Claire W.

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.

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.

GCSE: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Maths, English A-Level: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Maths, English Scottish: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Maths, English University Level: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence Exam Board Experience: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, and private school exam entry Experience With: KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5 (A-Level), and 11+, National 1,2,3,4,5, Higher, and Advanced Higher Languages: English, Arabic SEND Experience: ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, Exam Anxiety Preferred Student Age Group: Any I am a passionate and results-driven tutor with over 7 years of experience teaching science, maths, and computer science. I have helped hundreds of students prepare for GCSE, A-Level, and university exams, achieving excellent results through clear, structured, and engaging lessons. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and a TEFL/TESOL teaching certificate, which have equipped me with both strong scientific expertise and effective communication skills. My teaching approach emphasizes clarity, structure, and adaptability, ensuring that complex topics are presented in a manner that every student can comprehend. I have extensive experience supporting students with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and exam anxiety, and I tailor my lessons to meet each learner’s unique needs. My goal is to help students build confidence, master exam techniques, and develop a deep understanding of their subjects while enjoying the learning process. Graduated from Artificial Intelligence woth honors at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Achieved A* in A-Level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, and Computer Science, building a strong academic foundation in science and technology so I can help through all that subjects.

I am a dedicated and enthusiastic student who takes pride in balancing strong academic performance with personal interests. While I have a genuine passion for football, I always ensure that my studies remain my top priority. I approach my academic work with focus, discipline, and a willingness to improve. I enjoy learning new concepts, challenging myself, and consistently working towards achieving high results. I completed my secondary education at Shireland Collegiate Academy, where I developed a strong academic foundation and a disciplined approach to learning. During my time there, I built key skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent study, all of which have supported my academic progress. For my A-levels, I chose to specialise in Chemistry, BTEC Business and Mathematics—two rigorous and highly analytical subjects. Studying Chemistry allowed me to develop a deep understanding of scientific principles, practical laboratory skills, and the ability to analyse complex processes. Mathematics strengthened my logical reasoning, precision, and ability to approach problems methodically. Together, these subjects have equipped me with a strong analytical mindset and the resilience to tackle challenging material, such as Senior UKMT achieving gold certification. I am currently studying at the University of Birmingham, where I continue to build on the knowledge and skills developed during my earlier education. Being part of a leading academic institution has exposed me to a higher level of independent learning, critical analysis, and academic responsibility. My studies require strong time management, attention to detail, and the ability to engage with complex concepts in depth. Looking forward to share my expertise and develop in this tutoring opportunity.