They say it takes a village to raise a child, and at Figtree we believe in bringing together experience from all walks of academic and professional life to further our students’ development. From qualified surgeons to accomplished filmmakers, it’s this breadth of expertise that enables us to tailor our tuition to every child. So this month, we wanted to hear from our Figtree family to discover what tutoring means to them – and how they help students reach their full potential.
Daniel C-N.
Part of the Figtree family since our early days, Daniel has become one of the most reliable, trusted members of the tutoring team. He is a qualified surgeon, currently undertaking a PhD in surgical education at Imperial College. But his passion for teaching shines through every session – and has secured him several teaching awards for his work with undergraduates. Patient and empathetic, Daniel acts as both tutor and mentor, following a holistic and nurturing approach.
Core subjects?
Maths and Science.
Why do you tutor?
I love teaching and want to continue it throughout my career as a doctor!
How do you want students to feel after tuition?
Happy, with clarity on the topic.
What’s the best thing about working with Figtree?
Being so well-supported by the team.
What makes your approach to tutoring different?
Transparency in my approach with the tutee and parents.
Tell us something surprising about yourself…
I’m part Italian.
Jad M.
A New York University graduate with a degree in comparative literature, Jad is a professional screenwriter and filmmaker, and has worked for a two-time Oscar nominated production company. A real people-person, Jad always takes time to talk and listen to students – and he loves unpicking big philosophical questions together. Jad focuses on improving analytical, reading and writing skills, and with his inspiring, kind and supportive teaching style, he helps boost his students’ confidence so they can really flourish.
Core subjects?
English, Verbal Reasoning, mock interviews.
Why do you tutor?
I love learning about how other people learn.
How do you want students to feel after tuition?
Inspired and enthusiastic.
What’s the best thing about working with Figtree?
They are such an intelligent and witty group of people.
Shonnelly N.
A key part of the Figtree team for over five years, Shonnelly is regularly requested by families for her passion, patience and dedication. An incredible all-rounder, she teams her reliable, professional approach with true care for her students, working diligently to ensure they excel across subjects up to GCSE level. Shonnelly completed her medical studies at Imperial College, which is particularly inspiring for science and maths students who respond extremely well to her first-hand experience.
Core subjects?
Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, French.
Why do you tutor?
It’s fun, rewarding and you get to meet a lot of new people every month.
How do you want students to feel after tuition?
Like they’ve just come back from a birthday party!
What’s the best thing about working with Figtree?
The support is unparalleled. They’re there with you every step of the way.
What makes your approach to tutoring different?
I’m focused on motivating and influencing the student to want to learn, as instilling a passion results in efficient, retainable tuition.
Tell us something surprising about yourself…
I once cliff-dived into a waterfall in Ecuador!
Soma D.
One of our most skilled Maths and Further Maths tutors, Soma has been with Figtree for over five years. Kind and compassionate, her friendly and engaging style is key in helping children reach their full potential, and she always approaches sessions with integrity, honesty and transparency. Soma holds an MSc in Engineering from Imperial College London and works as an engineering consultant in the petroleum industry when she is not following her teaching passion.
Core subjects?
Maths.
Why do you tutor?
I enjoy sharing my knowledge with other people who may need it.
How do you want students to feel after tuition?
Confident and empowered.
What’s the best thing about working with Figtree?
They’re an extremely professional and reliable organisation.
What makes your approach to tutoring different?
Listening and understanding each student’s needs in order to tailor classes and achieve the best outcome.
Tell us something surprising about yourself…
I first started tutoring when I was 12 years old, teaching my younger cousins and friends.
Steve M.
An incredibly hard-worker, Steve believes the sky’s the limit for his students. With a graduate diploma in economics, a BEng in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Global Politics from the London School of Economics, he is systematic and committed. A specialist in effective revision and planning techniques, and experienced in guiding children through the 7-Plus, 8-Plus, 11-Plus and GCSE exams, Steve’s students have gone on to a number of top schools – including St Paul’s, Westminster, City of London, Highgate and South Hampstead.
Core subjects?
Maths, Science, Economics, Spanish.
Why do you tutor?
The rewards from seeing students achieve their goals.
How do you want students to feel after tuition?
Confident, inspired.
What’s the best thing about working with Figtree?
A fantastic, helpful team.
What makes your approach to tutoring different?
I keep things simple.
Tell us something surprising about yourself…
I cycled alone through the conflict zones of Colombia.
What makes your approach to tutoring different?
I identify how my students learn and instead of just giving them the knowledge they need, I introduce subtle ways to improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Tell us something surprising about yourself…
I was raised with a family of ducks.
Tally d’O.
A talented linguist and globe-trotter, Tally has tutored French, Italian and Spanish in London and Chicago. She brings humour and passion to every session, and thanks to her US experience, she also prepares students for SATs and US university admissions interviews. Tally graduated from the dual degree program ‘Arts Administration and Policy, and Modern Art History, Theory and Criticism’ at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and she also holds an MA in art history from the University of Edinburgh.
Core subjects?
Spanish, French, Italian and Art History.
Why do you tutor?
I truly enjoy getting to know my students and transmitting, as much as I can, my own knowledge!
How do you want students to feel after tuition?
Motivated, curious, and above all – capable of excelling.
What’s the best thing about working with Figtree?
The people! Figtree provides tailored tutoring for students, but the team also makes sure to provide support and motivation to tutors.
What makes your approach to tutoring different?
It’s essential to get to know the student and understand their passions. I draw on these passions and interests to teach languages, in addition to my own experience learning them.
Tell us something surprising about yourself…
I love nuts. All nuts. So much so that my friends call me the squirrel!
