Melrose French Tutors and Melrose 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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced tutor. I have studied modern languages, art and design and I also have qualifications in law. I have had a varied career encompassing language teaching, translation, publishing and work in the charity sector. My wide interests and enquiring nature are invaluable assets in my teaching.

Teaching Experience:
English as a Foreign Language teaching experience in the UK and abroad, including for large schools and within companies, and private tuition 1-to-1. Adults and young learners.

Providing corporate training in Polish to groups of adult learners and also private tutoring to individuals.
I have been learning and translating Polish for 20 years, and I have lived and worked extensively in Poland. I have Polish family links.

Coaching for 11+ grammar school entrance exams. I have also provided general teaching support up to GCSE level in English and French to private students.

Tutoring Approach:
Friendly, encouraging and approachable, but thorough and focussed on successful learning. Very adaptable, and able to tailor lessons to suit individual learning styles, abilities and preferences.

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Personal Description:
I was born in Lebanon where I learned Arabic and French and completed a Bachelor's degree in Law and Master's degree in Public International Law. I also completed a Master's degree in International Law and Human Rights at Birkbeck university before starting my PhD research at the University of Birmingham in 2018 and completing it in 2022.

I have always had a passion for languages and I am fascinated by the beauty of different cultures when explored through our ability to communicate using the languages of the places we visit and the people we meet. When teaching Arabic, although I teach classic to give my students the ability to read and write and keep progressing through at their own pace, I insist on teaching the Lebanese dialect which is understood by all Arabic speakers. Through this, I can immerse my student not only in the language but also in the culture in all its beautiful aspects.

I equally love French and enjoy teaching it. I believe that it should be the starting point for any language lover or any child willing to learn a second language as it provides great grammatical foundations to learn other languages. Also, it is not impossible to master and a learner can, with hard work and dedication be able to appreciate the beautiful French literature and enjoy the amazing French songs from the 70s!

Teaching Experience:
I have over 15 years of experience teaching Arabic and French to groups as well as individuals at different levels: primary, GCSE, A-Level students and professionals in London (Amnesty International, The Guardian & Observer, Societe Generale, JP Morgan ...)

My methods are adapted depending on each students and individual learning needs.

Furthermore, I have experience in translating Arabic to English, English to Arabic, French to Arabic and Arabic to French.

Tutoring Approach:
My different teaching experiences have taught me to manage my time both in following set curriculums and in meeting the needs of the different students that I teach. I can also adapt my teaching style to different age groups and am able to develop students' knowledge of Arabic dialects, idioms and culture.

During a typical lesson, I use a variety of materials and these are adapted according to the age, level, and interests of the students.
If you are looking to pass exams, your learning will be structured focusing on reading, writing, listening, and speaking, all in classic Arabic and meeting curriculum requirements. Even when doing that, I still highlight the differences between what the student is learning and the spoken dialect to give them the confidence to use their language skills in social contexts.

However, my experience is not limited to exam preparation. I have experience teaching children as young as three and adults as old as 73!

When it comes to children, I am a fan of the Montessori philosophy and believe in a child led approach. You would find me using the sand tray to get the child to trace his letters or playing I spy, or getting them to do activity sheets or letter puzzles or arts and crafts as we retell stories, find items, name colors and shapes...

For an adult learner, I could be assigning a segment from the news bulletin for the listening homework or a newspaper article for reading, understanding and translation. Depending on their social needs or professional interests, I have found myself teaching medical and legal Arabic from time to time.

Many of my students are interested in learning the Lebanese dialect for social reasons and with this comes more focus on understanding the culture that has endless fascinating aspects that keep you wanting to learn more. Whilst I am happy to focus on speaking when required, I still make sure my students can read and write for them to be able to progress on their own should they want to.

Briefly, I believe that students have different learning styles and, in a way, or another this is what makes what I do exciting and enjoyable. I strongly believe that everyone can learn anything if it is taught in a method that matches their learning style.

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Personal Description:
I am 54 years old, I am married with four children. I have a degree ( Joint Honours, 2.1 in Agriculture with Agricultural Economics) and a Cert Ed. I am a member of the Institute for Learning. I have taught a wide range of subjects over 28 years and am able to coach you to success whether you are looking for science, geography, Excel spreadsheets, English as a Foreign Language or even French and German ( I worked in both countries when I was younger)

Teaching Experience:
I can help you prepare for exams in Geography, Biology, Ecology, French and German. I have taught English as a Foreign Language over many years. I can also help you with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, particularly for Business. I am a patient, enthusiastic and committed teacher with 28 years experience particularly with post 16 and adult education. I have taught agriculture and related topics over that time, and very much enjoyed diversifying my teaching portfolio as new courses arose at the college. I have taught a range of biology and geography related topics, including plant and soil science, crop science, crop production, livestock production, environmental issues, ecology, woodland management. In business I have helped many people develop diverse enterprises, preparing carefully costed cash flow projections. I very much enjoy seeing people develop confidence with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, which are an invaluable tool.

