Lynmouth French Tutors and Lynmouth French Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a very enthusiastic and well experienced tutor of French and Spanish, and English. I also teach GCSE Biology. My tutees tell me that I am fun and friendly and have a unique approach to teaching. I have two children and teach in a local private school so I am up to date with current practice and understand the needs of young learners. Apart from teaching I also play and teach the cello and love to get involved in music making whenever I can.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher with 20 years of experience at secondary schools. I teach both French and Spanish up to A level and I am also an examiner for the AQA and Edexcel. I have also taught Biology and English up to GCSE level. I have a lot of experience of private tutoring and try to ensure a relaxed but purposeful approach to my teaching and use a variety of teaching methods. With my knowledge of English grammar and the GCSE syllabus I am also an effective teacher of English language. I can tailor this subject to individual needs and levels.

Tutoring Approach:
I provide a purposeful but friendly approach to tutoring and do most of it from my home as this means I can use the many IT facilities now available. In this way I can create fun and engaging lessons. I teach both adults and children and can teach groups, pairs or individuals. I give homework after every lesson and find that pupils progress quickly using my structured Schemes of Work.

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Personal Description:
I was born and grew in France, and came over to Bath University to do my higher education, a MEng in Aerospace Engineering. I am friendly and easy to talk to, and will be glad to help with anything relating to French.

Teaching Experience:
I have regularly helped my friends with their French homework, giving me an understanding of what is expected of learners at different levels.

Tutoring Approach:
Although the learning will always be fun and enjoyable, I will always make sure that we meet the goals that are set.

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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:
My name is Lenka and I am an experienced and qualified language teacher. I am passionate about languages and I love teaching. I have traveled a lot and lived in different countries. I studied Spanish and French literature at an Italian university and lived in Spain where I studied Spanish language, culture and journalism. I qualified as a secondary language teacher at Lancaster University and worked as a teacher in the independent sector for 7 years. I am a native Czech speaker. I am currently working as a freelance tutor for a language agency as well as teaching private students. At the moment I am available during the weekends and Monday and Friday afternoons. I tutor in Seaford and surrounding areas.

Teaching Experience:
• tutor in a language school teaching all year groups and individuals
• teacher in two comprehensive schools teaching KS3, KS4 and Sixth Form
• language teacher in an independent boarding school (13-18) teaching Spanish, French and Italian at GCSE and A-level
• tutor in adult education
• vast experience with private language tutoring

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching philosophy is that a thorough knowledge of grammar as well as the ability to communicate is essential for learning a language successfully. I advocate a communicative approach and I teach in a relaxing atmosphere so that my students feel at ease and not afraid of communicating in a foreign language and at the same time they can learn by assessing their own mistakes.

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Personal Description:
Personal Description:
I am a Senior Deputy Head at a grammar school in SW London.I have been a Deputy Head for 16 years and have had oversight of teaching and learning in both schools in which I have held the role. I have taught French to GCSE, Italian to A Level, Latin to GCSE / Common Entrance / Scholarship, and English to GCSE. I have worked as a Lead Practitioner for the Specialist Schools Trust, and I have run training for them and for exam boards on a regional level. I am a Cambridge graduate with a degree in Italian and French, and an MPhil in European Cinema.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching Experience:
I taught Italian to A level for 12 years. I have taught Latin to GCSE for 18 years. I have also taught French to AS Level.I have worked as a tutor for French, Italian and Latin for the last 8 or so years. I can create resources to support your learning and also help you with tasks set at your school.

Tutoring Approach:
I have had experience of tutoring pupils in my own school on a one to one basis, and have also previously worked as a tutor for pupils learning English. I have been tutoring via UKtutors for the last 8 or 9 years. I have also worked at revision schools in the Easter holidays for a commercial company. I will establish the areas on which you wish to focus, then prepare thorough resources. I will also support with tasks which are set by your school.

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Personal Description:
I am friendly, enthusiastic, patient and flexible. I am also hard-working and extremely reliable.
I enjoy working with children and adults alike!

