Bilston French Tutors and Bilston French Tuition

Personal Description:
I have a Doctorate in Languages and Literatures from La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and an MSc in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs from RGU.

I love teaching and using my communication and interpersonal skills with people of any age, nationality and background.
I enjoy helping students achieve proficiency in the languages I teach, help them become confident communicators in writing, listening and speaking whether is for work, study or leisure.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching to people of various ages and backgrounds since 2009 at Aberdeen College, language schools (Aberdeen Courses) and as a freelancer.
I have experience in teaching students from schools, professionals from oil and gas organisations, and other sectors.
I have helped school pupils of various ages and levels in achieving high marks in exams such as National 5, GCSE and Highers.

I also have experience in preparing for language exams and University essay writing on various authors.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching is based on the student's requirements and needs whether is for business, leisure or study.
Grammar, reading, writing exercises and developing listening and expressive skills are all at the core of my approach.
These skills are taught depending on the level and nature of the classes (business, academic or casual learning).
I am aware of all the difficulties of learning a foreign language, therefore I make sure that the students not only have an effective class but also an enjoyable time.
I make use of grammar books, exercises, audios, conversational topics, newspapers, magazines, games and more!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been a freelance illustrator for 20 years.
I am currently also a Coach for Achievement at Suffolk College.
I enjoy teaching and thinking up projects to resolve particular issues or difficulties.
I work digitally and traditionally .

Teaching Experience:
Over 18 years of teaching degree level ,Foundation and HND levels of illustration,life drawing and special projects.
Recently I have been a Coach for Achievement and Learning Support Assistant.
I also work in schools at times on projects like World Book Day,where I am invited along with authors etc to work on relevant themes in the schools.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to see where people are at,find their strengths and define the areas that need tuition and support.
Some of the teaching can be online,or I can visit you where you are.
Projects can be ones already set by the educational institutions you are involved with ,or can be devised around what we have defined together as your targets.

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Personal Description:
I am French, living in Manchester since 2006.
I love languages and sharing my knowledge of different languages.
I believe that anyone can learn a foreign language as long as they put enough work into it.

Teaching Experience:
Qualified teacher since June 2002.
Self employed in France, specializing in home tutoring from 2002 to 2006.
Teacher for the alliance francaise in Manchester since 2006, teaching small groups as well as one to one lessons.
Language assistant and part time teacher in a secondary school in Tameside between 2007 and 2012.
French primary school teacher on a part time basis between 2007 and 2012.
Language assistant and part-time teacher in a sixth form college in Bury from 2012 to 2015.
Part-time teacher at the University of Lancaster since 2013.
Language assistant in a secondary school in Manchester since october 2015.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that a good relationship between the tutor and the student is essential to achieve improvement.
As a native speaker, I can also give extra information which will create a deeper interest in languages for the students.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello!
My name is Catherine, I am a 21 years old French girl studying International Relations at London School of Economics (LSE)
I enjoy new challenges, I am really adaptable, open minded and easy going.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring students for the past three years and they ALL are at least on a high 2.1 at University.

I have been working in the Language Centre at Leeds Uni for the past two years.

I have also been tutoring a French Teacher from Leeds University on French Politics, Culture and Literature

In June 2009 I was a Matron in an English boarding school.

Tutoring Approach:
If you already have some interest for French, I will be the one who will help you make your way right to the top

Teaching is something I really love doing. I will be happy to help you improve your grammar, pronunciation, orthography, as well as teaching you about the very rich french culture and Politics. The cultural side is indeed the part I love to speak about (as a lesson or just randomly) because I believe learning a language is not only learning its grammar.

I am specialised on tutoring people who already have some basis of French (From A Level to fluent).

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced and skilled Tutor of French, Russian and English as a foreign language. I have been tutoring continuously on a part time basis for 12 years, typically working with 5 or 6 students at any one time. I have spent several years living and working abroad, so this has given me quite an international outlook. At the same time, I am quite well-travelled within the UK and have a good understanding of English history, culture and customs. As a native speaker of English, I have an excellent grasp of the English language, particularly in terms of grammar, spelling and pronunciation.

I am fair-minded, accepting of the needs of others, multi-culturally sensitive and take genuine pride in the quality of my work and going the extra mile wherever possible.

