A bit about Laura H

NOW TUTORING for the next academic year 2023-2024. Secondary school MATHS teacher with QTS and 6 years+ experience of the Edexcel exam board for pupils in years 7 - 11. Get in touch now for a free introduction! I have a PGCE in secondary Maths and Qualified Teacher Status as of July 2017. I hold an undergraduate degree in BSc Psychology from a UK university. I studied Psychology, History, Fine Art and Maths at A level (AAAB). I gained 10 GCSEs at grades A*-A including GCSE Maths at A*. I taught a second set ability group of GCSE students for two years and every pupil passed Maths (grades 4-7). Each student achieved on average half a grade higher in their summer exams than they were predicted to pre-pandemic. I specialise in teaching Maths. I first started tutoring whilst in my third year at university doing my undergrad degree, 8 years ago! It was tutoring that opened my eyes to teaching in the first place. Maths is one of the core subjects that most people fear and try to avoid, even as adults. I love showing pupils that Maths isn't scary and can be overcome. The beauty of Maths is there's always a solution and I enjoy the problem solving required to get there. Helping students who might lack confidence in their Mathematical ability to overcome this. Sometimes learners just need a concept breaking down into smaller steps or have it explained in a more personalised way in an environment where they don't have to compete for resources or the educator's time, and I enjoy providing this. All learners that start by saying "I can't do it" can be guided to saying "I can't do it...yet" and can be supported to saying "I can do it" to "I have done it". Through guidance I provide the learner with examples and then get learners to attempt very similar style questions. Over the session, I build up the complexity whilst trying to spot any misconceptions which can be corrected. Towards the end of the session, I would be exposing the learner to exam-style questions or questions with more context where learners must identify the processes from the context provided. I truly believe education empowers us all to achieve the life and career goals we choose for ourselves. A first step for many young people is gaining their compulsory qualification in GCSE Maths. For many people Maths isn't necessarily something they find easy and where possible I want to help someone overcome that barrier. Students respond well to my calm manner and clear explanations. Rather than talking at someone and telling them facts, I encourage a step-by-step breakdown of a question and frequently check in with their understanding, often asking students to explain back to me the process. Learners also value praise and encouragement. During the pandemic, I decided to set myself the challenge of learning a language. Three years later, I enjoy learning Spanish and hope one day to secure a GCSE in the language. I also enjoy swimming and cycling, crystal art, theme parks, using my unlimited card at the cinema and this summer have booked drumming lessons.