Concepts before methods
Memorising steps gets you through one question. Understanding the idea underneath gets you through all of them — so we always start there.
GCSE & A-level maths · One-to-one tuition
Understand it once,
apply it anywhere
I'm Cian Pyne. I tutor GCSE and A-level maths the interactive way — we work through problems together and build a real understanding of the ideas underneath, so you can handle questions you've never seen before.
1,800+ hours taught
Live worked curve
y = x³ − 3x + 1 · the same curve we solve below
How I teach
Maths that sticks, because it makes sense.
Anyone can hand you a method to memorise. My lessons are built so you understand why it works — that's what lets you stay calm when an exam throws something unfamiliar at you.
You do the thinking
Lessons are interactive: I ask the questions, you work things out, and I guide you when you're stuck. You'll leave able to explain it back, not just copy it down.
Ready for the unfamiliar
Exams love problems you haven't practised. We deliberately tackle unfamiliar questions until applying what you know becomes second nature.
Show, don't tell
How I break it down.
A hard question gets a lot smaller when you take it one step at a time. Here's the kind of A-level problem we'd work through together — and the thinking behind every move.
1
dy/dx = 3x² − 3
A turning point is where the curve stops climbing or falling — so its gradient is zero there. To find the gradient anywhere, we differentiate.
↳ This is the bit students rush past. The whole question hinges on knowing why the gradient is zero.
2
3x² − 3 = 0 ⟹ x² = 1 ⟹ x = ±1
Set that gradient to zero and solve. Two answers means the curve turns in two places.
3
y(1) = −1, y(−1) = 3
We've got the x-coordinates; now substitute each back into the original equation to find its height.
4
(1, −1) and (−1, 3)
There are the turning points. A quick check with the second derivative confirms (−1, 3) is the maximum and (1, −1) the minimum — exactly the two red points on the curve above.
Same idea, scaled up, runs through differentiation, optimisation and curve sketching. Bring me one you're stuck on →
In their words
What students and parents say.
Cian has a wonderful ability to relate to his students, explaining mathematical concepts in a calm, clear manner and breaking down even the most challenging questions into manageable steps.
Very lovely, patient tutor — really helped me grasp some hard topics in Year 13 maths and I feel more prepared for my A-levels!
Great experience and tuition for GCSE Maths. Highly recommend. Very very good tutor.
Book a lesson
Find a time that works.
The calendar below is pulled live from my own schedule, so every slot you see is one I'm genuinely free — no double-booking. Pick a time, pay securely, and a confirmation with a video link lands in your inbox straight away.
- Pick a free slot. Times sync live with my calendar.
- Pay securely. Card payment handled by Stripe — nothing stored here.
- You're booked. A calendar invite and video link arrive by email.
Got a question before you book? Email me first and we'll work out the right plan.
Get in touch
Let's work out the plan.
Tell me where you're at — your exam board, your target grade, and what's tripping you up — and I'll come back to you personally. The first thing we'll do is figure out exactly what you need.
cian.pyne@icloud.com