Bishopbriggs French Tutors and Bishopbriggs French Tuition

Personal Description:
I have always be passionate about languages and I would love to support you to improve your skills and achieve your goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have been Modern Languages teacher for 16 years and I am dedicated to sharing my passion for Spanish, Italian and French with my students. I love tutoring as I can tailor sessions to meet the needs of each learner. I have a had a lot of success in the past with learners of all ages as I have taught from nursery age to adult learners. I am also an SQA marker for Higher and Advanced Higher Spanish and bring all of I have learned from this experience to support my students.

Tutoring Approach:
All tutoring sessions are designed around the needs of the student. Please let me know what your needs and priorities are and I will design a program that best suits you.

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Personal Description:
With nearly 15 years of online and in-person tutoring French Common Entrance/13+, Westminster Challenge, Winchester entrance, GCSE, IGCSE, A-level, Pre-U, and SAT, I`m a 50-year old graduate of the excellent University of Sussex languages course with a First Class Honours degree in French and Russian. I lived for four years in Paris where I mastered the language and the accent!

I have also acted in plays in French, taking on the role of Alphonse in a production of The School for Wives, and touring to schools abroad to perform in front of students learning French elsewhere in Europe.

I like to stay abreast of French culture and society, read Le Figaro everyday, and regularly watch French TV news and discussion shows.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored students at all levels, from 13+ entrance exams, including the Westminster Challenge, to most UK exam boards at GCSE, IGCSE and A-level, and I have also helped prepare students for their SAT in French and the DELF exam. I've taught adults who are complete beginners, or have some vague memories of what they learned at school, as well as helping several students gain entry to Westminster School via their Challenge exam

Since the switch to mostly online teaching, I have become an expert in making the most of the resources available, particularly the collaborative tools provided by Google, among others, which are particularly good for working on exercises and explaining grammar in a clear, helpful way.

Successes from the last (2019-20) academic year included: an two As at A-level, and two 9s at IGCSE, as well as entrance to Winchester College via their own exam.

For A-level students, I have already taught Camus's L'Etranger, Françoise Sagan's Bonjour Tristesse, Joseph Joffo's Un Sac de Billes, and Zola's Thérèse Raquin, and am very familiar with all the other set texts. Au Revoir Les Enfants, Intouchables, Entre Les Murs (The Class) and La Haine are the films I am best acquainted with from a teaching point of view.

Here are some comments from a few previous students - originals available on request.

'We could not have asked for a better result - A*s! He got full marks for the reading paper. Thanks so much for all your help, and patience.' - Margaret (parent of home-schooled GCSE student)

'Henry won a scholarship to Westminster. Exactly what he was aiming for." (Leslie, student's mother)

`Thank you so much for all your patient hard work - you taught her exactly the right stuff and there is no way she could have done it without you! I really didn`t think it was possible to teach the whole year 7 curriculum in a week but somehow you managed it. Tiffin Girls is one of the top state schools in the country and rather competitive. Chatting to the other parents outside the exam, most of the competitors went to good independents or had been tutored over a long period of time. You really knew not only what to teach but how to teach it, which shows you have exceptional skills.` - Anoushka (pupil`s mother)

`Just thought I should let you know I got an A! Thanks for all your help` - Helena (A-level student)

'I ended up with an "A"... thanks for all your help, both my spoken papers improved, over my previous efforts.' - Philip, mature student sitting AS and A2 French

Tutoring Approach:
It is important to tailor lessons specifically to a student's needs, but my general method is to engage him or her at a level just above their 'comfort zone'. Learning is about challenging yourself to do better, and it is crucial for a tutor to be supportive and encouraging, and also to keep the bar high.

Lessons can be conducted entirely in French, or in a mixture of English and French. I can work alongside a student's existing course (that is, from a textbook a student is already following), or we can use course books that I recommend.

Where the level allows, I like to draw upon material from contemporary sources such as French news magazines.

For "conversation classes", I find it is useful to base the discussion on an article or a book to help build vocabulary, and also think that incorporating grammar instruction (where appropriate) can be a good idea.

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Personal Description:
I have taught to all levels from reception class at primary school through to secondary school, sixth form college and university level.
I am able to offer authentic French whilst still appreciating the difficulties from an English speaker's point of view. I am also qualified to teach Spanish to all levels and have years of experience in teaching the language.
I have a friendly approach and my lessons are very well organised with a sense of purpose. They are also individually tailored to meet the student's specific needs. I have worked as a GCSE examiner on numerous occasions and have coached and taught AS/A level groups.
Should you be interested in either extra exam tuition, starting a new language or brushing up on previous knowledge, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you are willing to put in the effort, I can guarantee results from my end!