Teaching Experience:
I possess the PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and am qualified to teach in Secondary Schools in the United Kingdom. I have four years experience of teaching English as a Foreign Language, and have taught the English as a Foreign Language curriculum at all levels, from elementary to advanced. I have taught a wide range of groups of both children, from the age of 11 upwards, and adults. I am particularly strong in teaching Business English to non-native speakers - I have redesigned and delivered an Advanced Level Business English Course for Masters Degree level students, I have worked with many private students of Business English on their premises, and have also successfully prepared students for the London Chamber of Commerce Exams in Business Communication.

I am very comfortable tutoring French up to A-Level Standard. I have myself lived in France for three years and have been educated in the French Education System up to Masters Degree level. I therefore have a very strong grasp of French language and culture which I love to share. I also actively use my French skills in my everyday employment,and am well used to interacting with French native speakers on a daily basis.

I am educated in Russian up to Bachelor's Degree level and have a similarly broad experience of practising and communicating in the Russian language, having spent five years living and working in Russian speaking countries. I am comfortable tutoring Russian up to A-Level Standard and have a lot of experience working with beginner level students learning Russian for the first time.

I have also delivered private lessons in order to prepare students for Private School entrance. I typically work with students on GCSE or A-Level preparation and have an excellent track record in delivering strong results in these areas. I have worked with family groups who were all keen to learn a foreign language together, as well as those seeking to learn for professional or business reasons, and both modes of tuition have also proved to be very rewarding for me. I prefer to build stable medium term teaching relationships, and retained one student for over 5 years, even if this meant my arriving dutifully every Saturday morning for our 9am class!

Tutoring Approach:
In a word: flexibility. I make every effort to really take on board and respond to the wishes of my clients. I am clear and proactive in communication regarding expectations and always seek to ensure mutual agreement with my students and parents as to setting realistic targets and the most appropriate learning strategies for their needs.

I am a great believer that learning should be fun and always seek to make my classes varied, challenging and stimulating, drawing upon as wide a range of learning skills and strategies as possible.

I have an excellent grasp of both spoken and written English, and am a strong believer in developing confidence in these areas through regular practice, setting realistic targets and offering plenty of praise and encouragement.

I prefer to work with individuals or smaller groups in a relaxed, purposeful atmosphere where there is plenty of tutor input or explanation as required, but also where students are given every opportunity to practise and develop newly acquired skills.

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Personal Description:
I am a Qualified teacher of Foreign Languages (Greek / French) from Greece. I have studied French Literature and Language (University of Athens) and I hold a Masters degree in Applied Translation Studies (Leeds University). I have also studied Tourism Management and Marketing and Cultural Heritage.

Teaching Experience:
I have more than 15 years of teaching experience as a Greek, French and English teacher at schools and private lessons. I am currently teaching Greek and French as a Foreign Language to adults and children at schools and privately, online and in person.

Tutoring Approach:
Communicative approach. Interactive tutoring / student-centralized (based on every learner's needs). Easy and fast learning of the language with lots of teaching material for the students to keep. Skype and Zoom lessons too.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I lived and worked in France from 1982 to 1985. I have always spent the summer holidays from the age of 12 living with a French family and feel equally at home in France or England. From school age I knew I wanted to travel and find new places learning the language as I went. I love to communicate and enjoy meeting people and getting to know them and want to pass on the enthusiasm I feel for all things French. I enjoy reading, music, films and French food isn't bad either.

Teaching Experience:
My initial teaching experience was with 'Le Club Francais' where I was in charge of a weekly after school club of 5 - 11 year olds. This was great fun as learning was channelled through games.
My friend's son had extra lessons after school to pass his oral French which he did with flying colours and commendation from his teacher.
A teacher from a nearby school wanted to move to France, so asked for help with pronunciation and grammar.
I have also translated a marketing leaflet for a company in Bradford and am the voice at the end of a help line for French speaking residents who wish to move house.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that enjoyment is the motivation for learning. To make sure that a lesson is visually, orally and kinaesthetically appealing to students will ensure maximum attention span and maximise learning and long term memory retention. I have quite an approachable personality and am a good listener, which is important in establishing boundaries (for both learner and teacher) and to iron out any potential problems or misunderstandings that could arise. I have a very flexible approach to tutoring because every student has a unique way of learning and therefore am always open to suggestion to improve my knowledge.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native French tutor with over 20 years experience in training, coaching and lecturing.
I am currently the official tutor for Newstead Wood grammar and I also support a number of students from Bromley High school and Sevenoaks school. I have received consistent high level of positive feedback from parents and teachers alike and am passionate about teaching, ensuring my students get the highest marks and making it into a fun and rewarding experience.