Tutoring Approach:
I am convinced that one-to-one tuition is by far the most efficient way in which a person can progress and gain confidence. Often someone can grasp a topic in 5 minutes of one-to-one that would have taken 2 hours to cover with a larger group. Once you are confident with a topic, we move on rapidly to the next one. A current A level tutee of mine told his father "I learnt more in that 2 hour session than I have all term at school" and his headteacher wrote to congratulate him on his improved grades. (The reason for this is not that his teacher is bad, far from it, but a tutor can give you personal one-to-one attention, concentrating on the bits you need) I always ensure that the learners are confident with each step before progressing further.

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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:
Julia is a supportive yet challenging tutor, bilingual in French and English. I was Director of studies for an international language school based in Oxford for 13 years and prior to that, spent 15 years living and working in Paris and Toulouse. I graduated from UWE in 1988.

Teaching Experience:
Julia has over 25 years in education management and language training. I am CELTA and DELTA qualified. DBS checked. I have extensive experience preparing students for IELTS, FCE, CAE, CPE etc. I can support teachers undertaking the DELTA and CELTA qualifications. I teach Business French and English to adults.

Tutoring Approach:
Julia is a supportive yet challenging tutor able to motivate you to achieve your language goals. I am also a qualified Life Coach, able to help you overcome learning obstacles and increase your self-belief.

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Personal Description:
I am an intelligent, responsible and empathic person with an extensive background in teaching. With excellent communication skills and a tremendous enthusiasm for teaching my aim is always to allow my students to grow and learn for themselves.
My principal goal is to constantly improve as a teacher and for this reason I am undertaking both Spanish and French courses with prestigious institutions like Cervantes.

Teaching Experience:
2009 - 2014
- Substitute phylosophy for the regional government of Catalunya (Spain) and the regional government of Valencia (Spain).
- Private classes in philosophy with High School students and teachers.
2006 - 2009
- Private classes with children with emotional and learning difficultes.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that a teacher should have a good knowledge I awareness of psychology and personal development. With this in mind, many of my additional and special skills have been obtained in this area.

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Personal Description:
I have been an EFL and Italian Teacher for 20 years. I have always had a big passion for teaching languages. I have a University Degree in Translation and Interpreting Studies and I work as a private Italian Teacher and tutor online.
I am a Professional Italian/English/French Teacher and Tutor (GCSE and A Level), Medical Translator/Transcriber and Interpreter

Teaching Experience:
I have a University Degree in Modern Languages, Interpreting and Translation. I have been teaching Italian and English for 20 years. I tutor online using Skype/Zoom. My students obtain best results thanks to a communicative and flexible approach.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring is mostly based on building the basics of the language for beginner-level students, conversation, developing conversation skills, vocabulary learning and grammar rules. My conversational approach is followed by written tasks normally to be done outside the lesson.
I base my lessons mainly on real-life Italian and conversation. I focus on vocabulary learning and grammar rules using a wide variety of catchy teaching tools according to the type of students and the language target they need to reach. I like offering customized Italian lessons preparing materials that are based on my students' interests.

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Personal Description:
My name is Amandine and I am studying a Master's degree in Education and English teaching in France while being abroad for a year. I graduated from Université de Bretagne Occidentale (Brittany) and Bangor University (Wales) with a BA in English Literature, Civilisation and Linguistics.

I work as a fully DBS checked French Language Assistant in a private boarding school. I am currently working with GCSE and A level students, of all abilities, on their speaking exams.

I offer regular online lessons to help you be more confident when speaking a second language. This includes working on French grammar, general conversation and pronunciation.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any information.

Teaching Experience:
I recently passed the French competitive exam equivalent to the PGCE to be an English teacher in France.
I am currently teaching student as a language assistant and I help them with the IGCSE and A-Level.

Tutoring Approach:
I do believe in Tutoring as a way to provide some external help in the process of leaning languages.

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Personal Description:
I am a proactive, dedicated teacher hailing from Montpellier, southern France, with a passion for teaching. Based in the UK, I have worked across 3 continents in a variety of education institutions and universities in the last few years, and have always enjoyed making a difference in the learning experience of my students and tutees.

I completed a PhD in the Department of English and Comparative Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London, in 2018, and became an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (now Advance HE). I have gained relevant teaching skills, valuable insights and a solid experience in the UK and abroad both during and after my doctoral programme, and currently teach French language in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Warwick.

