Crickhowell Tutors and Crickhowell Tuition

Personal Description:
For over a decade now I have worked with a diverse range of students, engendering a passion for learning as well as producing tangible results. I prefer a flexible and dynamic approach crafted from an understanding that we are each upon a unique learning pathway according to our particular styles, aspirations, aptitudes and needs.

"Thank you very much for the great work you did with my daughter Sophie. She progressed from a 'C' grade to an 'A' grade in the space of 6 months and I would have no hesitation in recommending you to friends." - Billy, Bangor

Teaching Experience:
"The learning exercises were always set around my interest areas, making tuition both fun and effective. Following my sessions with Andrew, I have developed a more concise way of communicating. My writing now has more flow, which helps me say what I need to say." - Neil , Newtownabbey

I'm passionate about nurturing the potential of each student with whom I have the privilege to work. With over 8 years experience as a Learning Coach with countless individuals and groups, Diploma in Life Coaching as well as a successful university graduate (1st class hons in Philosophy) and additional Masters research degree in Developmental Psychology, I previously taught at Secondary school and most recently trained nursing professionals to pass their IELTS exams.

I am also a regular public speaker and workshop leader in the private health sector, delivering courses in areas from stress-management and communication skills, to self-care and personal development.

Tutoring Approach:
"Andrew was very professional in his approach to tutoring. My daughter gained confidence in her ability to understand her subject and to recall information using association techniques which proved very useful in her examinations."
Grainne, Randalstown

This coaching-based approach I take has proven highly successful. I approach each student and the sessions with an open mind to learn what I need to be of support.

Combining motivational coaching techniques, I offer a uniquely engaging, personally attuned service. The first lesson typically consists of a complimentary educational assessment (usually 30 minutes) to help identify key areas for improvement . All results can be shared with the parent/guardian. Based on this initial assessment, a 100% individual and tailored programme of learning is created. While encouraging the student to adopt high yet realistically achievable targets for their own education, I am also sensitive to the level of each student and what he or she is ready to adopt.

3 EXAMPLES OF HOW I HELP FOR LITERATURE-BASED TASKS:

1. Working from the question to the answer: appreciating and understanding key requirements of a question, and any relevant marking criteria.

2. How best to structure and qualify sentences so that the answer is complete and accurate.

3. Most effective study / revision / exam techniques such as mind-mapping, worked answers, memorising.


AREAS COVERED / WHAT TO EXPECT

My specialist subjects at all most levels are literature-based and the human sciences particularly philosophy, religion and ethics. Alongside these, I also specialise in 'study skills', offering a very personalised, tailored approach that incorporates motivational coaching on exam and essay skills, ensuring maximum value for investment of your time, money and effort.

**Upon request I am also able to provide emotional literacy around life skills such as: motivation, communication, self belief and concentration.

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for tutoring Philip this year; he adapted well with you as his new tutor and enjoyed your approach to teaching.
"I would have no hesitation in recommending Andrew as a tutor. I found him to be polite, courteous, reliable, and accommodating."
- Doreen, Ballyclare

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Personal Description:
I offer one-to-one tuition in maths, biology, chemistry, physics and combined science. One-to-one tutoring is a great way for students to become more confident in their subject, and to ask all those questions they don't ask in class. My graduate degree is in chemistry, while I also have a doctorate in medical molecular genetics and a teaching qualification.

Teaching Experience:
I have fourteen years' experience as a tutor and have tutored over 200 students in maths, chemistry, biology and physics. My students include home-schooled students and students who self-study.

I tutor maths at various levels, from Functional Skills to GCSE and chemistry, biology, physics and combined science at GCSE level.

Furthermore, I tutor chemistry and biology at A-level. I am comfortable supporting students with any aspect of their syllabus and, in particular, with the mathematics of chemistry and biology and the biology topic of genetics and biotechnology. Human biology is a particular interest of mine.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is different for every student because every student requires support with different sections of the curriculum. Students studying for an exam may need help with subject content or exam technique, or both, while students who are not in exam years may need support with topics addressed in class. I plan the tutoring sessions around those needs and always with the individual student in mind, which is why the sessions are different for every student. I have experience in meeting the needs of neurodivergent students. I very much value input from the student with regard to areas of difficulty and learning style so that together we can get the most out of our time. I offer in-person and online tuition.