Testimonials

I am currently studying A level French and I am very pleased to be able to say that my French has improved more than I ever thought it would since starting tuition with Michel. In just over one month, I have improved by two whole grades, which has been evident from mock exam results in class at school. I thoroughly enjoy my lessons with Michel because I do not feel embarrassed to ask seemingly simple questions, which I feel I cannot ask in my class at school.
E. H. - Bromley

My daughter who is doing A level French was really struggling before we found Michel. He has really motivated her and has made lessons more interesting . She has 2 hour lessons but she is surprised how quick the time goes. I would highly recommend Michel. I can see he gets pleasure helping his pupils make progress. My daughter`s accent has also greatly improved with Michel`s help.
Mrs G - Croydon

I`ve just received my results and I`m very happy to tell you that I got an A for my French I-GCSE. Thank you for all your help because it really made a difference! - G - Bromley

Hi Michel,
Thank you for your help. I got A* in my French oral! - C. Sevenoaks School

I just wanted to say thank you so much for all the sessions, they really helped me get a high grade for speaking and an overall A. Thank you so much - S - Orpington

I have enjoyed Michel`s teaching immensely. I would very much recommend Michel to other students- he`s really quite adaptable and has used some creative approaches to teaching which was really helpful for me.
Karen C. - London

Teaching Experience:
Over 20 years tutoring, coaching, including seven years classroom based training. Currently teaching all ages from beginners to advanced, city professionals including a number of GCSE and A Level students.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to use a great variety of methods, videos, conversations, audio recordings in my French lessons to speed the learning process and keep my students as entertained and engaged as possible.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I studied BA French at the University of Southampton, and I spent 9 months living in France as part of my degree. After university I worked at a translation company as a project manager, where I was able to study towards my Postgraduate Diploma in Translation in my spare time, studying via distance learning with the University of Bristol. I have since moved into higher education, working across different roles within the space.

In my free time I enjoy baking, travelling and anything active - I'm always off running, hiking or cycling!

Teaching Experience:
I've been offering private French tuition for over 10 years at various different levels, ranging from primary school age to GCSE/A-Level preparation and adult-learning. I also taught English to primary school children whilst living in France. I therefore have experience in teaching a range of subjects through different activities - I thoroughly enjoy watching students learn and increase their confidence in the language.

I also have significant experience of line managing teams professionally, and I always a take a people-centred approach. I think this directly relates to tutoring as I have the skills to coach and develop people.

I have a reference available on request from a previous tutee.

Tutoring Approach:
I have experience teaching all ages and am therefore able to adapt my teaching method to the student. I believe that it is really important to talk to students in order to gauge exactly what they want to gain out of each session, as well as to determine how best they learn. I have a good knowledge of French grammar and believe it is important to improve all aspects of language: reading, writing, speaking and listening.

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Personal Description:
I am a professional and experienced qualified teacher who is passionate about helping students succeed and achieve their potential. I have experience in tutoring on a 1 to 1 basis across all age ranges.

Teaching Experience:
I have over four years experience teaching languages in state secondary schools working with students aged 11-18. I have detailed knowledge of French and Spanish GCSE and NVQ syllabuses and specifications, having taught and examined these courses. I also have experience of teaching A level and primary languages. I have worked with students from a wide range of backgrounds with a variety of special educational needs. I have studied languages to degree level and lived, worked and taught abroad in both France and Spain.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a big believer in personalised learning therefore I like to tailor a programme of study to meet your needs. Each learner is different and so it is important to adapt and use a range of teaching styles and methods to find the ones that work for you. Where my tuition is supporting you in your study of languages at secondary school, I like to ensure that what we do builds on, and links to, what you have been studying in class. Above all I believe learning should be fun and relevant to you and so I put this at the heart of my teaching.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified and experienced French native speaker / language tutor with over 20 years' experience teaching French across all levels at the local university and helping GCSE and A level students to achieve the highest possible grade

Teaching Experience:
In addition to my work as a university lecturer, I have tutored since 1989 many students of all ages and backgrounds ranging from business people, holidaymakers in France, French property owners to GCSE/A level / Open University students who need to prepare for their oral & written examinations

Because of the lockdown I have moved to online teaching/tutoring
I have regular Skype / Zoom sessions with my university /GCSE/ A level students and adult learners

