Rachel Halliday Shand
Rachel is a dedicated tutor committed to guiding her students toward academic excellence through an approach that is both personalised and results-oriented. With a strong academic background and a comprehensive understanding of various subjects within the humanities, she fosters both intellectual growth and a balanced approach to learning through promoting sustainable study practices that support long-term academic progression. She offers consistent, tailored feedback both during and outside of lessons, helping students build confidence in their problem-solving abilities and develop a scholarly mindset.
Rachel challenges her students to think critically about even the most straightforward concepts, guiding them to generate deeper insights and cultivate a genuine enthusiasm for their subjects. With a strong focus on structured planning and effective organisation, Rachel collaborates with her students to set achievable goals and continuously progress. By working beyond the standard curriculum, she equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their studies.
Results and qualifications
- ATAR 99.95
- State Ranks: 1st in NSW for English Advanced, 2nd in NSW for Modern History, 10th in NSW for English Ext. 1
- School: Ravenswood School for Girls (Dux)
- University: University of Sydney, Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) / Bachelor of Laws
- Subjects: English Advanced (99/100, 1st at Ravenswood, 1st in NSW), English Extension 1 (49/50, 1st at Ravenswood), English Extension 2 (48/50, 1st at Ravenswood, 10th in NSW), French Continuers (95/100, 1st at Ravenswood), Legal Studies (96/100, 1st at Ravenswood), Mathematics Standard (98/100), Modern History (99/100, 1st at Ravenswood, 2nd in NSW)
- USYD Chancellor’s Scholarship
Approach to tutoring
Rachel’s tutoring approach is predicated upon her personal belief that every student bears an innate capacity to achieve academic greatness: a potentiality which is profoundly increased by the support of a mentor who can identify areas where enrichment and additional remediation are best suited. In this respect, Rachel understands that academic growth is not something which can be instantaneously forced, but rather, is the sequential product of a thorough assessment of a student’s past performance, strengths and weaknesses - an evaluation from which meaningful and long term academic development is precipitated.
Rachel offers consistent, tailored feedback both during and outside of lessons, helping students build confidence in their problem-solving abilities and develop a scholarly mindset. She challenges her students to think critically about even the most straightforward concepts, guiding them to generate deeper insights and cultivate a genuine enthusiasm for their subjects.
With a strong focus on structured planning and effective organisation, Rachel collaborates with her students to set achievable goals and continuously progress. By working beyond the standard curriculum, she equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their studies.
Biography
Rachel grew up in Lindfield and attended Ravenswood School for Girls from Year 5 to Year 12. Her time in school was characterised by a keen interest in academic enrichment and international travel; having participated in an exchange to France to better refine her French language competence. Rachel was a regular volunteer with Amnesty International and Days for Girls Groups at school, and was elected Prefect of Community and Wellbeing in her final year.
Upon completion of her HSC, Rachel commenced her Bachelor of Arts / Laws, majoring in International Relations. Her university career has been peppered with co-curricular involvement, co-ordinating Community Legal Education Projects and participating in competitions orchestrated by the Law Society.
Outside of tutoring, Rachel loves cooking, travelling, learning foreign languages and art - specifically portraiture.