I have slots available during the day, to support home-schooled students and those self-studying, and late afternoon/evening.

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Personal Description:
NOTE: LEARNING FROM THE SAFETY OF YOUR OWN HOME THROUGH SKYPE OR IN PERSON ONE TO ONE if you are local to me. I HAVE AN ACCESSIBLE RATE OF £25 p.h. for Adults learning and £30 p.h. for those within education.

- Qualified with over 25 years of experience in professional Photography, Cinematography and Website Design. I bring a multi-disciplined skills base to the table.

- I have experience supporting those with Learning Disabilities, so whoever you are and whatever struggles you have with your interests in Photography, Website Design or IT skills, I can support you to explore achieving your goals.

- I deliver learning in a way that will best equip you to be self-confident and competent with the necessary skills in which to grow. Suitable for the young and old.

- I am personable, friendly, and patient. I take great care with all my work, so you get the very best learning experience from your investment in these lessons.

Teaching Experience:
I have developed specific experience and abilities in helping improve individuals' skill base. Whether it is Photography for personal use or your work, whatever you wish to learn or improve on I can deliver the learning experience that will help you grow.

I was a tutor at Carshalton College for a time and have extensive experience with personal tuition one-to-one for all abilities.

I've taught both young and mature students.

Those with Learning Disabilities:

I work with two charities in SEN (Special Educational Needs) and Adult Social Care. I believe all should have the opportunity to access their aspirations and reach their potential. I am particularly interested in supporting those with Learning Disability using and excelling in areas such as Photography, Website Design and Use, and IT-related skills. This will open up a world of access opportunities.

I can support you/your child/ren as a private or within a group Jobs Coach context. Do get in touch.

Tutoring Approach:
Accommodating support for all ages and abilities, from the young in their education through to Adults (Professional skills or to pursue a hobby).

I have a DBS/CRB certificate as I work with people with Learning disabilities.

Photography:
Whether you are an absolute beginner or a serious photographer who wants to expand on their techniques in Photography for professional use or a casual amateur who wants to become competent at handling a compact camera to create compelling lasting photographic memories, whatever your requirements I can deliver the learning that will enable you to achieve.

Photography skills covered, for Beginners / Intermediate / Advanced learners:
- Camera craft (Digital or Film)
- Understanding exposure
- The appropriate use of depth-of-field
- Studio Flash Photography
- The art of composition
- Editing and managing your digital photographs with your computer
- Colour balancing
- Photo-retouching with Photoshop (or another photo enhancement software)
- Photo-manipulation

Website Design
- Mastering WordPress and essential tools
- Designing for your Audience
- Compelling Copywriting
- Communicating your Value Proposition
- Creating and Compiling Quality Assets to use in your Website
- Using the Power of Video on your Website
- YouTube, the gateway to engagement

Computer Skills
- Use of Microsoft Software
- Use of Adobe Software
- IT skills

I work at my student's pace. Learning-to-Task approach (The lessons are tailored to what you want to achieve, with the most effective route delivered to your learning styles). From the ground up, you/the student will understand all the principles and application of the skills you want to gain.

I use reinforced learning methods so you are left confident that you can achieve the desired results on your own.
I follow these lessons with the option of remote telephone/Skype support if ever you get stuck.

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Personal Description:
Hola. My name is Maria. I am a qualified and experienced native Spanish teacher from Spain; teaching Spanish from year 7 to GCSE, IGCSE, A level and University, across all exam boards.

I also provide tuition for adults and businesses, from complete beginners to advanced levels.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as a Spanish Tutor from home for the last 20 years, teaching both young students working towards their exam qualifications, and adult students learning Spanish for holidays and travelling in Spanish speaking countries.

In this period, I have helped over 200 students from all major independent, grammar and state schools in my area to prepare for their GCSE, AS, A level and university exams, across all exam boards, with a proved track record of achieving great results.

