Soni H.

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.

I am a Maths teacher with 4 years of experience. I studied Mathematics at the University of Reading, and earned my PGCE there too. I have worked with 3 GCSE classes to achieve their required grades in Mathematics and Numeracy. I am also able to teach A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, and have worked with one AS level class on their applied work in these areas. I studied BSc Mathematics at the University of Reading and achieved a 2:1 in 2021. I then went on to complete my PGCE in Secondary Education at the same university. I have completed a module at The Open University for my Masters in Education and will be completing the final module in the academic year 2026/27.

My career journey started from a very young age, where I was writing poetry, stories, taught Mathematics, repaired bicycles, phones and computers, and played multiple instruments. I have the ability to learn and master anything from Novice to Advanced through planning, disciple and consistency. I have nine experience in teaching Mathematics and English to different age groups and also created my teaching material to enhance learning and understanding. I have been coding in Python and Javascript, and have intermediate understanding on C, C++, C#, Java and PHP. I have created projects that help solve any problem that I experienced in a working environment, and these projects reduce the amount of work and time because they are accurate and reliable. I do motivational talks about life, technology, arts and Mathematics, and 90 percent of the students that I have worked with have managed to improve their academics and work ethic. I have been requested by schools to come and assist with complex Mathematical concepts after they saw my incredible work with people., and I don't just work for a salary, but I work to learn, teach, improvise and solve any problem to create a healthy succesful working environment. In all my years of working, I have been solving problems and creating better solutions, combining ideas and working as a wise team to ensure that quality results are obtained. In the previous years, I was teaching the piano, guitars and vocals on my spare time, to help children escape depression, violence and drugs. I love working with people, learning from them and teaching them, and I believe that working with people is creating a system that is beneficial. I enrolled to study a Bachelor’s degree in Education at the University of the Free State until 2019. I was majoring in Mathematics and Life Sciences because I was passionate about teaching Mathematics. With the minimum income that I was getting, I bought musical instruments, teaching equipment and devices. In 2020, I was employed at a school to teach Mathematics until 2023 December. Between 2020 and 2023, I was learning numerous skills, Mathematics, computer hardware, different musical instruments and got exposed to programming. I was running a successful tutoring program, internet café and music program. I got a job at ATNS in Aviation where I am currently working as an Aeronautical Information Management Officer. I developed the passion for coding, fascinated by its way of granting one the ability to program anything, that could solve time and problems. In 2023, I was using JavaScript to code automated Mathematics tests, I used it to study, and create projects that solved any problem that I encountered. I am currently learning JavaScript and Python. I am currently enrolled with the University of the People for BSc in Computer Science. I had a problem with learning how to code because it was different from Mathematics and theoretical work, it challenged me to learn and apply code to solve problems. I am eager to learn and have drafted well detailed plan about my future in I.T. Before I enrolled at the University, I prepared myself by getting books and studying from multiple sources.

For about 6 years and about 4000 hours of teaching experience, I have helped several students turn their grades around in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Maths for GCSE and A-Levels. I have an ESL certification (TEFL/TESOL), which helps me communicate best with non-native speakers. I combine actual study content with relevant past papers, quizzes, and tips that have consistently helped my students quickly improve their grades, drawing from my firsthand experience of the struggles these subjects can present and my own journey of steadily turning my grades around. My classes are fun, engaging, and taken at the students' pace. My hobbies are traveling, tennis, and movies. Bachelor's in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Teaching Certifications: TESOL / TEFL Esl certified and experienced. Exam board experience: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas. Languages: English (Native). Preferred student age group: Primary, Secondary, GCSE, A-Levels.