I usually email over worksheets or learning materials [past papers/ newspapers articles, audio files] in advance so that the students can familiarise themselves with the lesson structure and content. All skills [listening and speaking, reading and writing can be practised


Consultation lesson offered for free

Tutoring Approach:
Friendly, relaxed and focused
I tailor my lessons around the student's individual needs/ interests and objectives.
I have a wide range of learning resources [grammar worksheets, topic-based vocabulary lists, AQA, Edexcel and WJEC past papers..] and interactive activities to cater for different learning styles and help students develop their confidence and achieve their full potential. I aim to make learning French a rewarding and enjoyable experience

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Personal Description:
I am British, and living in Hampshire. I am a qualified secondary school teacher in the UK (QTS, PGCE), and have taught Mandarin Chinese full-time in both the state and private sectors in the UK, at two schools leading the country in their Mandarin provision. I have passed the highest level exams in Mandarin Chinese (HSK level 6, and Advanced Speaking HSKK), and have lived in China for six years. I have just completed a Master's degree in the field of applied linguistics.

My Education background is as follows.

2016-2017: University of Southampton
- MA English Language Teaching.
- Specialism in motivation in online learning.
- Distinction level pass anticipated. To receive certificate in November 2017.

2014-2015: CfBT; University of Hull
- QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), with PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate of Education).

2002 - 2005: University of Durham
- First class honours degree: Politics BA.

1992 - 2002: Portsmouth Grammar School
- A levels: French A, Spanish A, Politics A, History A,
- GCSEs: 6 A*s. 3 As.

Teaching Experience:
2017 - 2020: LSI Portsmouth English Teacher
- Taught Exam preparation courses (IELTS, CPE) to foreign students.

2015 - 2016: Whitgift School Mandarin Teacher.
- Taught Mandarin and French to secondary school students aged 11 to 15 at one of the top schools in the UK.
- Offered a permanent contract at the school.

2014 - 2015: Bohunt School Trainee Mandarin Teacher (School Direct Salaried).
- Learned from Outstanding teacher at 2014 TES School Awards Overall
School of the Year.
- Taught Mandarin and French to secondary school students aged 11 to 13.

2010 - 2014: Guilin University of Electronic Technology (Guilin, China). TEFL English Teacher.
- Taught English to Undergraduate students majoring in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language.
- Prepared students for the IELTS examination.

2008 - 2010: Caterpillar Inc (UK). Purchasing Specialist (Graduate Trainee)

2007 - 2008: New Dynamic Institute (Chengdu, China). TEFL English teacher.
- Taught small groups of professionals in middle and senior management, both conversational and Business English, in an English training school.

2005 - 2007: Thames School of Languages (Huizhou, China). TEFL English Teacher.
- Taught primary and secondary school students aged 4 to 18 in an English training school.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is based on my own experience and academic research in the field of second language learning.

- I aim to foster and maintain motivation, through relating all topics directly to my students' everyday lives, experiences and opinions; and through providing instruction which is tailored to students' requirements.
- I aim to make my students feel comfortable through helping them to feel relaxed and providing as much linguistic support as is needed.
- I aim to increase my students' linguistic knowledge through using resources which are at a level just slightly beyond the student's current level, so that they are comfortable, but challenged.
- I am to promote skills development through developing comprehension skills (reading and listening), but also productive skills (speaking and writing).

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified Modern Foreign Languages teacher and have been working as a secondary school teacher since September 2016.

I am passionate about languages and language teaching in particular and am a fully qualified secondary school teacher with vast experience in the education system and in the teaching of modern foreign languages. I have also had significant tutoring experience with GCSE and A-Level pupils as well as teaching English to younger pupils in both France and Italy.

Teaching Experience:
I have had experience of language teaching at a secondary school as a fully qualified teacher for the past seven academic years as well as having previous experience teaching English abroad in both France and Italy. I have vast experience teaching KS3, KS4 and KS5 students.

Tutoring Approach:
I am enthusiastic and have a wealth of experience in languages teaching as well as excellent knowledge of the current GCSE and A-level courses. Furthermore, I have strong links with the University of Hull, having worked as a languages ambassador and thus retain my strong links with the university and its languages students and staff in particular.

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Personal Description:
Fluent French, English.
Drum, singing, music and French teacher based near Kiltarlity, Inverness in the Highlands.
I have lived for 2 years in France and Belgium.

I teach beginner to advanced level students and all grades from 1-8 in Drums, Vocals and Music Theory and beginner to intermediate levels in bass guitar and up to GCSE level in French.