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified Primary School Teacher with over 10 years experience (both KS1 and KS2).
I can provide tuition/ support/ exam preparation in any primary subjects. Having a degree in English and having been Maths coordinator for a number of years, I can provide high quality tutoring in these two subjects. I am also able to provide tuition in primary Science and any other areas your child may need help with.

In addition, as a native speaker of French, I can offer language lessons tailored to any level, whether you prefer informal conversation classes or more structured sessions to practise a range of skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe it is essential for any learner to feel relaxed and motivated and I work hard to stimulate and inspire my students. I am particularly aware of the difficulties encountered by children with special educational needs. Whoever the student is, I am always keen to obtain feedback and suggestions on how to make the sessions more suited to their needs.

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Personal Description:
Hello there! My name is Tanyel and I am an undergraduate student at King's College London. I study BA French and Management and will be entering my second year in September.

I am available to tutor over the summer 2013 starting immediately, with a possibility of continuing this for when I am back at university.

Teaching Experience:
I have a wide range of tutoring experience. This originated from when I was in Sixth Form and developed a knack for explaining things to my classmates and friends. Since then, my enjoyment in tutoring has led me to be involved in two tutoring projects. This is both privately in my local area and also voluntarily, the latter being with my university and an organisation called Team Up ().

Tutoring Approach:
We would work through a main textbook (CGP range seems to work best) and I provide explanations in a clearer, more interactive manner to clarify understanding. I then set homework tasks based on what we have learnt. I can connect with all my students on a friendly level in this way, pausing to answer any questions, whilst ensuring progression and focus at all times. I have seen this approach work countless times in my experience. In some cases, students enjoy it so much they ask me to set them even more homework!

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Personal Description:
My name is Ed. I am the Director of a private tuition company which has been providing impactful private teaching and tutoring services in a multitude of subjects across Common Entrance, GCSE, A-Level, IB and University.

We take pride in helping students to expand their minds, talents and skills, allowing them to reach their full potential. Our one-on-one tutoring brings a wealth of professional experience and expertise to those who strive to excel.

We offer personalised academic support, available in-person and online, to help students improve areas of difficulty and focus on exam techniques and preparation, helping them to succeed in attaining qualifications to their highest ability.

Please reach out and contact for further enquiries, look forward to hearing from you.

Teaching Experience:
Director, leading a team of tutors to support across a wide range of students including Common Entrance, GCSE, A-level, IB and University level - Present

Tutored a variety of subjects at different levels from primary schools, Common Entrance, GCSE, A-level, IB and University.

Offered service on giving academic advice as well as interview techniques for Oxford, Cambridge and other top schools and universities in the UK, US, Europe and Asia.

Tutoring Approach:
The approach is simple and effective. The general framework is to go through general concepts that are fundamental to student's understanding on the subject through the use of simple examples. I will then reinforce the message and encourage students to work on more specific and challenging problems.

Confidence is key and it is vital that my tutees are constantly motivated and encouraged in order to self-develop both at an academic and personal level.

We strive to make lessons as interactive as possible. We understand the different learning needs of different students. We will always be flexible with our teaching style and method and we are here to help you succeed.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Penny and I'm glad you've stopped by!

I'm an encouraging, patient tutor helping unsure or low-confidence learners build skills at a steady pace. My lessons are collaborative, warm, supportive, and low-pressure - ideal if you want reassurance and extra encouragement to cheer you on, and if you value human rapport over fast-paced drills and strict targets.

GCSE:

With my experience as Head of Languages at a secondary school, I'm well-placed to help students with French and German GCSEs, focusing on the essential skills and success criteria - whether you want to grow in confidence or receive clear guidance on working towards higher grades, all without the pressure.

PRIMARY:

I bring learning to life with interactive, hands-on activities, using a fun and dynamic online platform that goes beyond the typical learning tools. With digital infographics, quizzes, games, puzzles, videos, storybooks, and role-play, students have an engaging and immersive learning experience.

ADULTS:

I help learners progress from absolute beginner to intermediate level (CEFR A1-B1). I focus on learners **up to B1**, to gently build confidence with the foundational essentials - whether handling chats in shops, restaurants or at work. B1 is a great milestone and you'll be able to handle most everyday interactions with ease.

