Ripon French Tutors and Ripon 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:
I have been teaching languages for over 20 years in a variety of settings: comprehensive, state grammar, independent senior and Prep. My exam students at GCSE and A Level always perform extremely well and exceed their target grades. I am passionate about languages and thoroughly enjoy teaching. Working on a one to one basis is particularly rewarding, as so much can be achieved in a relatively short period of time.

Teaching Experience:
I studied French with German at Exeter University, spending my year abroad living and working in Paris, teaching English in French schools. I have a PGCE in Modern Languages from Cambridge University. I have been a secondary school teacher for 25 years - teaching French from Year 1 to A Level and German from Year 7 to 9. I have also worked as an examiner for AQA, moderating GCSE French orals and marking GCSE writing papers for Edexcel. I have experience preparing students for common entrance and have given conversation lessons for adults hoping to move to France.

Tutoring Approach:
I have always had an excellent working relationship with my students - they feel able to ask for help whenever they need it and I adapt my teaching style and resources according to their needs. For students requiring examination training, I have considerable experience teaching at GCSE and A Level so am familiar with the examination requirements.

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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:
Bonjour! My name is Fabienne, I am a native French speaker. I have been a private tutor for 10 years in Cardiff and enjoy helping individual students realise their potential and improve their grades. I am friendly and approachable and can make learning fun.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching French for the past 10 years, face to face and via Skype (online). I have tutored GCSE and A Level students to help them prepare their exams. I have also tutored mature students/adults to improve their spoken French and grammar.

Tutoring Approach:
I think it is essential to identify the person`s level, the reason why they are learning the subject, their learning styles and their interests in order to avoid getting confused later. I then suggest a `learning plan` and discuss with the students how they would like to learn and what level they would like to achieve.

Whether you need help with French pronunciation, general conversation, grammar, or just a confidence boost or maybe a bit of everything, I would be happy to help!

My schedule is flexible.
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Prices:
- £22 per person/single lesson/50 min
- Discount available when purchased in a block of 10 lessons
- For more than one student please contact me

Fabienne

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Laura and I am a native French teacher from Harrow, North London. I relished learning languages at school because I was taught by inspiring teachers and that is why I decided to make it my profession. I am very hard working, never afraid of a challenge and always happy to be teaching. Moreover I am organised, punctual and reliable and very enthusiastic with a fun and approachable manner. As a result, I feel that I have an ability to push my students to reach beyond their boundaries as studying no longer becomes a chore.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching French for over 25 years to all ages and all academic levels. Throughout my time as a teacher, I have worked and still do for several nurseries schools, set up my own business offering after school clubs, had a great deal of private lessons from primary school children to GCSE and A Level students and most recently have started conversation lessons for adults.

Tutoring Approach:
From my years of experience, I can see how general teaching in schools doesn't always work, as every child is different. This is why I offer a bespoke service to cater to the child's needs. This includes adapting what they enjoy to the learning process, which allows them a greater comprehension of the language. Students only learn if they are engaged in what they are doing. I have a positive attitude to teaching and give a great deal of encouragement.

I find it a real joy watching my students improve and eventually flourish in a subject they were struggling with at the beginning.

Subjects

Personal Description:
The University of Nottingham: BA Joint Honours Spanish and Portuguese
Canterbury Christ Church University: PGCE Spanish and French
TEFL Barcelona: TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign language certificate)

I have completed my PGCE with Canterbury Christ Church University where I have had the opportunity to teach in both the Primary and Secondary School Setting. I have over 10 years experience in teaching and working with young people in a variety of settings.

I am also a qualified TEFL teacher and I have experience teaching all ages.

Teaching Experience:
Canterbury Christ Church University: PGCE Spanish and French

-Year 6 Primary School teacher
-Experience Teaching across Key Stage 2
-Key Stage 1-5 Spanish and French Teacher

TEFL Barcelona: TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign language certificate)

St Joseph's R C Primary School
KS2 teacher September 2012-July 2014

St Leonard's C E Primary School
KS2 teacher September 2014 - July 2016

Vinehall Preparatory school
Year 3 teacher September 2016- July 2018

Private tutor 2011- present day

Tutoring Approach:
-One-to-One lessons
-Group Lessons
-lessons to cater for diverse needs and abilities
-Home tutoring and lessons from my home
-Online tuition available

Subjects

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified and experienced tutor, based in Loughton and I can tutor in students' homes or online. I really enjoy tutoring as I find that my students make excellent progress which is very rewarding for me, too. Where required, I can provide references from previous students.

Teaching Experience:
I have 25 years' teaching experience (EFL/ESL, German and French) across all levels in colleges, local schools and as a private tutor.

