Blackwood French Tutors and Blackwood French Tuition

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:
Bonjour! My name is Fabienne, and I am a native French speaker with 15 years of experience as a private French tutor in Cardiff. I enjoy helping students reach their full potential, build confidence, and improve their grades. I am friendly, patient, and approachable, and I believe that learning French should be both enjoyable and rewarding. I tailor my lessons to each student's individual needs, goals, and interests to make learning fun, engaging, and effective.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching French for the past 15 years, both face-to-face and online via Microsoft Teams. I have extensive experience tutoring GCSE and A-Level students, helping them prepare for their exams and build confidence in their French skills. I have also worked with adult learners who wish to improve their spoken French, develop their conversational skills, and strengthen their understanding of grammar.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe it is essential to assess each student's current level, reasons for learning French, preferred learning style, and personal interests from the outset. This helps me create a clear and effective approach to learning. I then suggest a personalised learning plan and discuss it with the student, taking into account their preferences and the level they would like to achieve.

Whether you need help with French pronunciation, everyday conversation, grammar, or simply a boost in confidence or perhaps a little bit of everything. I would be delighted to help you on your French learning journey!

Fabienne

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Personal Description:
I am fluent in and specialise in French tutoring. I have been speaking French since I was very young, and like to pass on my knowledge and enthusiasm to others. I am an expert in tutoring to GCSE/A level and have been teaching to this exam for over 20 years with 100% pass rate, and with most students achieving grades 7 to 9 in GCSE and A*, A or B at A level. I upgrade my knowledge of the courses as soon as they update or change (which they do fairly frequently). I am also extemely knowledge about France, its current affairs and culture as I have and do spend time in the country.

I tutor both in person and online.Each lesson can be tailored to the student's individual needs.

Other subjects taught::
- beginner to GCSE Italian
-English language (primary to year 11,)

I have dbs certification, a degree in French language and literature, and teaching certificate.

Teaching Experience:
Teacher, private tutor, small group tutor

Tutoring Approach:
I offer a learning experience tailored to your requirements. Lessons can be casual or or exam focused.

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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.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I live in Sevenoaks and I am happy to come and teach you at your home or at mine during week day, mornings, afternoons or evenings.

Teaching Experience:
I have 17 years experience, I have been teaching in Primary school, Secondary Schools, Adult Educations, Privately and in Private French Companies.

Tutoring Approach:
I will cover every kind of fields with my teaching, listening, speaking, reading and writing.

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Personal Description:
My name is Toby, I am 19 and have just come back from a year abroad in France. I currently work as a lifeguard and musician and am heading to Reading University to study french and business in september. I am a fluent french speaker who is fresh from learning the language to fluency, so am very much in touch with the language-learning process from a student's point of view - I know exactly where the hudrles lie and how to overcome them.

Teaching Experience:
I studied french up to A Level and took a year out in France, working as an Au Pair to the Marquis de Biliotti family at the Château d'Anjou in Lyon. I was in the highest class level at my Lyon university (C1/C2 class) and learned the language fluently. I have experience teaching English to children in France, and have worked as a telephone translator and PA translator.

Tutoring Approach:
I am flexible with my sessions; I can work on specific topics with which the pupil struggles, grammar, pronunciation and phonetics, vocab etc as well as approaches to language learning; analysing areas for the pupil to work on and giving resources, apps, videos and advice to help further their independent learning.
I can also work through set syllabuses, workbooks or other related set-works with the pupil.
(I will build sessions around my current working hours.)

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Personal Description:
My name is Clarissa, i am 24 years old and currently working part time as a French tutor whilst setting up my business with the other half of my time. I am half French, fully bilingual, and have tutored both GCSE and A level students since I graduated to help pass their exams with flying colours! I have studied French to degree level from the University of Sheffield completing the four year course and coming out with a 2.1 honours degree. Having previously completed both A* in GCSE French and an A in A levels, I am now looking to help tutor those struggling with GCSE and A levels around Reigate, Redhill, Merstham, area etc. Please do message me if you are interested.
Price can be negotiated and is dependant on location so just message and let me know.

