Michael P.

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.

Currently, I teach KS2 (White Rose Maths) / KS3 / GCSE / IGCSE/ A Level Maths for AQA, OCR, Edexcel, and CAIE exam boards, and KS3 Physics (not Year 10 above). I also teach Maths for the MYP and IB Diploma Programme. I use resources from Pearson, Hodder, Cambridge, Oxford, Collins, Haese, and past papers as reference materials. Furthermore, I'm TEFL-certified and have been teaching English (ESL, Key (A2) PET (B1), First (B2), Advanced (C1) Certification), Math, Physics, and basic Japanese (N5-N4) part-time online for several years. So whether you’re preparing for an exam, looking to level up your skills, or simply want to explore these subjects more deeply, I’ve got your back! 📚💡 Let’s make learning fun together! 😉 With six years of experience as a former engineer in a Japanese multinational company, I’ve had the opportunity to live in Japan, Thailand, and Germany. Chatting with people from all walks of life? Yep, that’s my jam! 🌏😃 From an early age, I developed a deep passion for Math and English. Throughout elementary and high school, I eagerly represented my school in Math and English (Extemporaneous speech, broadcasting, editorial writing) competitions, which provided me with intensive training and a strong affinity for the subjects. With my engineering background, I also have a solid foundation in some Physics. Finally, I have Japanese Language Proficiency N3 (Intermediate) Level, so I can teach N5-N4 (Beginner) level Japanese to those who are interested in this language.

Lower level - Maths and Science Secondary level - Maths and Science GCSE - Science and Biology Exam board experience - I have been tutoring students aiming for GCSE, AQA, N4, N5, SATS and grammar school exams. SEND experience - I have tutored students with SEND for three years which included students with Dyslexia, dyscalculia, AD I am a graduate of the University of Wolverhampton with a BSC Hons in Biomedical Science with Second class upper. I have completed my ALs in Biology Stream including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. I have completed my GCE OL including Science, Maths, IT, English, and Business Studies.

BSc Biomedical Science graduate, currently in medical school. I teach: Junior Certificate science (all levels), Leaving Certificate Biology (all levels), GCSE Biology and AS/A-Level Biology. I am passionate about making science fun, practical and easy to understand. Throughout my career and studies, I've been immersed in the complexities of science, and I understand how daunting it can seem. But I believe that with the right guidance, anyone can grasp it. That's why I'm here - to break down complex topics into simple, understandable concepts, making it accessible and engaging for my students. My teaching strategy is focused on exam-based lessons, helping students practice with marking schemes and key terms to refine their answers and maximise their scores. By working through past paper questions and understanding what examiners look for, my students build confidence in applying their knowledge effectively under exam conditions. I am familiar with several exam boards including AQA, Edexcel, CIE, and many more, and I tailor my lessons to align with each board's specific requirements. A typical lesson with me involves reviewing key topics to ensure a solid understanding of the subject matter. We'll start by discussing the areas where the student feels least confident, addressing any questions or difficulties they have. I then guide them through relevant exam-style questions, focusing on how to structure their answers using marking schemes and key terms. Throughout the lesson, I offer feedback to help improve their exam technique, highlighting common mistakes and strategies for tackling tricky questions. My goal is to make sure students not only grasp the content but also feel more prepared for the types of questions they will face in their exams. In 2020, I graduated from the University of Essex (UK) with a degree in Biomedical Science (BSc), giving me a strong foundation in Life Sciences, including Biology. Prior to that, I took my Leaving Certificate in Biology, Chemistry and Physics (all higher level) in Franciscan College Gormanston, Ireland. For my Junior Certificate, I took science at higher level and achieved an A.