I am involved in scholarship and have a huge academic interest in American and comparative literature. My research portfolio contains a dozen publications in peer-reviewed outlets, including Academia Letters, The European Journal of American Culture and The Literary Encyclopedia, and a research monograph about two writers from the Beat generation - Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg - published by Peter Lang in May 2022, which has been nominated this year for a BSA Book Award. I am currently working on a research project with Cambridge University Press on the Beat poet Allen Ginsberg.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in a variety of high schools and higher education institutions, both in the UK and abroad, since 2009.
I taught as French Instructor at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, USA, for 6 months, and as a French Language Assistant at Dunraven School and at Greenford High School in London (1 year in each).
I went on the work as an Associate Lecturer in the Department of English and Comparative Literature at Goldsmiths for 3 years, and as a Pre-Sessional Lecturer at the University of Southampton in the Academic Centre for International Students.
I also taught as an Assistant Professor in English at Istanbul Kültür University in Turkey for 18 months, and currently teach French in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Warwick.

Tutoring Approach:
I view tutoring as a means to empower learners and facilitate knowledge acquisition. The student-centred approach with which I work is tailored to the specific needs of each individual learner - an approach I have used in my 1-2-1 private tuition for over 10 years, and in the different teaching appointments I have held so far as a French Language Assistant and as a university lecturer.
This personalised approach is forged with respect to the uniqueness of each individual profile and learning style, increasing the opportunity for success. My aim is not only to fulfil the learner's scholarly potential; it is also to foster his or her confidence in the language over the longer term by creating an awareness of its greater cultural significance.

I cater for all levels and needs, from A1 to C2 and from Y1 to Sixth Form and beyond, and have worked with children, teenagers, young adults and professionals. Over the years, I have achieved a good grasp of the educational challenges that students face in the UK at various stages of the curriculum. I have worked with various exam boards and am familiar with the current requirements of the GCSE, A-Level, I-GCSE, I-B as well as private school entrance exams.

Owing to my academic background, I am also very keen on developing an awareness of study skills and critical thinking in higher education.

The tuition is delivered either face-to-face, or via Zoom or any other online platform such as MS Teams or Skype. After listening to the learner's needs, which can be discussed through e-mail or on the phone, the tuition will start with an assessment of the learner's linguistic skills, which will enable me to identify a series of specific learning objectives and create an individualised road map towards the achievement of these objectives.

This road map will constitute our programme, and each tuition will cover a part of it. The sessions, based on dynamic exchange, will involve a series of engaging materials and resources carefully selected to meet the learning objectives. These materials, which include videoclips, podcasts, literary texts, translations, news articles, practice sheets or former exam papers, can also be edited or designed from scratch (such as homework or exercise sheets for example), in order to concentrate on a specific point, embed newly-won knowledge.

My private tuition in French covers all language skills, whether it is writing, listening, speaking through thematic conversation with a native speaker, building an ability to read texts in the target language with various degrees of complexity, or developing French cultural awareness - beyond the stereotypical.

A high level of service is maintained throughout the tuition delivery programme, and careful attention is given to the learning experience, which remains my top priority.

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Personal Description:
Hello!

I'm De from the North-West of England, but currently living in Bournemouth. I love learning about different cultures and people and practising my French and Spanish. Other interests I have include reading, music, art and travel.

Teaching Experience:
I have substantial experience of working in an educational environment and of dealing with a wide range of professionals and students - I have worked in an administrative capacity at a University and taught EFL and ESOL English to students of various ages, nationalities and levels of ability at colleges, summer schools and on a one to one basis.

I have also taught some IELTS and EAP English (at University) and can teach Business English if required.

Other teaching experience includes teaching beginner-level Spanish and French on a one-to-one basis.

Tutoring Approach:
I do my best to make lessons interesting and enjoyable and to help students progress. When teaching, I understand the importance of a well-prepared lesson plan, well-timed tasks, variety, flexibility, structure, discipline and humour and of enabling students to practise the four key language skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) during lessons.

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Personal Description:
I have an academic background in law and criminology, and more than ten years' experience working in the legal profession. I also have a full command of French, Spanish and Russian. I hold the Chartered Institute of Linguists' Level 7 Diploma in Translation, Russian to English (equivalent to a master's degree) and the Level 6 Certificate in Translation, Spanish to English ( equivalent to a bachelor's degree).

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English to Russian and Turkish speakers over Skype for seven years. I also have considerable experience of teaching French and Spanish one-to-one, both children and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I greatly enjoy tutoring and find seeing my students improve hugely rewarding. My approach is gentle and encouraging, with an emphasis on setting a thorough basic structure in place.

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Personal Description:
I am a 45 year old successful tutor offering classes in Spanish language and culture, French and English as a foreign language (EFL). I hold full membership of the Chartered Institute of Linguists for both Spanish and French which is a mark of recognition for my advanced language skills and I also work in Secondary schools in South East Wales on a supply basis.
I have a first degree in Modern Languages (French and Spanish) from the University of the West of England Bristol and a CELTA TEFL certificate to teach English as a Foreign Language. As a freelance tutor I am very focused on helping students fulfil their potential and I am constantly aquiring new innovative materials, espcially online resources which I feel will be of use to my tutees.