Teaching Experience:
French, Spanish and English as a Second Language - 4 years at a sixth form college
English and History - 4 years at university level
French, Spanish, History and RE - 3 years in grammar schools
French and Spanish - 6 years in adult education
All subjects - 3 years in primary schools

Tutoring Approach:
Pleasant, friendly disposition with a great deal of understanding and patience!

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced, professional, private tutor, offering tuition in French, German and English (EFL/ESOL). I am experienced at teaching both adults and children online, using Zoom, Skype or other software and use a variety of materials and resources to keep lessons interesting. Classes are available during both daytime and evening during the week, and also on Saturday mornings.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring privately for 20 years and have references available from former students as well as an enhanced DBS disclosure. My clients range in age from 8 years to retirement and beyond. I cater for all standards from Beginners to Advanced (A1 to C1 on the Common European Framework).

I have extensive experience of tutoring for GCSE, IGCSE and A Level examinations for several different exam boards. In addition, several of my adult students have taken German exams with the Goethe Institut.

As a former volunteer leader within the Guide Association (now GirlGuiding UK) and now as a volunteer with the Scout Association, I
have considerable experience of teaching a variety of skills to young people aged 10-25. I have led a considerable amount of adult training, both as a language tutor and in my previous roles in the IT industry.

Tutoring Approach:
After initial assessments to see what support is needed, classes are tailored to a student's particular needs and interests. There is, of course, a vast difference between a school student who requires additional support in preparation for an exam and an adult student who is pursuing a modern foreign language out of personal interest or for business reasons. We would look at verbal and listening practice as well as written exercises.

I have a particular interest in grammar and feel that it is very difficult to have a good grasp of a language without some grammar competency. This is especially important for A Level examinations. However, grammar does not have to be taught in a boring way and I often use games and fun exercises as well as more formal methods. Primary pupils learn mostly through games, puzzles and songs.

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Personal Description:
I love teaching !
People describe me as enthusiastic, skilled, engaging and reliable.

I have been a full-time tutor since 2004 and I cater for all levels, working with both young people and adults to improve their French. I also tutor Maths.

Teaching Experience:
Many of my students are adults learning French for pleasure or business. I help students preparing for their GCSE and A Level. I also run classes for home-educated children, including children with dyslexia or on the autistic spectrum.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor lessons to meet the individual needs of my students with a gentle and creative approach. I use a variety of "active-learning" approaches.

I love instilling my love of learning into my pupils and I always get results in a relaxed, enjoyable and rewarding way. Students progress rapidly as most of the sessions are spent talking in French, even with beginners. The objective is to make you feel confident in French. If you really want to learn, one-to-one tuitions are an effective solution.

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Personal Description:
Confidence is often the stumbling block for learners, and I always encourage all of my students to feel an early sense of achievement. Enabling students to see real progress quickly is essential to the building of self-esteem. I am very approachable and my style of teaching is relaxed and friendly. I love my job and hope that my own enthusiasm inspires my students to excel. Recently I have added French to my repertoire, for absolute beginners. I am sure French will be as popular and exciting as English and Maths have been.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a teacher since 1976. I have taught all age groups, from nursery to A Level. Teaching is a wonderful and totally satisfying vocation. I moved across to tutoring as I felt I could offer all of my experience in this role. Being a teacher is definitely something I was born to do, and I love it.

Tutoring Approach:
Students can learn by either visiting my home or at a distance using Skype. Every student is assessed as an individual and the content of their course tailored to their needs. I test my students periodically to ensure progress is going smoothly; also testing is a good way for students to observe their own progress. We use a variety of materials: books for writing and reading in English, and for revision in Maths; the computer for visual skills and games, listening and speaking is a major part of the programme for EFL students. Children learn in different ways, and I like to offer my students visual, auditory and kinetic tools, we can see which is most comfortable for the individual. The speed of learning is not as important as the confidence of the individual and their inspiration and motivation to progress.

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Personal Description:
I was born into a French-speaking family and have spoken French my entire life. I have a BA from the London School of Economics in French and Linguistics. I have also lived in France for several years. I have taught French privately for over 20 years and many of my students achieve very high standards. I am very dedicated to my students and try and get the best out of them and build their confidence. I can turn the most hopeless student in French into a budding linguist. French is a challenging language and I can make it a simple one using tried and tested methods.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching privately French for over 20 years from beginners to University students as well as adults has given me a great deal of experience across different goals and varying levels. I teach spoken French for those who only want to simply speak the language as well as grammar for those who need to take exams. I work with University students to achieve top grades in dissertations and essays or oral exams. I love French literature so if you are studying a piece of literature, I will be able to guide you through the book. I sing with some of my students as I find singing is a wonderful way of learning a language especially where vocabulary is limited. Other students need to listen to French radio in order to accustom the ear to current spoken language and we work together to understand what is being said. I will be the best French teacher you will ever have. Try me!