I am happy to travel to students and teach on their own kit or in a setup and enviroment they are familiar with -
Areas I cover are around Inverness, Beauly and Dingwall.

All ages and levels welcome. I can also offer advice on recording, gigging, music equipment and music theory.
Experienced working to clicks/sequencing/recording.
Tracks can be heard on


Drums: Currently play Pearl/Meinl Soundcaster Fusion/Paiste Alpha Cymbals/Roland TD-30

CRB/DBS Enhanced Checked and Update Service.

**Last updated 29 Aug 2018**

Teaching Experience:
10 years teaching experience in private tutoring. During that time I have had student progress from just starting to Grade 8 in 2 years.

Tutoring Approach:
Different people learn best in different ways - either by showing, doing or letting them do more self-study and allowing longer to absorb new information with tasks and goals - I adapt my teaching to how students learn best.

Subjects

Personal Description:
GTCS fully registered
Head of Modern Languages in Scotland for 7 years
Teacher of French, Spanish and English as a Second Language
QTS status issued by the teaching council in England for both Primary and Secondary School
Registered with Ministry of Education of Romania for Primary and Secondary Schools
18+ years' experience in teaching languages - 10 years in Romania, 8+ years in Scotland
Graduate with a Master's Degree in Educational Management & Institutional Communication - Profession Sociology, Curriculum Management, Human Resources Management, Public Relations, Quality Management, Elements of Professional Ethics, Project Management, Managerial Practice
Authorized translator and interpreter with experience in interpreting and translating official and legal documents, literature using English / French and Romanian as target languages depending on the requirement

Teaching Experience:
I am a registered teacher in the UK. I teach French, Spanish and English as a Second Language. I have 20+ years' experience in teaching students with ages ranging from 4 to 19 and adults. At the moment I am a GTCS registered teacher and I work as a Head of French, Spanish and English as a Second Language In Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Tutoring Approach:
My courses are mainly interactive which helps students of all ages enjoy learning a foreign language and feel relaxed during classes. I can make a class of language interactive, communicative, and interesting. I am very much able to teach French, Spanish and English language to small children as well as grown-ups. In 18 + years of language teaching I have taught French, Spanish, English to different age groups. I use different techniques with different set of people. I taught French/English/Spanish to children by use of fairy tales, songs (I have 3 years' Canto School Courses), poems, flashcards and other attractive teaching methods. For older students I have always set high standards and used different strategies to help them achieve and become successful learners and responsible individuals. I have developed innovative exercises for students and encouraged them to reach their full potential.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have over thirty years experience of teaching Latin, English, French and essay-writing skills, both in schools and as a private tutor. I specialise in helping students write their Personal Statements when applying to university or to postgraduate courses.

I am the mother of five grown up children, three of whom went to Cambridge, one to KCL and one to Oxford, and I have also guided many other students into achieving offers from top universities, including many to Oxbridge.

After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in English and Classics, I taught for 2 years before going to Drama school, then moved to Granada TV as a researcher and presenter. The next 14 years were spent working for various TV companies, while also writing for national newspapers and magazines.

In 1992, I moved with my family to Salisbury and went back to teaching, first in a college of Further Education, then at a prep school, and subsequently in independent schools: nine years at St Mary's Calne from which I retired in 2015. I was then invited to , come out of retirement to teach at St Swithun's in Winchester and The Oratory School Oxford.

I no longer teach in the classroom, but continue to offer tutoring in Latin, English, French and Writing Skills. A particular speciality is Personal Statements - helping students with their applications to university. I have helped very many students (both pre-university and postgraduates) write successful personal statements for their chosen courses.

As well as the academic subjects mentioned above, I help with any writing task from an A level or IB essay (especially Theory of Knowledge) to university theses and dissertations. I specialise in Oxbridge help, including suggestions for reading, preparation for entrance tests and interview practice. So far I have helped over 20 students gain places at Oxbridge.

Teaching Experience:
Personal statements

I have helped very many students write their personal statements for application to university - both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This does NOT mean writing the statement for the student - I do not have the breadth of knowledge to write about Astrophysics or Zoology, but it does mean helping the student clarify his or her thoughts, explain what has prompted the interest in the subject, how he or she has developed this interest, what extra-curricular choices have been made, and why, and how current A levels (or degree subjects) have prepared the student for this application.
For many students, the Personal Statement is the first time they have have to talk about themselves, and for many, it is bewildering knowing how to approach it and what to include and what to leave out.