I'm best suited to learners who are open to practical, thoughtful ways of learning, using simple strategies and small daily habits to build confidence and overcome anxiety - making language learning efficient and enjoyable for those who appreciate guidance and insight.

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I offer French, German and Italian lessons, with flexible pricing from £36 to £60 per hour, tailored to suit your needs. 30 and 45-minute lessons also available.

Having also lived in France, Germany and Italy, I bring a global perspective to tailor lessons to different learning styles and cultural contexts. Speaking four languages (French, German, Italian and English) while learning three more (Swedish, Polish and Arabic), I know how rewarding, but scary, language learning can feel. I therefore focus on helping learners feel comfortable and encouraged every step of the way, without the pressure.

With the right support and steady practice, you'll be surprised how quickly you can reach your goals.

Teaching Experience:
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

- Qualified Modern Languages Teacher & Head of Modern Languages (PGCE secondary French & German)
- 12 years' languages teacher and tutor experience
- GCSE exam preparation for AQA & Edexcel
- BA in European Languages (French, German & Italian)
- TEFL with Distinction
- Fully DBS checked
- Excellent track record - More information can be found on my website

Tutoring Approach:
OUR NEXT STEPS:

Recognising that each learner is unique, we begin with a setup session (20-60 minutes, £20) to discuss your needs. This is an opportunity to see if we're a good fit before moving forward with lessons.


Step 1 - Your Goal Setup Session (20-60 minutes, £20) - Required.


Step 2 - Lessons.

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For companies seeking staff language training, progress reports are available upon request.

Take the first step and get in touch. I'm excited to help you achieve your language goals :)

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Some wonderful words from my students and their parents:

"I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone thinking of booking sessions with Penny to do it and do it now! As a trained actor, I came to Penny with a very unique request. Having very little knowledge of speaking German…. within a week we had a monologue translated, memorised and ready to present to an audition panel. Not only did Penny help me reach my goals but she gave me the upmost confidence to get there. I'm certain I would not have got there if it was not for Penny's support and extra efforts to help me achieve them. Not only that, but her teaching has most definitely inspired me to continue with my language learning. I would 100% recommend working with Penny. Don't hesitate - she is one of the best!!" Adult learner.

"Penelope has been very professional, organised and engaging . My son enjoys his lessons and has started to develop interest in German within first few lessons". - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Miss Penelope is a wonderful teacher. From the very first day she motivated my son to study French more. She is very punctual and professional. Just after one month my son's French has improved significantly. Exactly what I wanted." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penny is an excellent communicator and teacher. She is very supportive and is always enthusiastic. We are very pleased how well she is able to explain aspects of the German language and is always engaging. We are very happy to recommend her." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penelope is a professional German tutor; she tailors the teaching material so that it fits the student's needs. I had German lessons with her for over three months now and I feel my language skills have improved significantly. I also add that She has a nice personality and her classes are really enjoyable. I definitely recommend Penelope to people seeking to improve their language skills in a structured manner!" - Adult learner.

"Lovely tutor. She makes my daughter relax and actually enjoy learning German / French. I highly recommend her." - Parent of a Year 9 student.

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Personal Description:
I am an inspiring, qualified and experienced Spanish and French teacher. My enthusiasm and patience motivates pupils to achieve their full potential and to understand concepts they may struggle with in school. My years of experience as a classroom teacher has allowed me to try and test techniques to ensure pupils make progress from Year 7 to A-level and beyond.

Teaching Experience:
I qualified as a teacher in 2012 and I have taught French and Spanish from Year 7 to A-level in a secondary school since then. I have been a Sixth Form tutor and so helped pupils write UCAS references and prepared them for Spanish Oxbridge interviews. I fully understand the requirements for AQA and EDEXCEL exam boards for the new GCSE and A-level. I regularly assess and monitor my students' progress and set them achievable targets. I am in regular contact with students' parents so they are aware of their child's progress and targets.
Prior to qualifying as a teacher I was an English as a Foreign Language teacher for 2 years and have tutored for a year and in the summer I mark A-level exams for EDEXCEL

