Pia H.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

The London School of Economics - MSc in Politics

Maastricht University - BSc in International Relations

International School Hilversum - International Baccalaureate

HL: History (6), English A Literature (6), Geography (5)

SL: Math SL AI (5), ESS (6), French B (7)

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Love Learning Tutors

Common Entrance: All

GCSE: French, English Language, English Literature, Geography, History, Psychology, Sociology

A-Level: French, English Language, English Literature, Geography, History, Psychology, Sociology, Politics

SKILLS & INTERESTS

Outside of tutoring and studying, I am enthusiastic about several activities. I enjoy doing various styles of dance, including ballet, jazz, and contemporary. I have been dancing since I was 4, and it has been a passion of mine throughout my life. I have also done other sports that I still occasionally enjoy, including gymnastics and basketball. I am also a big fan of shows and movies of all genres! In terms of my skills, I have strong communication and writing abilities. I have been part of several communications committees and know how to communicate effectively and cater communication to different audiences. I have also written articles and journals for various associations on a range of topics, including diplomacy.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Think Tank Member (Maastricht City Council)
Conducted a think tank on how to grow the city’s populations sustainability

PERSONAL STATEMENT

I became interested in tutoring through my own experience of having a multicultural education. From a young age, I understood that there are many external factors that can have an impact on a child’s academic performance, including their motivation, focus, confidence, and discipline. Having changed educational systems multiple times throughout my childhood, my own motivation and perseverance were often challenged as I had to adapt to different methods of teaching and educational environments. Looking back, I realise that this gave me additional obstacles that many students may not have had to encounter. However, I am now grateful for these experiences, as they taught me to understand different methods of learning, think outside the box, and recognise that education is multifaceted. When I was in the French education system, I was consistently taught to memorise and learn content by heart. My way of studying had become centred around this method until I moved to the Netherlands at the age of 13.

When I started the International Baccalaureate, I had to adapt quickly to a completely new approach to education. Memorising content was no longer nearly as effective; instead, I needed to understand different subject matter thoroughly, reflect on it, and critically assess it. I began writing more essays and became more open-minded in the way I approached schoolwork. Going through this transition while also moving between different countries was challenging, but it taught me patience with myself and with others.

Because of this experience, I understand that there is not one method of learning that works for every student. Some students may benefit from working through a concept step-by-step, while others may understand something better through discussion, examples, or connecting it to something they already know. I therefore try to understand the individual student first rather than immediately imposing a particular way of learning on them. I believe tutoring works best when it can be adapted to the student and their schoolwork, rather than expecting the student to adapt to the tutor.

Another important lesson my education has taught me is the value of having a personal relationship with educators. In the French system, teacher-student relationships were generally more formal and there was a clear hierarchy. I often found asking questions, thinking outside the box, or admitting that I needed help intimidating. In comparison, during the IB, teachers encouraged students to interact with them and ask questions. This made learning much more interactive and showed me how important a positive and comfortable environment can be for education. As a tutor, I want students to feel that they can ask questions, make mistakes, and admit when they do not understand something without feeling embarrassed.

My own academic background has also given me a strong foundation in the subjects I tutor. I completed the International Baccalaureate before studying Liberal Arts and Sciences at University College Maastricht, where I focused particularly on International Relations and European Politics. I am now studying European and International Politics and Policy at the London School of Economics. Across these different stages of education, I have developed strong skills in essay writing, research, source analysis, critical thinking, and forming structured arguments, which I enjoy helping students develop themselves.

Ultimately, I want tutoring to be more than simply helping a student get through their schoolwork. I want to help them understand how they learn best, become more confident in their abilities, and develop the independence to approach difficult work themselves. Having experienced several different educational systems, I know how frustrating it can be when a method does not immediately work for you. I hope to use that experience to make learning feel more approachable, personal, and encouraging for the students I work with.