years of experience in one-to-one tuition, I am well-versed in the latest GCSE and A Level Maths specifications across exam boards including AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, IGCSE, CIE IGCSE & TMUA. *Teaching Approach* Understanding each student’s unique needs and capabilities is central to my teaching. I aim to make maths relatable by delving into the logic and structure behind the concepts, which not only aids in problem-solving but also builds confidence and independence. Many of my students achieve their predicted grades months before their final exams, often exceeding their original goals. *Philosophy & Strategy* My teaching philosophy is to be patient, to understand the students' need and learning capability to encourage them to be the best they can be. I also like to provide an understanding of how the maths works on a fundamental level by providing the knowledge on the logic and structure. This way my students are not only taught how to answer questions, but why we answer the way we do. I believe this can be highly encouraging and help build confidence in the subject overall. Attended Staffordshire University between 2006 and 2001. During this time I achieved a BA Hons 2.1 in Business Studies and an MSc Pass in Marketing. During this time I helped International students understand subject material who found lectures too fast paced. It was during this time that I realised 1 to 1 tuition was something I could excel at.

I teach senior high school mathematics at all levels, from foundational to advanced. With years of experience as a government tax specialist and roles as a system analyst, programmer, and statistician in IT, I transitioned to teaching, which has always been my passion. I began tutoring in college to support my expenses and discovered the rewarding challenge of working with a student with dyscalculia. Through tailored strategies and building strong rapport, she succeeded. My diverse background has made me resourceful and innovative, enhancing my effectiveness in both teaching and problem-solving. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from St. Scholastica’s College, Manila, where I completed challenging courses such as Calculus, Statistical Analysis, Number Theory, and Linear Algebra. I also pursued post-graduate studies in Mathematics Education at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, focusing on educational strategies and child development, with research on learning disabilities. Although I couldn’t complete my thesis due to budget constraints, I am skilled in teaching all levels of mathematics, including Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics, and Business Mathematics.

Outside of teaching and studying, I’m someone who loves exploring the world in every sense. I love to travel, always looking for the next hidden city street, quiet coastal path, or mountain trail to wander. I love experiences that spark curiosity and offer new perspectives, which are some qualities I bring into my lessons, too. I’m also a keen reader and lifelong learner, with a love for books on psychology, inclusive education, and modern fiction. To stay active, I enjoy yoga and long walks, which help me recharge and stay mindful, and I’m always up for trying new creative outlets, whether that’s experimenting with photography, cooking dishes from around the world, or learning a new skill just for fun. Music is another big part of my life; I love discovering new artists and curating playlists for different moods and adventures. These interests not only keep life exciting but also influence the way I connect with students: by staying curious, open-minded, and passionate about learning in all its forms. BA in Education Studies – UCL – Built a strong foundation in learning theory, child development, and educational practice at one of the world’s top universities. PGCE in Primary Education – UCL – Achieved Qualified Teacher Status with hands-on classroom experience, specialising in primary school teaching. MA in Special and Inclusive Education UCL (current) – Deepening expertise in supporting diverse learning needs and creating inclusive, accessible learning environments.