Tutoring Approach:
My greatest strength is my ability to tailor my lessons to match students' exact linguistic needs - whether that means focussing on grammar, speaking ability, exam preparation or a combination of any of these for those who are learning for work and/or leisure purposes.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi there,
My name is Vera. I am a native speaker of German, a fully qualified teacher and 37 years old. I have a B.A. in German and English and an A-level in French. My exam results are 100% pass rate at A-level for the past nine years and 100% pass rate with students achieving 9 - 7 (A* - A) grades at GSCE level.
I have been living in England for 15 years now, I think I am a good humoured and honest person and I love teaching people languages.

Teaching Experience:
I qualified as a teacher with a starred first at Southampton University and worked in a secondary school until deciding to work as a private tutor only.
For more than 10 years now I have been teaching in schools or privately as well as working in translations, it is huge fun and I enjoy working with different people.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to assess the needs of the tutee and plan lessons accordingly. I think it is very important to know the grammar and vocabulary of a language in order to speak it fluently.
Please note, prices are correct for when you come to my house/online tuition. If you would like to meet somewhere or at your house, I charge £5 extra for petrol money and driving time within reasonable driving distance.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Having completed my first degree in French and German at Oxford University in June 2013, I returned to Belfast to complete first a MA in Medieval History, and then a further MA in Translation Studies.

At the same time, I began building up a portfolio career as a freelance tutor and translator, allowing me to live out my passion for language, literature, and culture (alongside digger manuals, pharmaceutical texts, and other oddities) on a daily basis.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience dates back to my undergraduate years. At Oxford I gained two years' experience with Jacari, a charity that teaches English to local children of a different mother tongue. I also provided tuition to students of GCSE history in local Oxford schools.

I spent my year abroad teaching English to pupils aged 10 to 19 at a German grammar school, and have since instructed a number of tutees of ages 8 to 65+ in English Language, French, German and Italian.

I can also provide help with Oxbridge entrance examination and interview preparations for languages, English, and history, as well as general advice for personal statements.

Tutoring Approach:
This variety of experience has taught me the importance of varying my teaching approach according to the needs and interests of the pupil.

While I keep a keen eye on the intended curriculum or goals at all times, I am used and open to changing from more formal to more informal (i.e. games-based) tutoring methods as appropriate.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a very enthusiastic, focused, self-motivated, highly-disciplined, target-driven, adaptable, mobile and ambitious graduate of Microbiology and Biomedicine genuinely pursuing an outstanding, very challenging and motivational career as a Teacher, using my skills and knowledge to improve the quality of education of other people.
I am passionate about teaching and want to inspire and enhance the level of achievement of my tutees.

My strong desire is to see my tutees achieve their desired grades and conquer their fears, becoming what they aspire to be.

Teaching Experience:
I am experienced in SEN from EYFS to KS1/KS2, and also in teaching Science to KS3 to KS5. I am also well experienced in mentoring groups as well as providing one-to-one-support.

My tutoring skills have no bounds as I have also been afforded the opportunity to lecture in Microbiology and Biology.
With an ever-growing drive for excellence, I am on a perpetual route to keep up with the ever-dynamic teaching skills through CPDs and trainings in behaviour-management to all that is required to teach per excellence.

Tutoring Approach:
My belief is that everyone understands at different levels.Based on this, I personalize my teaching approach to suit the specific needs of my students. I believe that there are visual learners, kinesthetic learners and auditory learners. Therefore I have different interactive resources that can be used depending on the type of learner I am working with.

I am of the belief that if you aim higher, you can achieve anything you believe in your heart that you can do.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am happy to offer you English, French, Spanish and Russian lessons tailored to your needs.

I am a qualified teacher with 13 years` experience in Moscow, Paris and London.
I graduated from Moscow Pedagogical State University and Pushkin Institute. I hold a Master of Education (distinction). Additionally, I passed the CELTA in Paris and acquired a further DELTA qualification.

I am bilingual in English and Russian and fluent in French and Spanish, so I have always been a part of improving children's cognitive development and helped navigate three different worlds as a majority of my students have been more or less exposed to two or three cultures simultaneously.

I am a well-organised strong classroom performer who is able to effectively communicate with students from diverse backgrounds, varying degrees of ability and ages. Teaching groups and one to one teaching is equally rewarding. However, this is the latter one that gives you an amazing possibility to tailor the session towards the needs, level and capability of a student.

By using my enthusiasm felt by learners and readiness to experiment, I can maintain a positive climate where students can reach their full potential.
As an inspirational teacher with high personal standards, I am committed to the learning and development of my students. I have high expectations of both myself and my students, and show an interest in every student as an individual.