I help the student by asking him/her to fill in a preliminary questionnaire, (Why this subject? What sparked the interest? Why it's important for the student and for society etc). Next, I ask for a first draft - it doesn't matter how bad or poorly expressed this is. Then, I work with the student - either at home or by Skype/Zoom, talking through the first draft and suggesting adjustments, improvements etc. Next the student writes a second draft, and the process continues until the students is totally happy that the statement says exactly what was intended, and show the student at his/her best.
I have many testimonials from happy students (including over twenty five to Oxbridge) which I would be happy to share on request.

Latin
I teach Latin at Latin Common Entrance, GCSE, A level, and university level. The great majority of my students achieve 9s at GCSE, and As and A*s at A level. Many have gone on to read Classics at university.

English
I teach English literature and language - both critical analysis of texts and and writing skills - from GCSE to university level and beyond. Many students whom I have helped with A level essays have come back to me for help with their university dissertations, applications for Masters, or covering letters for postgraduate job applications.

Essay writing
As well as helping with A level essays in all the humanities (RS, Philosophy, Psychology, History etc) I am an experienced tutor for IB Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essays. I have also advised and guided many students with their EPQs.

French
I teach French to A level and

I teach Classical Greek to GCSE.

Tutoring Approach:
1. My first priority is to let the student know that they are not alone - I am here to help. Just being told this can be immediately reassuring, especially if the student has been worrying for about a subject or project for a long time.

2. The next step is to establish exactly how much the student already knows. Nothing surprises or shocks me, but I have come across students seeking help who haven't got a copy of the relevant book or haven't read beyond the title page. I understand this - life is busy.So I am never critical or judgmental, I am always on the student's side. If necessary, I will provide a copy (years of teaching and a large family mean I usually have several).

3. The next step is to encourage the student into thinking of the subject as interesting. This may mean overcoming any resistance, by chatting, discovering how much they already know (always more than they think - another source of encouragement) and relating it to other areas of interest. One ideas have started to flow the student will begin to realise that not only might this subject/essay not be as bad as feared, it's possible they might find something enjoyable about it.

4. Now we look at the project and ways of approaching it. The key here is structure. Quite often the student's lack of confidence has led to panic and accompanying lack of organisation. So I help sort out files, help put notes in order, and encourage the student recognise which bits of paper are/aren't relevant to their work. This is mental housekeeping - and once order has been established, the student is in a better frame of mind for doing the work.

5. The next step varies according the to the subject.

LATIN.
I ask the student translate until he meets a problem. I then explain the topic- taking care to base it only on what the student already knows and feels confident about. If there are big gaps in knowledge, I start filling them, teaching vocabulary, grammar and syntax in an orderly way and asking the student to record what we have covered in his own written file.We then continue the translation, making sure the student has understood everything we have covered so far. This process is designed to lift the fog and give the student the tools needed to translate confidently

WRITING.
If it's an essay, I encourage the student to look at the title and think about (a) what is it really asking and (b) what ideas can he or she think of in response? These can be written down in any order - at this stage it's a question of getting the thought processes going.
We then discuss how to organise the student's thoughts into a coherent whole. This can be painstaking process - it involves teaching essay structure, and and sometimes even working backwards - going from conclusion back to introduction - but we always finish by knowing exactly what direction the essay is taking.
The final step is to ask the student to write something for next time. It doesn't matter if it's short or badly-expressed, and I always make it relevant to school work. The reason I ask for a piece of writing is
a) the act of writing enables a student to know what he/she wants to say
(b) seeing a student's writing shows me how to approach the next lesson. I can see what element of the writing need work, and plan my lesson accordingly.

OTHER IDEAS FOR READING ETC
I often recommend extra-curricular ideas to make the subject more engaging - films, YouTube extracts, magazines, even books - the student doesn't have to read a whole book - even dipping in and out is helpful and there is nothing more deadening to the love of books than being told you HAVE to read them.

STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING.
. I do not only help academic high-flyers. I am also offer warm and sympathetic help to students who - for whatever reason - find academic study challenging. I help develop study skills, suggest organisational strategies (for student and parent) and above all, restore lost confidence by showing the student that he really can tackle - and overcome - any problem - just by taking it slowly and making sure he or she understands each step before going on to the next.