Tutoring Approach:
I ensure lessons are tailored to meet individual needs and use a range of resources in each lesson. Pupils are set targets which they work towards and I guarantee that my tutees do make progress. Lessons are engaging and cover all four skills; reading, writing, speaking and listening as well as grammar. In addition, I expect pupils to complete independent learning tasks (homework) so they can make the most of tutor contact time. My tutees benefit enormously from the one-to-one contact time and grow in confidence. Each of my lessons is structured based on the tutee's immediate needs and areas for improvement. I am also available to tutor online via Skype

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Personal Description:
I am a vibrant passionate Italian, French and English Teacher. I am strongly committed in delivering outstanding teaching, supporting learners and motivating them.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 20 years, delivering:
- classes to pupils aged from 14 to 18 as a State teacher in Italy,
- individual tuition / group classes to pupils, students, professionals, adults
- individual tuition / group classes for certification purposes to pupils, students, professionals, adults in English (Cambridge ESOL certificates from A2 to C1 level), DELf-DALF (Alliance française certificates from A2 to C1 level), FIT and Start (Goethe Institut, FIT 1 and FIT 2, Start 1 and 2)
- individual / group classes for entrepreneurs (French and English)
- individual/group tuition for national competitions, job interviews,....
- degree thesis in English and French.

Tutoring Approach:
Being passionate of research, innovative methodology, communication I have developed my own methodology enabling students to speak and write from the very first lesson.
I have a true passion for pronounciation which enables learners to easily understand and produce well built answers.
I have develped my own methodology for listening activities and pronunciation skills from my experience as an interpreter (simultaneous, consecutive, chuchotage).

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher of both Spanish and French with extensive, recent experience teaching to both GCSE and A Level in UK-based schools.

Teaching Experience:
I have 10 successful years experience in UK schools teaching primary Spanish through to GCSE and A Level. I have worked in both the state and independent school sectors. Young people I have tutored have all passed or improved their expected grades after working with me. I also have experience supporting adult learners looking to develop or improve language skills for holiday travel or business purposes. I have additional experience teaching English as a foreign or second language with primary and secondary aged students. I have been an A Level examiner for a number of years.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy working with students on a 1 to 1 basis or in small groups and am particularly keen to help them overcome the 'I can't do it!' mindset so frequently seen in language learners in the UK. I have an excellent working knowledge of Spanish grammar and am familiar with many of the A Level texts and films exam boards require students to be able to understand and analyse.

Happy to work face to face or online where distance is an issue.

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Personal Description:
I am Greek and I live in Oxford.I am a teacher holding a QTS and I have experience in teaching French,Greek and English at all levels.I have studied French Language and literature (Bachelor with Honours) and I have completed a Masters Degree in :Teaching French as a foreign language. (MEd)

I am a Greek native speaker and I am fluent in both English and French.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified teacher (QTS) in UK and I am recently DBS checked. Since September 2021 I am part of the Greek School of Oxford teaching Greek Language and Culture to mixed abilities classes of different year groups.

I have extensive experience in teaching French to all year groups and abilities, as well as Spanish for year7/8/9. My M.Ed degree (2nd Cycle) helped me to develop expertise in teaching French as a foreign language especially for intercultural environments. I have successfully completed a postgraduate dissertation named: "Méthodes et pratiques de l'enseignement de FLE dans le cadre de l'école primaire en Angleterre." ("Methods and techniques of teaching French as a foreign language in primary schools in England".)

For the past 10 years, I was employed as an MFL teacher in secondary schools and the last few years I worked as a KS2 teacher in primary schools in London and Oxford. As a Language Coordinator, I have actively participated in redesigning the KS2 curriculum and I have a proven record of raising achievement and behaviour, most pupils made significant progress since I was there. Furthermore, I am aware of the British curriculum and the needs of every single year group. My lessons are planned to meet these particular needs but simultaneously, they satisfy the needs and interests of the different groups I am teaching each time.

I specialise in Lesser Taught Languages and serve as an examiner for GCSE/International GCSE Greek and French.

When in Greece, I worked in language schools as well as privately for more than 16 years teaching foreign languages and Greek to both children and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a linguist with rich experience in teaching languages in various settings at all levels. I keep myself updated to all recent teaching approaches. My lessons are student-centred and planned to satisfy and meet each student's specific needs.