I have taught students from the following centres: North London Collegiate, Haberdasher, Merchant Taylors, Northwood College, Henrietta Barnet, Watford Grammar, Notting Hill, John Lyon, Nower Hill, Whitmore, Sacred Heart, St Gregory's, St Dominic's, Avanti and London School of Economics, among others.

I also worked teaching Spanish in the City of London to business people for over 15 years. I was Head of the Spanish Department at my business school for the last 5 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I offer one to one and group lessons online.

Each lesson is tailor-made according to your personal interests and needs.

I use a communicative approach and speak Spanish from the first lesson, unless requested not to.

I provide all the materials required for the lessons, and I have good experience helping students with conditions like dyslexia or anxiety.

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Personal Description:
I have been studying Martial Arts since 1966. Having gained Master qualifications in Ninjutsu, Karate, Taekwondo, Jujutsu and Kung-Fu. My personal martial arts journey began whilst growing up in the far east.
Following a violent attack as a 16 year old child, while perusing various forms of self-defense classes, I was introduced to the Japanese Martial Arts an immediately became a convert.
I have a keen interest in the well-being of people, those who have experienced violent trauma, lack the confidence to defend themselves or their family, or who simply want to learn a Martial Art.

I am also a qualified Life Coach accredited by The Coaching Academy.
Life coaching draws inspiration from disciplines including Sociology, Psychology, Positive Adult Development, Career Counselling, NLP, Mentoring and other types of Counselling.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching self defence/martial arts since 1982. I have also taught members of the British Army having once been a member of the Parachute Regiment.
I have worked as a club doorman, a protection officer, a wheel clamper, a private detective. I am still an active security consultant and working bodyguard.
I am qualified to teach martial arts weapons. My expertise is close contact situations, how to resolve them and how to avoid them.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach in a very relaxed way. I will empower you with confidence and the skills that you will need to protect yourself and your family.

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Personal Description:
I am French but have lived in Britain for years (both my children, who are in their 20's, were born here). I have also lived and worked in Spain and am fluent in the language. I then taught adults in a language school (Inlingua) in Germany, Italy and London. I came back to this country and got a job in a private school where I was the teacher in charge of Spanish. After working in this school for 21 years, I have just retired but miss the excitement of teaching.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught languages all my life, first in a Welsh comprehensive school (for 8 years), then abroad. In Spain, I taught French and English in a primary school and I then taught adults French, Spanish and English as a foreign language for Inlingua. When I returned to Britain, I taught French and Spanish to GCSE and A level in a private school. I have just retired after 21 years there and I now help a private Open University student. I enjoy teaching and would like to do more tutoring.

Tutoring Approach:
As I have a wide experience of teaching languages, I am able to use different kinds of approach to language learning and can apply the best suited one for each student. I enjoy teaching linguistially minded student as well as those who find it a challenge to learn a foreign language. Through working for a long time in the Bristish educational system, I am aware of the requirements of different GCSE and A levels examination boards. From the student's point of view, I think that learning a foreign language should be fun but also challenging and rewarding.

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Personal Description:
I am a friendly, proactive and energetic secondary school Geography teacher in Aberdeen who enjoys a challenge. I teach all levels from S1-S6 (including National 4, National 5 and Higher) I am fully registered with the GTCS and PVG certified.
Each tutoring experience is completely personalised for the individual. I work with students on a one-to-one basis at a place of their own choosing (a library, a cafe, their home or my home) to increase their confidence and build on key knowledge and skills required for National level and Higher Level Geography exams.

Teaching Experience:
-I have taught Geography for over 12 years in Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire
-I often mark for the SQA and so I have a good underganisng of standards
-I teach all levels from Broad General Education (BGE Junior Phase S1-S3) and Senior Phase (National 4, National 5 and Higher level)

Tutoring Approach:
Differentiation is key in ensuring each individual receives personalised support. Students will
be encouraged to self-evaluate their learning progress and to set achievable targets.

Learning key content and building on knowledge and understanding of topics is vital for National
and Higher Geography. Key geographical skills can be developed futher such as learning is to read an o.s. map (4 and 6 figure grid referencing), graph interpretation and critical evaluation skills.

