Alice B.

My name is Maria Bazhenova, I am originally Russian but I live in Switzerland and go to university in England, Durham University to be specific! I can speak four languages: English, Russian, French and Italian. I have been playing tennis my whole life and love exploring new places! I attended a school in Switzerland where I studied the International Baccalaureate (IB) and completed it and earned the diploma. I then did a one year course at a university business school in London which I received a first class standing in. I am currently a student at Durham University, about to enter my second year after completing my first year, and I am studying Accounting and Finance.

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.

Hello! My name is Toby and I am a current student at the University of Reading, studying Pharmacology. I previously attained 3 A-Levels for Chemistry, Biology and Geography as well as tutoring my sisters/family friends during their GCSEs too. I have some great hands on experience at tutoring and I strive for success! My favourite hobbies outside of education is probably skateboarding and making music and I love dogs. :) Previously I attended Penistone Grammar School for secondary education, as I am originally from Sheffield. I took separate sciences for one of my GCSE choices as well as geography and business study’s and achieved 8s in all of these. After this I attended Penistone grammar school 6th form for my A-Levels. I enjoyed it here a lot where I then studied Chemistry, Biology and Geography. From here I achieved all my A-Levels and now go to the University of Reading and study Pharmacology.

I am a dedicated and passionate tutor who believes in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. I enjoy helping students grow not only academically but also in confidence and curiosity. I value patience, clear communication, and lifelong learning. Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading, learning new skills, and finding creative ways to bring lessons to life. I appreciate meaningful conversations, organization, and collaboration, and I’m looking to connect with people who value education, responsibility, and personal growth. I am a dedicated and patient tutor with a strong academic background and a genuine passion for supporting students to achieve their full potential. I hold IGCSE qualifications in Mathematics, English Literature, and English Language, as well as a GCSE in Psychology. In addition I am doing a degree in Maths as a secondary education teacher.