Teaching Experience:
As well as having a postgraduate degree in translation and interpreting from Alicante University, I have lived and worked in France for two years and Spain for twenty years, where had diverse roles both in business and in language schools. In Spain in particular I worked for many years in two private English Language Schools, the "Centro de Estudios Europeos" in Cartagena (Murcia) and "Studio 3" in Alicante. Currently I am tutoring mainly beginners level adults in Spanish, although throughout the year I have GCSE and A level students, who are always pleased to have extra support out of school.

Tutoring Approach:
Do you need individual conversation classes for GCSE? Would you like to know how to communicate effectively in Spanish or French for your next holiday? Do you have a language component of an undergraduate degree which you find challenging? I am the solution to your problem! Not only do I go though the class materials with you, I also pay special attention to homework correction and help with vocabulary memorizing techniques.
As a freelance tutor I am very focused on helping students fulfil their potential and I am constantly aquiring new innovative and interactive materials for my tutees, including apps and games which reinforce knowledge.
My approach to tutoring, in a nutshell, is to mix fun exercises with detailed understanding of the fundamentals of the subject you wish to progress in. Please get in touch and we can talk about your specific needs!

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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:
Bonjour, Hola, Hello,

*** I have a teaching degree from the French Alliance (DAEFLE) **
My name is Amandine and I am an experienced certified French and Spanish Teacher with over 8 years experience teaching privately students from different backgrounds and countries, including the USA, Australia, South America and Ireland.

I have studied French Literature and have completed a Bachelor in Translation at the University of Bordeaux (English/Spanish and French). I have also completed a degree in teaching French as Foreign Language.

I am passionate by my language, country and culture and I love to share it with my students during my classes through grammar, conversation, writing, videos, informal classes at the museum etc. I use different supports (books, videos, plays, writing) to make you learn meanwhile enjoying the process.

I come from the South of France, nearby the border with Spain and have studied Spanish from a very young age, I have also lived in Spain and travelled in South America. Therefore I will be happy to help you with your prononciation, grammar, essays.

I make my classes fun, interactive and well structured to help you reach your learning goals. Together before we start the class we decide whether you want to focus on improving your written skills, want to improve your practice or want to mix both. I always mix in my classes grammar and vocabulary and often have themed-classes that will make you learn faster and enjoy the learning process.

I teach all ages and levels and I can help you with any French exams (DELF, DALF, GCSE, A-level).
Exam preparation for DELF & DALF, GCSE, business French (interviews, presentation skills, negotiations, etc.) as well as general French conversation.

If you need any help with your French or Spanish please let me know and I will be delighted to help you.

A bientot, Amandine

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced French and Spanish Teacher with over 8 years experience teaching privately students from different backgrounds and countries, including the USA, Australia, South America and Ireland.

I have a degree in teaching from the Alliance Francaise.

Tutoring Approach:
I make my classes fun, interactive and well structured to help you reach your learning goals. Together before we start the class we decide whether you want to focus on improving your written skills, want to improve your practice or want to mix both. I always mix in my classes grammar and vocabulary and often have themed-classes that will make you learn faster and enjoy the learning process.

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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:
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:
Hola/Bonjour/Hello!

My name is Ella and I am Head of Spanish in a leading Independent School in Cardiff.

I have taught both French and Spanish to A Level for 10 years, and have experience teaching WJEC, AQA and Edexcel specifications. I hold a BA (Hons) in French and Hispanic Studies from King's College London, for which I received a 2:1, an MA in Art History with a particular focus on Spanish Art History and socio-political artistic exchange, for which I received a Distinction, and I completed my NPQML qualification in 2021.

In my spare time, my passions are art, history, European cinema and keeping fit. I have also begun learning Arabic, Catalan and Mandarin myself!

Teaching Experience:
I received my PGCE in Spanish with Subsidiary French from King's College London, and have worked in both the independent and state sector in England and Wales. I assumed the role of Head of Department in my current school in 2024 after being the Spanish Subject Coordinator for 2 years prior, and have been Second in Department and Head of French in previous schools. Recently, I became an examiner for WJEC/Eduqas, and have marked for these exam boards. For the past two examination series, my results at both GCSE and A Level were 100% A-A*, proving my dedication to my pupils and an exceptional track record.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is always student-centred, and I like to establish a rapport with pupils which enables me to help them in a way which best matches their personality and needs. I like to flip the learning, enabling pupils to 'have a go' at particular activities or concepts first, before addressing any difficulties or misconceptions. This ensures that my support is always specifically targeted to the needs of the student.

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