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Personal Description:
*Please get in touch to book a complimentary 30-minute trial session*

I am a Finance Manager with over 10 years' tutoring experience in Mathematics, Economics, English and 11+ curriculum. I have a BSc in Economics from the University of Warwick and an excellent academic record (9A*s at GCSE and A*AAA at A-Level).

I have strong academic and applied skills in Mathematics and Economics. I achieved an A* in Maths at GCSE, and A's in my Maths and Further Maths A-levels. I also achieved an A* in Economics A-Level. I hold a BSc Economics degree and employ applied Mathematics and Economics in my current role as a Finance Manager.

My specialist area is AS and A2 Level Economics - I am currently providing students with online Skype lessons, with the option of in-person tutoring.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced tutor with over 10 years of tutoring experience covering the 11+ curriculum, GCSE Maths, GCSE English, and GCSE / A-Level Economics. I provide both one-to-one and group tutoring sessions to prepare students for entrance exams and to increase their confidence in academic subjects.

Group sessions are offered at a discounted rate (please enquire for further details).

Tutoring Approach:
I design and deliver tuition programmes that are tailored to students' needs, by getting to know each student individually. My approach is to study each student's strengths and weaknesses (both in-class and via homework and class preparation). I then focus my attention on addressing weaknesses, as well as providing stretch exercises to grow their strengths.

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Personal Description:
I am an award-winning art educator, examiner, university lecturer, and practising artist with over 16 years of teaching experience across secondary, post-16, higher education, and private tuition.

I hold a Doctor of Education in Education, a PGCE in Secondary Art and Design, an MA in Creativity for the Professions, and a First Class BA (Hons) in Fine Art.

Alongside my teaching, I have worked for both AQA and WJEC Eduqas as an examiner/moderator, giving me an exceptional understanding of mark schemes, assessment objectives, portfolio development, and what genuinely secures top grades.

I currently lecture in Art and Design teacher education at the University of Chester while also running my own premium creative education business.

I have taught internationally in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, and Tuscany, and have supported learners aged 6 to adult across fine art, photography, textiles, mixed media, drawing, painting, animation, portfolio preparation, academic writing, and creative confidence building.

Whether a student is aiming for Grade 9 at GCSE, A* at A Level, preparing a university portfolio, building digital art skills, or rediscovering creativity later in life, I bring warmth, expertise, and clear, personalised guidance.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 16 years of professional teaching experience across schools, universities, examination boards, workshops, and private tuition.

My experience includes:

* Secondary Art and Design teaching across Key Stages 3-5
* GCSE, A Level, BTEC, and university-level supervision
* Examiner and moderator work with AQA and WJEC Eduqas
* Senior Lecturer and subject leader in Art and Design teacher education at the University of Chester
* Specialist portfolio preparation for university, foundation, and art school applications
* SEN-informed one-to-one tutoring
* Adult creative workshops and professional artist mentoring
* International teaching and creative education projects

My students have secured places on competitive creative courses, significantly improved predicted grades, built confidence, and developed outstanding portfolios.

Tutoring Approach:
No two learners are the same, so no two sessions should ever feel identical.

My tutoring combines expert teaching, examiner insight, practical demonstration, and genuine encouragement. I quickly identify what is holding a learner back, whether that is technical skill, confidence, organisation, portfolio structure, annotation, critical writing, or understanding assessment criteria.

Sessions may include:

* Live demonstrations and practical technique coaching
* Portfolio and sketchbook reviews
* Examiner-led feedback using current assessment criteria
* Digital art and animation mentoring
* Photography composition and editing support
* University interview and portfolio preparation
* Academic writing and reflective annotation support
* Confidence-building for anxious or neurodivergent learners

My aim is not simply to "get students through" their course. It is to help them become confident, independent, creative thinkers who genuinely enjoy the process.

I have a range of 5 star tutoring reviews on Google.

Due to university commitments and examiner work, I now take on only a small number of private students each academic year.

