Ni hao! 👋 I'm Ren Dee, and I specialise in helping students master Mandarin for IGCSE and GCSE exams. As both a native English speaker and a native Mandarin speaker, I understand the unique challenges students face when preparing for these exams. Having lived in the UK, China, Taiwan, and Brunei, I weave together not just language teaching but also cultural insights, exam techniques, and study skills that set my students up for real success.

In this post, I'll introduce my background, my teaching philosophy, and what makes my approach different from generic 'language tuition.'

A Foot in Both Worlds: Why It Matters

Being bilingual and bicultural gives me a unique perspective. I know the thought processes of English-speaking learners who are tackling Mandarin, and I also understand the expectations of native Mandarin contexts. This means I can break down complex Mandarin grammar, pronunciation, and character memorisation in clear, relatable ways.

My international experience in the UK, China, Taiwan, and Brunei has also shown me that every learner is different — shaped by their cultural and educational background. This is why bespoke, personalised teaching is at the heart of what I do.

My Teaching Philosophy

Bespoke and individualised – Every student has different strengths and challenges.

Exam-focused but holistic – Passing exams is the goal, but I ensure students gain long-term skills too.

Step-by-step structured – I use a building block approach: lay strong foundations, then expand with integrated speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

What Students Struggle With (and How I Help)

Pronunciation & tones – Fixed with daily tonal drills and feedback on recordings.

Exam technique – Teach how to use mark schemes strategically.

Vocabulary overload – Use memory science techniques like SRS and dual coding.

Confidence in speaking – Coach students to deliver with fluency and structure for oral exams.

Beyond Tutoring: Exam Coaching & Mentorship

What really sets my approach apart is exam coaching. I don't just teach the language; I help students with:

Time management in exams

Building resilience and exam confidence

Mock exam simulations with detailed feedback

Understanding how to think like an examiner

Looking Ahead: The Blog Series

This is just the introduction. Over the coming weeks, I'll be sharing insights in detail across different areas:

Methodology: Building skills step by step

Exam Technique: Smart strategies for every paper

Pronunciation: How to sound natural in Mandarin

Study Skills: Smarter learning strategies that stick

Exam Coaching: Beyond rote study – mindset & strategy

Bespoke Teaching: How to find the right path for every learner

Final Thoughts

Learning Mandarin is a challenge — but also one of the most rewarding journeys a student can take. With the right support, smart methods, and exam-focused coaching, every student can achieve outstanding results in GCSE and IGCSE Mandarin.

📩 If you'd like to discuss a custom learning plan for your situation, feel free to get in touch. Let's make Mandarin your strongest subject!