I strongly believe that the contrasting nature of my places of work has enriched my knowledge as a teacher in expanding my experience of dealing with a diverse range of young people, identities, personalities and needs.

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Personal Description:
Welcome! A freelance tutor and singer, I give "Personal tuition in the right key". I can help you get the highest grades in exams, and study in the "key" that best suits you. Like the right song choices, I often inspire my students to succeed.

- Which subject(s) do you teach?

French, Spanish, Latin, Ancient Greek, English as a Foreign Language, Creative Writing, Singing, Oxbridge Interview preparation.

- Tell me about your qualifications.

Master of Studies in European Literature (Spanish) from Exeter College, Oxford University;
Master of Arts in Classics and Modern Languages (French) from New College, Oxford University;
PostGraduate Certificate in Education and Qualified Teacher Status from the Department of Education, Oxford University;
Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (Spanish Diploma) from Salamanca University, Spain;
Advanced Certificate in Careers Education and Guidance from Canterbury Christ Church College;
Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Level 5, CELTA equivalent, 140 hours) from EDI and i-to-i Volunteering.
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts ("Working for 21st century Enlightenment")

- Where do you teach?

I teach online via FaceTime and/or Skype from my home and at students' homes. I live in Abingdon, in Oxfordshire, in the UK, and am prepared to drive up to c30 miles from home if online lessons are not possible, to include nearby towns such as Oxford, Wantage, Bicester, Henley, Reading, Newbury, Thame, Wallingford, Marlow ... I teach pupils online anywhere in the world, latterly in UK towns such as Northampton, Cheltenham etc. and abroad in Hong Kong, Russia, Kazakhstan ...

- Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.

I use Skype or Apple FaceTime. The video feed can be switched off at my student's request, or if it degrades the sound quality. Tests and exercises are sent to the student and returned to me for marking by email.

Teaching Experience:
- What kind of experience do you have?

Two years teaching Scholarship Latin and Greek in a local prep school (Cothill House);
Previously spent 25 years in the classroom in independent and state schools in the UK, France and Peru, teaching all ages;
Sometime Head of three academic departments (one of which I founded at Abingdon School);
c10 years one-to-one private tuition to all ages, latterly often online or through local agencies.

- Do you have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service, formerly CRB) Certificate?

Yes - fully listed on the DBS update site.

- Where and with whom did you train?

University of Oxford, New College and Exeter College;
University of Oxford Department of Education;
Salamanca University;
Christ Church College Canterbury;

- Do you belong to any professional organisations?

I am a member of the General Teaching Council, the Association for Language Learning, sometime Chair of the Oxford Education Society, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the Academy of St Cecilia.

Tutoring Approach:
"David has been tutoring our son via Skype for the last year, since his Spanish teacher said she did not want to put him in for GCSE Spanish as she thought he would fail. David has been marvellous with coaxing and coaching him and giving him confidence. Just the one to one attention has been hugely beneficial, and the bonus that "tech"� was involved, and that there was no time lost in driving to and from lessons has been a real godsend too. David is incredibly supportive and encouraging without being at all patronising, and really strikes the right balance to get the best out of his students. Can recommend unreservedly."
Mrs F, Gloucestershire,

"Our son has flourished under David's tutelage; the balance and content of homework and classwork has been very carefully gauged and enabled our son to progress rapidly, with great enthusiasm for his studies. The weekly reports David submits have been of immense value to us as parents trying to support our son's learning, as has the clear structuring, marking and regular review of work." Dr M. and Mr E.

"David has provided my daughter with an excellent grounding in Spanish prior to her starting the subject at school. He has guided her through the basics in a clear, thoughtful and well-informed way and has formed a very good relationship in which she has felt engaged, supported and motivated." Mrs W.

