Ali A.

Hi! I am an academically passionate tutor with A* A* A at A-level in English Literature, Biology, and History, and I am currently studying Law with Politics at degree level. I have over three years of tutoring and mentoring experience, working with 11+ and GCSE students. I also have specific experience helping students who were previously struggling or underperforming to move from failing grades to top grades - not just passing - through clear, structured, and targeted teaching. I genuinely enjoy tutoring because I’ve seen how powerful the right support can be, when something finally clicks, it completely changes how a student feels about a subject. My aim is to make that moment happen regularly by breaking topics down clearly and building understanding step by step. Me and my students focus on: - strengthening core skills - filling gaps in understanding - building exam and classroom confidence - encouraging independent thinking, not just memorisation I understand that every student learns differently, so I adapt my teaching style to suit their pace, personality and ability, whether they need patience and repetition or more challenge and extension. I aim to help students not just improve their grades, but genuinely change how they approach and understand learning. Education History: I passed the 11+ in 2017 and attended the highly selective Pate’s Grammar School (2018–2025). I achieved 5 Grade 9s, 3 Grade 8s, and 2 Grade 7s at GCSE (2023), followed by A* A* A at A-level (2025) in English Literature, Biology, and History. I am currently studying Law with Politics at undergraduate level, continuing to develop strong analytical, evaluative, and written communication skills. Experience: Alongside my academic studies, I have developed over three years of tutoring and mentoring experience. I have worked with 11+ students as well as GCSE learners, helping students build confidence, improve exam technique, and achieve strong academic progress. My students have all performed successfully in 11+ exams, and have achieved 7s, 8s, and 9s at GCSE level. In addition, I have held leadership and mentoring roles, including supporting younger students with literacy, reading comprehension and maths (Year 4 - Year 7) and working with children in youth and classroom settings through volunteering roles and placements. This has given me experience working with a wide range of learners, including those with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, and adapting my approach to meet individual needs. Overall, I combine a strong academic record with proven tutoring experience and a highly adaptable, student-focused approach to help learners achieve measurable academic success and long-term confidence.

Experienced in AQA and Edexcel boards, adept at teaching maths, physics, and science. I work well with 14-16-year-olds, ensuring a solid foundation in maths and physics. - GCSE: maths, physics, combined science/triple science (chemistry, biology, physics) I'm a software engineer and a maths, physics and coding enthusiast committed to making learning a dynamic experience. I have a broad teaching background. Additionally, I have experience in the realm of robotics education. When I'm not in algorithms, I'm on my guitar, piano or in nature

About Me: Relatable & Expert GCSE Maths Tutor with a Double Master’s Background Hello! My name is Daphne Zhang, and I am a dedicated educator here to help you conquer GCSE Mathematics. My academic foundation is built on two Master’s degrees from prestigious Russell Group universities: an MA in TESOL from the University of Sheffield and an MA in Education from the University of York. However, my most valuable asset as a tutor isn't just my degrees—it’s my empathy. To be honest, I wasn't always a "Maths genius" as a child. I personally experienced the frustration, confusion, and "Maths anxiety" that many students feel today. Because I had to work hard to overcome my own struggles with the subject, I truly understand the mental hurdles you might be facing. This personal journey, combined with years of professional teaching experience, allows me to teach GCSE Mathematics (AQA, Edexcel, and OCR) with a unique perspective. I specialize in turning that "I can't do this" attitude into "I understand this now." My TESOL background further helps me deconstruct complex mathematical terminology into simple, everyday language, making even the most intimidating word problems feel manageable. What we will achieve together: • Build Real Confidence: We create a safe space where no question is "silly." I’ve been in your shoes, so I know exactly how to rebuild your self-belief. • Step-by-Step Clarity: I break down Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics into logical chunks that actually make sense. • Exam Success: By mastering exam techniques and past papers, we will work toward jumping 2–3 grade boundaries. I am not just here to help you pass an exam; I am here to show you that with the right support, anyone can master Mathematics. Let’s start this journey together! My Educational Journey & Professional Foundation My academic and professional foundation in the UK began at the University of York, where I earned my first MA in Education. Studying at one of the UK’s leading centers for pedagogical research provided me with a deep understanding of learning psychology and curriculum design. It was during my time at York that I officially began my career in mathematics instruction. I worked extensively as a GCSE Mathematics tutor, delivering both online and face-to-face sessions to local students. This hands-on experience was very helpful and meaningfull; it allowed me to apply educational theories directly to the classroom, helping students navigate the complexities of the AQA and Edexcel syllabi while building their confidence from the ground up. Following my success at York, I moved on to the University of Sheffield to pursue a second MA in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). While this might seem like a shift in focus, it was actually a strategic move to enhance my math teaching. At Sheffield, I specialized in applied linguistics and communicative strategies. This advanced training gave me the unique ability to "decode" the language of mathematics. I realized that many students struggle with GCSE Maths not because of the numbers, but because of the complex wording of the questions. My expertise from Sheffield allows me to bridge this linguistic gap, making abstract mathematical concepts accessible and clear for every learner. By combining the pedagogical mastery from York with the linguistic precision from Sheffield, I offer a sophisticated, dual-lens approach to tutoring. My background ensures that I don't just "show" students how to solve equations; I use evidence-based teaching methods to ensure they truly internalize the logic, leading to long-term academic success.

Computer Scientist and Human-Computer Interaction researcher with a focus on qualitative research methods. I have experience tutoring GCSE Mathematics to bilingual students, but helping my students gain confidence in the sciences is something that I find rewarding because of all the things they can go on to achieve for others. As a sciencemaxxed mathcel, I can help take the cortisol spike out of learning. University of York - BSc Computer Systems Rochdale Sixth Form College - Mathematics - Physics - Computer Science Oulder Hill Community School - GCSE Maths ...................... (A*) - GCSE Further Maths ......... (A*) - GCSE Core Sciences ........ (A*) - GCSE Geography .............. (A*)