Teaching Experience:
Taught multiple students from beginner to GCSE to adult level. Helped achieve all goals set out at the beginning of the first lesson together.

Tutoring Approach:
Friendly but motivated, and hopefully good fun!

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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.

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Personal Description:
Hello,
I am a 50 year old French woman who enjoys providing one to one support following my client/pupil's curriculum.
I have been in the UK since 1993 and worked as a Personal Assistant for 17 years, I am also a Personal Trainer.

Teaching Experience:
My experience to teaching is mainly through being an aunt to a 10 year old boy and an 18 year old girl - tutoring them English following their school lessons but giving more details, examples and lights on the rules of the languages and their exceptions, always aiming to reach the conversation level.

With my experience as a personal assistant and personal trainer, I know how to tailor exactly to the person's needs and requirements and also to foresee the next necessary step.

Tutoring Approach:
Once again, I very much adapt to the person but I am always warm, friendly, professional and driven.
I can come to tutor to your place providing that it's not above a 20 minutes drive, otherwise I am happy to tutor at my home in Hamble (not in the evening).

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Personal Description:
I am an extremely well qualified and experienced teacher of modern languages. I worked in many schools in the UK and for the most part as head of MFL. I also worked in China and Germany teaching English. Since retiring from full time teaching I have been teaching private lessons. I have extensive knowledge of the GCSE and A level courses and I have been very successful with my students. On average their grades have improved by at least two from their mock exams.

Teaching Experience:
I started teaching after leaving university when I went to China and worked for a United Nations Development Project. I then worked for a private language school in Germany. I became a qualified teacher and worked in several schools in Essex. I quickly worked my way up the ranks and became Head of Modern Languages. My last full time position was as Head of MFL at Medina College on the Isle of Wight. Since then I have been successfully teaching private lessons to students aged 5 to adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I use a variety of techniques adapted to my student's needs. I like to make my lessons fun and interactive. I follow the syllabus closely in the case of exam students and make sure that students are confident in all four skills. I elicit information from the students rather than just teach them how something works. By using this method students are more likely to retain the knowledge. I am happy to teach students individually or in pairs or groups.

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Personal Description:
A highly enthusiastic, dedicated, and accomplished teacher with 22 years of experience in secondary education, specialising in Modern Foreign Languages, including German, French, and Spanish. Having a Master's degree and already holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, I combine strong academic credentials with extensive classroom expertise.

Throughout my career, I have consistently secured positive outcomes for students by building strong relationships, fostering mutual respect, and creating engaging learning environments that inspire confidence and achievement. Passionate about language learning and committed to delivering outstanding German teaching, I strive to ensure that every student reaches their full potential.

With a proven track record of collaboration, professionalism, and high expectations, I am now seeking a new opportunity where I can contribute my skills, experience, and enthusiasm, and quickly become a valued member of a successful teaching team.

Teaching Experience:
With 22 years of teaching experience, I have developed a highly adaptable and student-centred approach that recognises and responds to the unique needs, strengths, and learning styles of each individual. I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students feel valued, challenged, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By tailoring teaching strategies and providing personalised support, I consistently promote engagement, confidence, and academic success.

Tutoring Approach:
As a teacher, I adopt a constructivist approach to learning, designing and adapting lessons to meet the diverse needs, abilities, and interests of my students. I encourage learners to actively engage with new knowledge, think critically, and take ownership of their learning journey. By fostering independence, resilience, and self-reflection, I create an environment in which students develop the confidence and skills required for long-term success. This personalised and student-centred approach has consistently resulted in high levels of engagement, strong academic progress, and excellent examination outcomes.

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Personal Description:
Hi! My names Ellie! I am currently in my first year of my BA Religious Studies and I am wanting to help others with their studies.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored my younger siblings and family members, take a chance on me and you won't regret it!