Tutoring Approach:
I begin by assessing the pupils strengths and weaknesses and then plan lessons to suit the individuals needs. The most important aspect is for the pupil to enjoy the lesson so learning French is a pleasure and not a chore. I also spend time teaching exam techniques as these are as important as studying the language itself. I move away from parrot fashion teaching and ensure that the individual has the rudiments of French and is able to create sentences and has the confidence to put pen to paper.

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Personal Description:
I have a BA in English Linguistics from the University of Malaga (Spain) and I am a fully qualified teacher based in a comprehensive secondary school, specialised in Spanish and French. I am very enthusiastic, friendly and approachable teacher with a fascination for Spain and the Spanish speaking world, along with other countries and languages particularly French and German. I am a native Spanish speaker. In my spare time I enjoy outdoor sports like running and walking and playing with my own children in the park.

Teaching Experience:
I'm a fully qualified teacher. I have been teaching for fourteen years in a comprehensive secondary school in England. I am currently teaching Spanish from year 7 to A level (KS3, KS4 and KS5), French from year 7 to GCSE (KS3 and KS4) and English from year 7 to GCSE. I am also an AQA and Edexcel GCSE examiner for the Spanish component but I am also very familiar with most of the exam board (AQA, Edexcel, WJEC and OCR). I have also taught IB for two years. I have conducted speaking exams and moderated written assessment for GCSE, IGCSE and A level. Therefore I have great experience with exams boards/specification.

Tutoring Approach:
I'm a very patient person and ready to help to build up student's confidence. My lessons are always planned to meet my students' needs. I always include the four skills ( listening, speaking, reading and writing) in all my lessons. I believe that practising exam techniques are the keys to achieve the best results in your exams.
For GCSE Spanish and French I focus on speaking exam practice ( role-play, picture-based and conversation questions) and writing exam practice focus on key phrases/ sophisticated vocabulary to excel the 90 and 150 words tasks.
For A level Spanish students, learn to read and analyse a literary text/film in Spanish which is challenging and rewarding. I help them get to grips with the set works and to refine their essay-writing skills for Paper 2. Loads of essay writing practice are essential part of my teaching session.

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Personal Description:
I was born in France near Paris and lived in Geneva/Switzerland for a very long time before I moved to the UK. I came here years ago to be closed to some dear friends and since then I have been residing here. .Beside tutoring, I enjoy coloured painting that I practise during my spare time. I love aesthetics in general. I have a positive and encouraging attitude as a tutor, I believe people can learn any subject providing they are taught on a gradient and use the right method. As a result, their confidence can build up and results occur.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring children as young as 2 years old, GCSE and A level students, business people and adults with a second home in France. I tailor make my tutoring to the needs of the students, using different manuals, workbooks, dictionaries according to their levels, I make sure my lessons include a lot of writing, reading, listening and speaking exercises.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a native French speaker with a calm and patient approach in tutoring. My lessons are tailor made to the learning objectives of the students. My key aim is to provide an environment where the student can feel free to learn without any restrictions(embarassment or fear of criticism, judgement....). This is accomplished through my learning methods and personal care

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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.

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Personal Description:
I am a native speaker of Italian with a degree in European Languages and extensive teaching experience. I have been based in Oxford for almost 20 years, after having lived in different European countries. I am an enthusiast linguist and my multilingual family is testimonial to that (a French husband, and trilingual children).

Teaching Experience:
I have gained experience in teaching to both adults and younger students (secondary school and degree level), both in formal context (university degree courses and schools) and less formal (evening and leisure courses) as well as Italian for business (directly to companies for their employees).

Tutoring Approach:
I privilege the communicative approach as after all languages are made to communicate! This allows all lessons to be more relaxed and rewarding as small results can be achieved - and seen - every time. I have run absolute beginners intensive courses and my aim is to allow the student(s) to go home speaking from the first time, however little it might be. At the same time, I also tend not to forget about grammar as it is the structure of the language and gives a better insight and understanding, but even grammar doesn't necessarily need to be taught in a very conservative manner.

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Personal Description:
Half French/half Scottish, I was born and brought up in France to Scottish parents. I am now based in London, but Paris is still home for me. Studying French and Spanish at University College London gave me the incredible opportunity to live in Madrid for a year, where I became fluent in Spanish. I then went on to train as an actor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Acting and tutoring aside, I am an avid theatre-goer, film buff, food-lover and I love travelling, whenever the opportunity arises.