"My two children (ages 9 and 10) have progressed rapidly in their French learning with David. His lessons with them are focused and thorough, and his approach is patient and clear. He has great enthusiasm for languages and significant experience in teaching them, which show through in his lessons. My children both very much enjoy their lessons and are even happy to do the homework! David is also very helpful in working with us to find the best ways to support their learning between lessons. " Jenny T

"Dear David, Thank you so much for all your help and guidance when I applied for the Chaplaincy. It was good, too, to see you there when I went for interview" Revd. Michael P"

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Personal Description:
I'm French living in England. I studied 5 years in an engineering school in France. I learned science, communication, and project management through marketing courses, management courses and a lot of personaI developpement.
I'm actually based in Reading.

To speak about my personality, I'm playing rugby since I am 9, I love drawing and I used to play guitar in France.
Since I am in England I'm working in a restaurant and I travel around the country during my days off.

I look forward to speaking to you and to share my knowledges with you.

Teaching Experience:
I have hard skills in self directed learning for I learned English in 4 years by myself and with the help of many tools of self directed lear ning. Taking me as a tutor means that after few hours you will be able to learn by yourself with real learning targets to reach and useful ressources.
I was coach of a femal team and a male team as well for 2 years in my university so I can understand how people learn according to their personalities.

Tutoring Approach:
About my approach to tutoring, I will evaluate your level during the first courses and find the right courses for you according to your difficulties.
Little by little I will give you some exercice and tools about self directed learning as well as ressources in order to improve your french when we don't have courses together.
Moreover, I will let you choose subjects you want to work in and adapt my courses, so that apprenticeship stay a pleasure for you.

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Personal Description:
I am an English native speaker and I have a degree in French and English, a Masters degree and a PhD. I have taught in primary and secondary schools and I am now a university professor specializing in teaching the French language, literature and culture.

I offer in-person or online 1-1 tuition in French and English for primary and secondary, including GCSE and A level for AQA and Edexcel.

I also offer tutoring for learners of English as a second language, native speakers who need additional support for school, and adult learners.

I offer primary Maths tuition to support children to be confident in their Maths skills and find enjoyment in the subject.

I am also a competent musician with Grade 8 in three instruments and have experience of teaching children and adults to read music and play the violin, recorders and oboe.

"Charlotte has been a fantastic tutor for our son. He has gained a lot of confidence, consolidating his knowledge and understanding. Charlotte has helped him moving from someone who hasn't particularly enjoyed French and had grade 6-7 in that subject to someone who eventually achieved a grade 9 (dropping only 11 points out of 280) in his French GCSE and became really enthusiastic in learning the language. We fully recommend Charlotte and will always value her contribution".

"Thank you for being such an inspiring English tutor and keeping me focused and on task for my GCSE. I always felt I could ask if I didn't understand and your explanations and examples were brilliant!".

Teaching Experience:
I have been a language tutor for 20 years and I have experience of teaching French and English to people of all ages and abilities.

I have taught in schools, tutored primary and secondary English and French for GCSE and A level, teach French at university level, and have taught adult learners at all levels for different purposes.

I also have experience of tutoring primary Maths, and music at all levels.

I tailor materials to each student's individual needs and these are all included.

References can be provided from current and past students.

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly, patient and encouraging. I tailor my tuition to the needs of each individual student and provide regular progress updates.

I teach from my home in Forton, Lancashire or I may be able to travel to you.

I am also available to teach online on Zoom or Teams.

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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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Personal Description:
I hold a Fine Arts Degree with Specialized Honors, a Bachelor of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) in Toronto. I have taught Visual Art and Design, Film, Art History and History as well as Arts Business and Small Business Marketing courses. I have also been a long term supply teacher in various subject areas including languages (I speak French and Italian and have studied primary German); English Literature, Biology, Social Sciences and even Yoga. I am also a professional artist who has lived and exhibited internationally in North America, Europe and Asia.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught since 1997 in many secondary and college levels as well as one on one online and in person.
A full list of experience is available upon request.

Tutoring Approach:
I employ observation and interaction, diagnostic tactics and tests according to curriculum. Lessons should be well planned and organized, and the planning should
clearly demonstrate that the lesson will address the needs of individual students.-Engaging knowledge itself to taking students from mere complacency to passion.

I am an international artist who has lived in many different parts of the world.
I am a business woman with many accolades.
I also speak Italian and French and am ready to influence those interested in these languages with the history, art, music, film and food of these cultures.

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