I feel that my greatest strengths are my ability to inspire love of languages in students, to motivate them in developing a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.


I work with students of different levels (Beginner, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate, Advanced) and age groups (preschool children, schoolchildren, students, adults).

I also prepare students for Cambridge (Starters, Movers, Flyers, KET, PET, FCE, IELTS/TOEFL)
Oxford (SELT) exams,
TOEFL,
GESE (Trinity),
IELTS Academic, General training, Life skills
GCSE in French, Spanish and Russian,
TRKI in Russian.

Teaching Experience:
Welcome Language School - Moscow
ENGLISH & FRENCH TEACHER 2008-2010

PRIVATE ENGLISH, FRENCH, SPANISH & RUSSIAN TUTOR 2010 - present

Duties:
• Giving one-to-one tuition in English, French, Spanish and Russian and offering
personalised lessons, tailored to students' needs.
• Teaching Russian as a first and foreign language.
• Planning and teaching a high quality academic programme.
• Teaching different aspects of the language: vocabulary, phonetics,
grammar.
• Teaching students how to work with text as well as specifically reading,
writing, listening and speaking.
• Preparing handouts, presentations and other forms of material to help
students learn, remember and use vocabulary in speech correctly.
• Teaching grammar through conversation.
• Preparing students for examinations, such as GCSE in Russian, Spanish and French, TRKI in Russian, IELTS, TOEFL, GESE.

Lyceum "Arc-XXI" (private school) - Moscow
RUSSIAN & ENGLISH TEACHER 2010-2012
International English School (private school) - Moscow

ENGLISH & FRENCH TEACHER 2012-2016

Duties:
• Teaching Russian, English and French to mixed-level classes.
• Tailoring teaching methods to suit the needs of individual students.
• Teaching Listening, Writing, Speaking and Reading skills.
• Helping students to improve their conversational and vocabulary skills.
• Preparing and performing short plays during class-time.
• Preparing course material and creative handouts.
• Teaching with project-based learning.
• Marking students' work, giving appropriate feedback to students and
encouraging them to ask questions and express their difficulties.
• Arranging motivating homework for students.
• Devising and writing new curriculum materials.
• Taking schoolchildren on educational trips to London as a group leader.
• Organising school events for British Holidays.
• Jurying scientific conferences.
• Preparing students for examinations, such as SELT, Cambridge English:
Young Learners, KET,PET, FCE, IELTS, DELF/DALF, The Unified State
Exam (ЕГЭ, ОГЭ) and administrating examinations.
• Teaching students who have experienced difficulty with mainstream
education.

Frances King School of English - London
EFL TEACHER SUMMER TEENAGER PROGRAMME 2017, 2018

Regent London - London 2018

Speak Up London - London 2018 - present
EFL TEACHER

Duties:
• Planning and teaching a high quality academic programme.
• Providing students with an exciting and stimulating experience of
London, supervising students during activities in the afternoon.
• Teaching different age groups and making lessons as
alive and interesting as possible.

International House - London 2019 - present
RUSSIAN & FRENCH TEACHER

Duties:
• Teaching the languages to groups of adults.
• Arranging motivating and engaging activities for students.
• Teaching grammar through conversation.
• Teaching the languages through culture.
• Developing own syllabus.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer teaching language through culture, teaching with project-based learning. The most important duties are those of
✓helping students to improve their conversational and vocabulary skills,
✓arranging interesting homework for students,
✓teaching grammar through conversation,
✓giving appropriate feedback
✓encouraging them to ask questions and to express their difficulties,
✓preparing students for external examinations,
✓keeping up to date with development in the world of teaching.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Bonjour! Buenos días! Bom dia! Дoбрий день!
My name is Natalie. I teach Spanish, French, Latin, German,Ukrainian, Russian and Portuguese!
I have been teaching these languages for 17 years. I have a Master's degree in Linguistics , a Master's degree with honours in Tourism, Hotel and Restaurant Business and a Master's degree in International Law. I also earned diplomas from the Ministry of Education of France : DELF,Spanish diplomas DELE from Cervantes Institute (Madrid), German diploma from Goethe Institute and Japanese - Language Proficiency diploma (Tokyo).
I've worked with French and Spanish delegations of agrarians, and continue to work with professional educators from Minnesota, USA. I also worked as an interpreter at Euro-2012, UEFA Champions League Final and with football clubs. I keep working and interpreting at sports events.
I teach languages from scratch and to a desirable result. I'm very friendly and the atmosphere is always nice during the lesson!
I also help students to prepare for GCSE, IGCSE, IB, DELE, DELF and other exams.. My students successfully pass Spanish French Portuguese GCSEs , IGCSE, IB exams every year
Online tuition allows my clients to enjoy high quality lessons, learn foreign languages without leaving home and at a comfortable time. We can have a trial lesson and you will see how it works. if you have any questions,
Individual classes via Zoom/Skype!, material provided!
Teacher Natalie