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Personal Description:
Hello, I am Claudia and I am from Italy. I moved to London with my family in 2016. Last year in 2020, I earned my CLTA pass to teach Italian at the International House of London. I love studying foreign languages like English and French and I also enjoy sharing my Italian culture with others. I have a degree in Economics. I like to talk with other people and learn about different cultures. I am available to teach various people. Since I am a mum, I am experienced in managing young students, in addition to adults. I am able to teach specific subjects like Economics and Finance, Arts and Design, Fashion, Italian Literature and Cooking. I am currently studying to earn my CIMA BA CERTIFICATE and to improve my level in both English and French.

Teaching Experience:
I taught business italian on teaching online platform
I achieved some experience during my study at International House of London teaching to beginners and intermediates students L2/LS
I am teaching to different kind of student form totally beginner to advanced level. To students or adults.

Tutoring Approach:
My method is set with the student after a chat to know better him and to put him at ease. Usually I tailor each lesson based on the student goals. A mix of grammar, speaking, reading and listening.
My exercises are based on books but not only often they are structured from modern instruments (app, online, journal, tv show etc.). If necessary I prepare scheme for my students and resume about some subjects that student would like to learn.

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Personal Description:
Hello! My name is Rochelle, and I am a fully qualified languages teacher with over ten years of teaching and tutoring experience.

I hold a PGCE in Modern Languages with Distinction from the University of Oxford and a First-Class Honours degree in French and Spanish from Queen's University Belfast. I also have a Master of Research (Distinction) in Arts and Humanities, with a focus on Spanish Studies.

I currently teach French and Spanish at a comprehensive secondary school in Oxfordshire and offer private tuition in both languages to learners of all ages and levels. I am passionate about languages, culture and helping others to feel confident in their language-learning journey.

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience teaching languages to students of all ages and abilities, and I have developed my own language skills through living and working abroad. I spent two years in Spain as an English Language Assistant, working with students aged 3-18, followed by a year teaching English at South Colombian University in Neiva, Colombia. I have also lived in France as an au pair.

Over the years, I have supported a wide range of learners, from complete beginners to advanced students preparing for examinations, and I am highly experienced in working with students with SEND. As a practising secondary school teacher, I have extensive experience preparing students for GCSE and A Level examinations, including the new GCSE Modern Languages curriculum. I have successfully supported students following AQA, Edexcel, CCEA and Cambridge International courses, as well as learners preparing for DELF and DELE qualifications, ISEB Common Entrance, independent school entrance and scholarship examinations, and applications to highly selective universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is student-centred and tailored to the individual. I work closely with each learner to create a personalised programme that develops language skills, builds confidence and helps them achieve their goals.

All lessons are taught online, and each student receives their own personalised Drive folder for shared resources, notes, and homework. I use a wide range of digital tools to make lessons engaging and interactive.

I am patient, positive and perseverant and genuinely love sharing my passion for languages with others.

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Personal Description:
I am a specialist GCSE and A-Level Japanese tutor. Over the past six years, I have written full textbooks for both exams, alongside an original beginners' grammar textbook. My students consistently perform excellently in their exams, benefitting from an extremely targeted approach, covering each of the GCSE and A-Level grammar points, topics and tasks in depth.

I am fluent in Japanese and Spanish and offer a unique teaching style, based on 14 years' experience teaching in the UK, Japan and Spain; Japanese study at the highest level (Cambridge University - Double First Class BA / Doshisha University Kyoto - JLPT N1), Communication and Teacher training at Royal Academy of Music (MA Distinction / LRAM Licentiate to Teach) and 20 years' experience working with children and young people in childcare and academic settings.

I currently live in Barcelona and offer online sessions, making use of my own interactive teaching platform.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as a private tutor for 14 years in the UK, Japan and Spain. Since 2020, I have focused exclusively on Japanese, and in particular the GCSE and A-Level exams. This has allowed me to develop an exceptionally strong exam programme, guiding my students through each step of their chosen exam, regardless of their starting level of Japanese.

