Dharun S.

Passionate and patient educator with a strong academic background and years of tutoring experience. I specialize in helping students truly understand concepts, not just memorize them. My lessons are interactive, personalized, and confidence-building. Let’s make learning enjoyable and results-driven! GCSE: Biology, Chemistry and Physics A-level: Biology and Chemistry. Exam boards: AQA, OCR, Edexcel, SQA Advanced Higher Preferred student age group: GCSE and A-level Masters: MSc in Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, University of Dundee, United Kingdom (R) Bachelors: BSc(Hons) with First class, Distinction in Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. GCSE: Biology, Chemistry and Physics A-level: Biology and Chemistry. Exam boards: AQA, OCR, Edexcel, SQA Advanced Higher Preferred student age group: GCSE and A-level

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.

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.

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.