Claire W.

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’m someone who really enjoys learning and helping others do the same. I’m patient, reliable, and always happy to explain things in a way that makes sense. I like creating a relaxed, no-pressure vibe where people feel comfortable asking questions. Whether it’s going over the basics or tackling trickier topics, I’m here to help and make things easier to understand. I successfully completed my A Levels with excellent grades, particularly in science subjects, which sparked my interest in healthcare. I am currently a first-year dental student, pursuing my studies with a strong foundation in academic excellence and a passion for oral health and patient care.

I have worked as a lecturer at De Montfort University for over 15 years. I hold a PGCE in further Education, an MA in English Language Teaching, and a BA honours in English. I taught English for Academic Purposes at university. This enabled me to develop various teaching approaches at different levels of English usage. I have also taught KS3-KS5 in the UK and abroad during which I have been observed several times and demonstrated that I was outstanding. I have used various teaching aids ranging from pictures, flash cards, to a variety of IT techniques. I have also used peer interaction and assessment to develop learners. Teaching at university enabled me to teach presentation skills. This has enabled me to do the same during training, coaching and mentoring sessions with colleagues. I have mentored a number of tutors. In my experience as a university lecturer I have used a variety of online platforms to teach students during the Covid-19 pandemic. I began my journey into English in 2002 when I did a BA (hons) in English at Demontfort university. Following this I did an MA in Children’s Literature in 2005 due to my immense love of reading. However, it was only when I landed a job at a resources centre that I decided to specialize in teaching and so I did a PGCE in education and an MA in English language teaching both in 2007-2009. I absolutely love teaching since then - as cliche as it sounds it is truly my passion and the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I love my students and to see them excel truly makes me content. I’ve been told that I have a gift for building a rapport with learners and I to feel this is something that comes naturally to me because as a student I myself struggled with being misunderstood and branded as a ‘bad student’. I feel as a result I can relate to students and their struggles more easily. I’m also very patient and an excellent listener.