Jessica U
"I wanted to thank you for your enthusiasm and encouragement when teaching my daughter. You have really made an impression on her and for the first time in her life she has really enjoyed Maths."
Parent of a Year 9 pupil
A Level
GCSE
IB
Maths
Academic History
KING’S COLLEGE LONDON (September 2016 – June 2017)
PGCE Mathematics, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
UNIVERSITY OF ANTWERP, Antwerp, Belgium (September 1984 – June 1989)
Masters in Business Engineering / Applied Economic Sciences, cum laude
Thesis: Case Studies on Mergers and Acquisitions, cum laude
Senior Project: Simulated Manufacturing and Marketing Strategies for a Manufacturing Company, applied Econometric Models and Quantitative Methods
About Me
I have a Master’s degree in Engineering and I am a qualified teacher with a PGCE Mathematics from King’s College London (July 2017 cohort). In 2020, I completed the TAM (Teaching Advanced Mathematics) course ran by MEI, one of the leading exam boards in the country. I am familiar with MEI, OCR, and Edexcel exam boards.
My Engineering background and over 6 years of teaching experience has allowed me to work with a range of students with various abilities and needs. This has allowed me to develop a range of different strategies that I can use to tailor tuition to the individual needs of the students I teach.
My approach is student centred. I always start from the student’s perspective and build a relationship of trust where the student is not afraid to ask questions and to show me what they know. I encourage sharing approaches and reinforce the belief that making mistakes is part of the learning process.
As a qualified Mathematics teacher, I can help students from the start of their secondary school journey at KS3 through to their final exams in Sixth Form. As a classroom teacher I have an in-depth understanding of the GCSE, IGCSE and A level curriculum for the main UK exam boards and have worked with many students to bring their grades up to the highest they can possibly be.
I am a patient, friendly and knowledgeable teacher able to inspire. My focus is on conceptual understanding over procedural knowledge. Whether I teach GCSE or A level Mathematics, I encourage students to view Mathematics as a coherent whole and appreciate similarities between topics. I identify and correct misconceptions. I quickly ascertain current levels to ensure teaching is challenging but not overwhelming.
I have helped many students achieve the exam grades they are looking for, enabling them to move on to the colleges and universities of their choice.
I am a versatile and sensitive teacher who is happy to tutor students across all ability ranges.
Recent tuition
GCSE Edexcel Mathematics Higher Tier (grade 9) and OCR A Level Mathematics (A*)
I taught this student (School in London) during many consecutive years. He was a high-achieving neurodiverse student with whom I developed a strong teacher-pupil relationship. I gained his trust and was able to convince him at times to change methodology to gain precious time when working under exam conditions.
IGCSE Edexcel Mathematics (grade 6)
I tutored this student (Boarding School in Berkshire) at home during three months until her IGCSE Mathematics exams. The student wanted to improve her predicted grade in Mathematics and was working at level 5. Through boosting her confidence in her abilities, through continuous encouragement and through focusing work on the areas which were within reach but not yet mastered, she achieved a grade 6 in her final exams.
Mathematics Year 7
I taught this pupil (School in London) in Year 7. She was one of the weaker pupils and told me after a lesson, that she didn’t understand anything that had been taught during the lesson given the pace. She started crying and felt overwhelmed by the transition from Year 6 to Year 7. I re-assured her that given her young age, everything was possible. We talked about her favourite subjects, why she liked them. I explained that we would go on a journey together in Mathematics and take it day by day. She regained her ‘bubbly’ self and applied herself, asking questions when needed and working at a pace she felt comfortable with. The result was spectacular as she was a happy smiling pupil during lessons. Just knowing that we are all different and that we all learn differently, gave her to confidence to keep working at it.
IB Diploma Applications and Interpretation (Mathematics), Internal Assessment (grade 5)
I taught this student (International School in Italy) in Year 13 for one academic year. He was very anxious and despite being very studious achieved low predicted grades. As I found the topic for his internal assessment interesting, we discussed how to use the Maths he learnt for his exploration. He achieved a grade 5 for this exploration which was an amazing result, and which boosted his overall grade allowing him to go to his first choice university.
GCSE Edexcel Mathematics Higher Tier (grade 9) and OCR A Level Mathematics (A*)
I taught this student (School in London) during many consecutive years. When I first met her, she lacked confidence, thought other pupils were cleverer and doubted her own abilities. She questioned everything and focused on deeper understanding. She enjoyed discussing the Maths on a one-to-one as she felt I was non-judgemental, and she could speak freely about approaches and methodology. For her A levels in Mathematics, she achieved the highest grade in her year group.
Hobbies
Jogging: clears my head. I believe in a healthy mind in a healthy body.
Museums, cinema and theatre: gives me perspective and access to beauty.
Reading and listening to podcasts: gives me access to the wider world.
Travel: enables a connection with other people and cultures.
Testimonials
“I just want to express my gratitude for your professionalism and support. My daughter has really warmed up to maths under your watch, and your encouraging approach has boosted her confidence. We will miss you.”
Mathematics Parent of a Year 7 pupil
“You have honestly been the most incredible teacher I could have possibly asked for within these past 4 years. You have truly helped me to gradually reach my potential and I am forever grateful for that. You are one of the kindest, most caring and smartest teacher out there and any student would be lucky to have you. I hope I have made you proud with my A level results and just know you are one of the main reasons I am who I am. Never stop saying your inspirational words (e.g. Don’t get lost in Shanghai is a personal favourite). Thanks so much for everything Miss!!”
Mathematics A level student
“I wanted to thank you for your enthusiasm and encouragement when teaching my daughter. You have really made an impression on her and for the first time in her life she has really enjoyed Maths. That is absolutely down to you. Thank you for helping my daughter find her way in Maths.”
Mathematics Parent of a Year 9 pupil