Teaching Experience:
As an experienced Trilingual French and Spanish tutor; I come highly recommended (references on request), produce great results (Level 9 at GCSE), and hold a valid CRB certificate. I have been in private tuition for the past 15 years, and now tutor all my lessons online. During these one-to-one lessons, I'm adept in teaching a language from scratch, coaching school children through their Common Entrance, GCSE's, and A-Levels, as well as, giving conversation classes and perfecting linguistic skills with Adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I welcome the uniqueness of each student, in focusing on their particular strengths and weaknesses, and delight in their ongoing learning process.

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Personal Description:
Bonjour !

I am a French native tutor with 7 years experience of teaching French to pupils of various ages and levels of expertise.

As I am back to France, I deliver now online lessons and conversations through the internet.

What you will need is very simple: a computer with Skype on it or Zoom or Google Hangout, earphones and a good Internet access.

So, if you haven't yet found your French teacher to help you with your learning or if prefer to learn in the comfort of your home and spare the travel time, please contact me!

Teaching Experience:
ADULT
2011 - now: varied experiences in one to one or two to one tuitions:
- from survival to intermediate + GCSE exam preparation, A level exam preparation.

2011 - 2016: group class in a company, Trend Controls, Horsham- A1/A2 level
2012 - 2016: group class in a company, Trend Controls, Horsham- A0 level

CHILDREN
2015-2016: Maitresse for lespuces, Horsham, Early years French Clubs
2013- 2014:
- French teacher for Year 1 (KS1), Kingslea Primary School, Horsham (Volunteering)
2012-2013:
- French teacher for Reception (Fundation), Kingslea Primary School, Horsham (Volunteering)
- Private tuition with a 4 years' boy.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that having a native teacher is a huge advantage for students of the French language wanting to perfect their pronunciation, improve fluency and knowledge of both proper and currently spoken French.

My tuition is tailor-made and flexible, according to each pupil's needs and requirements.
I ask the pupil to do homework, as there is no learning without personal work.
Depending on the level, I prefer to follow a book, for example Façon de parler 1 for absolute beginners. I of course add exercises, explanations, texts and resources to the book.


Please feel free to contact me for any enquiry: I am available for weekly lessons or for a one-off session!

Alors, à bientôt j'espère !

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Personal Description:
My name is David and I am 40 years old. I live in a small village called Slinfold, which is just outside of Horsham. I am a upbeat, positive person, who loves helping people in all aspects of life. My interests outside of languages and teaching include golf, cricket, and snooker. I am a keen baker, but not quite Bake Off standard. I have a little dog called Molly.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English as a foreign Language in both France and Germany in primary and secondary schools. I have also taught foreign students at English Summer Schools as well. Recently I have started up my own French and German private tuition company and teach students between the ages of 15-70. I have a Degree in French and German from the University of Oxford.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very flexible in my approach tp language learning, offering a bespoke service for the specific needs of each individual student. This includes emphasis on conversational skills, grammar, preparation for exams, or a more general approach for a hobby. I like to make my lessons fun and motivating, and will provide ongoing homework and testing if the student would like to be stretched. Ideally, I like working with students who are equally focused and motivated, as this will ensure the best results.

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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.

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Personal Description:
I am a French IT engineer with 20 years tutoring math and French at all levels from Year 6 to GCSE to A LEVEL or French Bac and University. I developed my own tutorials. I have a stock of 150 lessons growing every week covering pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary in French and most concepts in math
In French, I can tailor courses for professional with special needs: Business French or for adults wishing to travel or move to France.
In math, I can help you improve and get top marks at your exams.
With my method anybody wishing to learn quickly can improve in less than 10 lessons.

Teaching Experience:
In the last 30 years in France and in the UK, I have taught to tens of students. My favorite task is to take students struggling with French or Math and to bring them up to the 80%-100% range. It happened many times. I also help students with memory technics for remembering lessons and tips to pass tests successfully.

Tutoring Approach:
I have taught French as a foreign language to English students for the last 20 years. I have created audiovisual lessons taking in account similarities and differences between French and English to improve and speed up the learning. My method works as well for beginners with no French at all.
I have taught up to A-Level Mathematics to pupils who then went on to study Mathematics at top universities.
In math, I always start by assessing the student level. First, I propose a plan to fill the gaps while helping with the current difficulty. I usually encourage and teach my students to use spreadsheets (EXCEL) to help them formalize problem solving.

Always allow 80 minutes instead of 60 for the first meeting.

(In case you want me to travel to your place (up to 12 miles from my postcode please add £6 to the home/online prices))

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Personal Description:
I have been tutoring on a full-time basis for over 20 years, including teaching abroad as part of my degree at Cambridge University. Over this time, I have taught pupils across the whole range of ages and abilities. I offer professional, qualified, friendly tuition in English, maths and foreign languages, always tailored to meet each individual student's needs. Travelling is not a problem, and is included within the fee quoted.

Teaching Experience:
Please see above

Tutoring Approach:
Please see above

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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.

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