WELCOME TO MY HOUSE.
, I'm a great believer in the comforting powers of a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, as well as the presence of my 2 cats (who, despite being to every lesson I've given, are still rubbish at Latin). For allergic pupils, however, the cats are banished to the garden.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Qualified, experienced, patient tutor
An outstanding practitioner, as evidenced in inspections and lesson observations.
I have had extensive training in supporting students with special educational needs. I am able to tailor approaches and resources to suit the individual needs of every pupil.

Teaching Experience:
27 years Headmistress Primary and Secondary School, retired.
15 years private tuition experience.
35 years teaching experience.

Tutoring Approach:
27 years' experience, including as Head Of Department and Headmistress.
Qualified teacher and subject specialist.
I am supportive, warm and encouraging in my approach.

Why choose me?
100% success rate in helping pupils get into their first choice schools, including Cheltenham Ladies' College, Haberdashers', St Paul's and Westminster College.
I provide expert private tuition for 11+, 13+, GCSE, A-level and International Baccalaureate examinations.
I am experienced at teaching pupils of all ages between 7 - 18.

Testimonials

Wendy was recommended to us by a colleague for her excellent quality of tuition. She has an extensive knowledge of the GCSE syllabus for literature and language and has considerable experience in the field. She is reliable and has a great work ethic. She has enabled my son to reach his potential and is able to focus on points of weakness, build confidence and motivate him into writing essays, which he did not enjoy or do prior to Wendy. Wendy has tailored her approach to teaching him in how to answer questions for the best possible outcome. His improvement in English has helped him progress in other subjects and is now looking at higher grades in History and RE due to a more articulate approach to answering questions. Less importantly my son has enjoyed his English lessons and always looked forward to them.

S, Chesham, Bucks

Wendy has been such a blessing for my daughter, completely turning around her expectations with regards to her academic ability and hugely affecting not only her English results but all her other subjects. Now, thanks to Wendy, she has the right tools to construct an essay. Her marks have improved by two grades across the board. Wendy is a wonderful and inspiring teacher and I just cannot recommend her highly enough.

Rachel, Amersham, Bucks

Lovely Wendy is the most amazing and caring tutor I could ever wish for. She deserves a medal for her work and her students are so motivated in these crazy times it is wonderful to know my son is being so looked after. He enjoys every lesson.

Lucy, South Heath, Bucks.

I highly recommend Wendy. Her long experience, personal approach and carefully planned English lessons have been incredible for over two years now. She also provides excellent feedback following each session and takes time to stay close to parents to gauge how and where she can add most value. I am happy to email or speak to other parents about how she has helped us!

Sarah, Great Missenden, Bucks.

I am so delighted we found Wendy to help with my son's preparation for his GCSE in English Literature and French to A level. I thoroughly recommend her tutoring services. She is consummate and professional and well prepared for each session with a myriad of printed materials to support the lesson. She is knowledgeable about her subject and importantly about what the examiners are looking for in assessing examination answers. She is also friendly, approachable and has a rare gift for imparting her understanding and enthusiasm for literature. My son positively looked forward to both English and French studies with her - something sadly he never felt at school. He now looks forward to University with every confidence

Tokeer, High Wycombe, Bucks.

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Personal Description:
I am a Chemical Engineering student at the University of Bath with a strong academic background in Maths, Chemistry, and French. Having achieved 44 points in the IB and completed IGCSEs, I am familiar with the A-Level, GCSE, and IB curriculums and understand the challenges students face in these subjects.

With firsthand experience in these rigorous programs, I know what it takes to excel in exams, master complex topics, and develop strong problem-solving skills. Whether you're aiming for top grades or just need extra support, I provide structured, engaging, and personalized tutoring to help students build confidence and reach their full potential.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience tutoring Maths and Chemistry across different levels, including GCSE and younger students, helping them build a strong foundation and excel in their exams. My background in IB and IGCSE (achieving 44 points in IB) gives me firsthand insight into advanced curricula like A-Level and IB, allowing me to guide students effectively in tackling challenging topics and mastering exam techniques.

Tutoring Approach:
I focus on reviewing and building on class material, ensuring that students have a solid understanding of key concepts before tackling more advanced problems. Each lesson is tailored to the student's needs, with special attention given to challenge areas to boost confidence and improve performance.

A key part of my approach is exam preparation, where I emphasize effective revision strategies, exam techniques, and past paper practice. I help students develop the skills needed to analyze questions, manage time efficiently, and apply their knowledge effectively under exam conditions.

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