Tutoring Approach:
I hope that we will be able to spend a section of our first session talking though your subject; what you like and dislike, what you are struggling or need extra help with and how I can help you. Your session will be based around what you want and you need!

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Personal Description:
I'm French, my family lives in Paris as well as the South of France and I've been living in UK 10 years.
I have a degree in Modern Languages and I enjoy travelling and discovering new cultures.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring French and Spanish to all levels from primary pupils to university students as well as Adults for the last 6 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor lessons to my students' needs in a relaxed session. We will work together towards goals we set together.
I aim to help students over the long term by also discussing revision strategies and memory aids to ensure that topics covered in sessions will remain fresh and exam ready.

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Personal Description:
I am a friendly, supportive, knowledgeable and dedicated tutor, I have a good sense of humour and I am very patient, qualities which helps me communicate well with my students and create a safe learning environment where they can learn without feeling intimidated or unduly pressured.
I am adaptable, I listen to students comments and feedback in order to reflect and improve the quality of their learning experience.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a Teaching Fellow at Lancaster University since Sept 2011, prior to this I was a Teaching Fellow at Bath University and an hourly -based language tutor at Bristol university.
I have also taught privately (groups and individuals in company) and I am currently teaching as an hourly based tutor for Lancaster languages ,Lancaster .

Tutoring Approach:
I am a very dedicated and sensitive language tutor with years of experience, I enjoy teaching and get a great satisfaction out of seeing my students progress and become proficient.
I know how to adapt my teaching methods to individual requirements. My teaching style is student-focused, I use the target language mostly, but I am flexible enough to use some English for the more demanding grammar points. My lessons are very interactive, oral practice and listening feature highly in my lesson plans. Although I prefer to use a coursebook such as Facon de Parler to structure my teaching, I also include a number of mixed medias and online resources (videos, audios, films) to complement the programme. To me, culture is important too, so I include documents such as films, news items and material relating to everyday life in France and current affairs (traditions, tourism, multiculturalism, institutions, politics). I set regular homework and additional tasks online in order to create a full teaching environment for the student for the duration of their course.

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Personal Description:
Bonjour!

I hold a double degree in Law and Language Studies from the University of Grenoble Alpes, along with a Master's in International Law. French is my mother tongue, giving me a profound understanding of its structure, nuances, and culture.

Fluent in French, English, Spanish, and Kurdish, I connect easily with learners from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. With over three years of experience teaching French to international students, I have helped learners at all levels achieve success, whether for exams, professional development, or personal growth. Teaching English in France further refined my ability to adapt lessons to individual needs.

Each lesson is tailored to suit your goals, whether you're preparing for exams (DELF/DALF, GCSE, A-Level), planning a trip to France, enhancing your professional communication, or simply aiming to improve fluency and confidence in conversations. My approach is flexible and focuses on delivering clear, measurable progress.

Passionate about sharing the richness of the French language and culture, I strive to create engaging, effective lessons that inspire learners. From beginners to advanced students, I am dedicated to helping you reach your full potential while making the learning process enjoyable and rewarding..

Teaching Experience:
I've had the chance to teach in a variety of settings, from large groups to one-on-one sessions. For a year, I taught English to a class of 33 first-year law students, designing lessons that focused on the specific language skills they needed in a legal context. I created activities to improve both their written and oral comprehension and regularly assigned homework, which they'd send to me for corrections and feedback.

I also taught a smaller group of 15 students twice a week for a year. This gave me the chance to connect with them more individually and adapt my lessons to their needs.

For the past two years, I've been working with individual students once or twice a week, depending on their goals and level of independence. Each lesson is tailored to their needs, with structured exercises and tasks to help them improve their written and spoken skills. I always make sure to provide regular feedback so they can track their progress and stay motivated.