I hold a BA (double first-class) from the University of Cambridge (Japanese, 2014) and graduated with the highest results in my year, alongside a national prize for best Japanese dissertation. During my degree, I passed the highest level of the JLPT Japanese Proficiency test (N1 - business level) whilst studying at Doshisha University, Kyoto. After graduating, I went on to volunteer in rural Japan for a year, before entering the Royal Academy of Music, London, to study Performance and Teaching (LRAM, MA, RAMDip - distinction). I began teaching privately in Japan in 2013, and have taught internationally ever since.

Whilst I now focus exclusively on Japanese language and University applications in East Asian studies, over the past decade, I have taught a wide variety of subjects: Japanese, Oxbridge / University Entry, Musical Theatre and Drama, Presentation Skills and Public Speaking, EFL, 4-plus, 7-plus and literacy lessons. I have worked with children as young as two in formal tutoring settings (4-plus examinations / EFL / literacy) both in-person and online, and have extensive experience working part-time in childcare centres, caring for children from just a few months old.

Tutoring Approach:
I offer the only textbooks available specifically following the GCSE and A-Level Pearson Edexcel specifications. Textbooks cover each grammar point of the chosen exam in detail, alongside extensive materials exploring each of the different themes and topics (GCSE) as well as in-depth materials guiding students through the Research Essay and Set Works (A-Level).

I offer support regardless of your current level of Japanese. Classes can be adapted both for students who have never studied Japanese before, as well as for those who already already have some level of Japanese: learners taking Japanese classes at school who feel they need extra guidance, or heritage speakers of Japanese who need to formalise their language skills before taking a GCSE or A-Level exam.

GCSE
My GCSE course consists of three parts. Depending on your level (beginner - native speaker) the course can take 6 months - 4 years. Firstly, students cover each grammar point of the Pearson Edexcel Specification. This is often the longest part of the course, and is suitable for all students, even those not wishing to take a final exam.

We then move onto applying the vocabulary and grammar learned to the GCSE Specification, using my online textbook and interactive learning platform.
The textbook has 5 theme modules. Each contains:
- A full vocabulary list, colour-coded into Foundation and Higher Tiers, alongside further optional vocabulary.
- A full kanji guide, split into kanji to learn to read, and those to learn to write.
⁠- Comprehensive guides to building thorough answers to each specific sub-topic (e.g. Family, Directions, School Rules, Charities, Jobs, Environmental Issues and so on).
- A breakdown of Speaking Exam prompts for each topic (e.g. pros and cons of social media, online shopping, taking a gap year and so on).
- Extensive annotated example paragraphs in the style of writing paper answers, focusing on the theme's sub-topics.

Finally, we focus on exam techniques and exam preparation. I support students to feel confident in each of their papers, spending extra time and developing additional materials and guides for each individual student, to help them conquer any weaker areas of study.

A-LEVEL
I support both students moving from GCSE to A-Level study, as well as heritage speakers of Japanese aiming for a qualification to formalise their skills. Depending on your level, A-Level study can take 6 months - 3 years.

The A-Level course contains:
- Lessons on each A-Level specification grammar point (+ revision of any forgotten GCSE points)
- Vocabulary and kanji lists for the four A-Level themes and their sub- topics.
- Comprehension materials further exploring the theme and sub-topics.
- Full analyses of selected Set Works (Spirited Away; Kitchen; Mado-giwa no Totto-chan).
- Guides to preparing, researching and writing the Research Essay.
- Guides to planning, structuring and writing the Set Works Essays.
- Multiple example essays for the selected Set Works and for each Research theme.


NON-EXAM TRACKS
Alongside the targeted exam textbooks, I write original materials for all my learners from beginners onwards, offering a smooth transition for students from newcomer level through to their next steps, whether that be a formal exam (GCSE, A-Level or JLPT) or not. All lesson content is adapted to suit the needs of each individual student.

For those who do not wish to focus on a UK schools' exam, I support students looking towards N5-N3 JLPT exams, using a variety of original materials and multi-lingual textbooks.

Finally, of course, many of my learners are taking Japanese classes casually for personal or professional development, without aiming for formal exams. I adapt all lessons to the needs and wishes of my students, and can support learners with any goal, at any stage of their journey with Japanese.

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