Tutoring Approach:
I design every lesson to fit each student's unique needs, using a learner-focused approach grounded in proven language acquisition techniques. In our first session, I take time to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. From there, I create a structured learning plan tailored to their specific goals-whether it's building conversational fluency, mastering legal vocabulary, or preparing for exams.

To make learning engaging and effective, I use active strategies like task-based exercises, spaced repetition for vocabulary retention, and scenario-based activities that help students apply their skills in real-life situations. I also create personalized vocabulary quizzes on Quizlet, so students can practice key terms at their own pace and reinforce what they've learned. These interactive methods keep lessons dynamic and ensure steady progress.

To track improvement, I provide study guides, customized assignments, and practice tests. During lessons, I use real-time feedback to adapt our strategies as needed, ensuring each student stays on the right path. My goal is not only to help students achieve short-term success, but also to build their confidence and develop lasting language skills.

I'm flexible with scheduling and work around my students' availability to provide consistent support throughout their learning journey.

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Personal Description:
My aim as a tutor in an educational organization would be to utilize my knowledge, skills and experience in molding the students into powerful global citizens and emerge as a leader.

Teaching Experience:
I am an innovative and skillful primary & high school teacher who has been working in this field for more than 10 years.

Tutoring Approach:
First and foremost to set clear boundaries and make a plan that meets both tutor and the student's. Communicate openly and Often. To focus on the student and aim to support them to identify their own goals and issues and develop strategies and solutions.

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Personal Description:
¡Hola! Bonjour! I'm Carla, a passionate language teacher who loves helping students gain confidence and joy in speaking Spanish and French. With 30 years of teaching experience, I focus on making lessons engaging, practical, and tailored to each learner's needs-whether you're preparing for exams, traveling abroad, or just exploring a new language for fun.

I believe language learning should feel natural and enjoyable, so we'll mix conversation, culture, and a bit of humor along the way. My goal is to create a friendly space where mistakes are part of the journey and every step forward is worth celebrating.

Let's unlock your potential together-à bientôt and ¡hasta pronto!

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience teaching Spanish up to A Level and French up to GCSE in the UK, supporting students in achieving strong exam results while building real-world communication skills.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons balance solid grammar foundations with interactive speaking and listening practice, helping learners feel confident and prepared.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced language teacher with a PGCE and a degree in Modern Languages from Oxford University. I have also completed an MA in Linguistics, specialising in second/third language acquisition. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy travelling, reading, cooking and going to the cinema.

Teaching Experience:
I have twelve years of experience in teaching French and Spanish at secondary school level, both from KS3 to A Level. I have worked in both state and private schools, and in mixed school as well as boys/girls schools. I have taught both in class and online, and currently also work for an online school offering British-system education to students from around the world.

Classes/subjects that I can offer:
- K3 French and Spanish, to equip students with the grammar, vocabulary and exam skills in preparation for GCSE
- GCSE French and Spanish - I have in-depth knowledge of the courses (AQA, Edexcel, Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge IGCSE) and the exam skills required. I can offer classes tailored to a particular skills (e.g. speaking or writing) or more general classes
- A Level French and Spanish - I have experience in teaching the specifications for AQA, Edexcel, Edexcel International, Eduqas and WJEC. I am able to provide tuition on the film element of the course (La Haine, Intouchables, Les 400 coups, Volver, El laberinto del fauno) and the literature element (Un sac de billes, Bonjour tristesse, No et moi, L'Etranger, Como agua para chocolate, Cronica de una muerte anunciada, La casa de Bernarda Alba).
- functional French and Spanish classes for casual learners who want to communicate effectively in the language

Tutoring Approach:
My approach depends on the objective of my students. I try to include a variety of activities to cover the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, to ensure that progress is made across all skills areas. For students wishing to learn a language for academic purposes, I obviously also include grammar and vocabulary. For students who are more interested in functional language skills, my main focus is on communication via speaking, and using authentic resources to prepare them for life/holidays in a foreign country.

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