Teaching Experience:
I have got three University degrees + interlational language diplomas
I help students to prepare for GCSE DELE, DELF, GCSE ,JLPT and other exams. We practise speaking, reading and writing with my students.I have been teaching these languages for 17years. I teach from 0 level and to a desirable result.

Tutoring Approach:
I am an enthusiastic tutor who can make learning fun and relevant. I aim to make ideas clear to the student, in order that they can use them fluidly and flexibly, and to encourage genuine understanding. I enjoy teaching and believe learning starts with the learner, adapting ideas and course content to meet their interests and needs.
I am experienced both with teaching children and adults for business, pleasure or exams. I prepare students for their GCSE/iGCSE, leading them to enter leading prep schools and universities
Last year, for example, my students gained their highest A-level mark in Spanish and French, some of my students got their international language diplomas and went to study and work abroad.

Subjects

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teaching Experience:
Personal statements

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

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

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

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

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

French
I teach French to A level and

I teach Classical Greek to GCSE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching French and German for the past 30 years.
I retired from classroom teaching in July 2022, in order to focus on offering private tuition.
The bulk of my private tuition is French and German GCSE. However, I am also delivering German IB (diploma) and A level, as well as English as a second language.
I also have some adult learners as well as children from age 6-10.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of teaching French and German at all levels but mainly secondary school.
I have worked for 27 years in two London comprehensives.
My results have always been excellent.
I have outstanding subject knowledge and am familiar with the main exam boards.
I also have access to all relevant materials.
I am currently working part time in a local secondary school teaching French and German A level.
My current tuition timetable includes:
French GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Edexcel IGCSE)
German GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE)
German A level (AQA and Edexcel)
German adult learners - beginners.
English as a second language - IGCSE, IELTS
Beginner's German to adult learners as well as children aged 6-11

I have students attending UK top grammar and independent schools, as well as state comprehensives. I have experience in stretching and challenging the most able as well as helping students gain an acceptable pass in what is sometimes their weakest subject.
In the last two years, those of my tutees taking higher GCSE, have all gained grades 7-9 and those taking foundation, a grade 5.
All of this information can be verified on request.
I also have a number of adult learners for beginner's German. This has been very successful. Current students can provide testimonials if required.

Tutoring Approach:
I have done a lot of private tutoring, mainly GCSE but also some A level and adult learners.
I am a calm and patient teacher and know how to get the best out of my students.
Each lesson is tailor made to suit the needs of the individual.
I pride myself on being flexible and as a parent myself, understand that unforeseen circumstances can crop up. Therefore, I do not charge for late cancellations.

Recent, verifiable testimonials (updated August 2023, following GCSE results)

Alison was a great tutor. She is very easy to understand and made french as a subject a lot more simple for my son to understand. My son was originally getting 3s and 2s in his mocks, but she was able to assist him in getting a good result in the GCSE. I can't thank her enough for the help. She's a great tutor.
I would like to recommend her to everyone.

Allison has tutored my son for the past 2 years and I was delighted that he got a 9 for his GCSE German exam this year. My son took his GCSE exam early at the end of year 9 and his grade is a true reflection of what an exceptional tutor Allison is. Allison has been a truly amazing tutor and my son has thoroughly enjoyed his lessons with her. He will continue his tutoring with Allison as he has now opted to take A/S Level German next year. I highly recommend Allison if your child needs tuition for German.


Allison has been tutoring our daughter in French for the last few weeks, to help her prepare for GCSE's.
I cannot recommend Allison highly enough. She is easy to contact and on time to every lesson. My daughter was initially sceptical about having a tutor, but from the first lesson she soon saw the benefits. Allison is very personable and gave me feedback on what our daughter should be focusing on and how she has improved. Allison has great knowledge of the school syllabus and gave my daughter key areas to focus on outside of the lessons. I would like to thank Allison for giving our daughter more confidence in what used to be one of her weaker subjects

Allison provided tutoring for our daughter ahead of her GCSE in German. She knows the syllabus extremely well and identified the main areas on which to focus. She was very flexible on when she could come to our house and helped our daughter get the most out of each hour of tutoring. The overall impact was very positive with our daughter getting a 9 in her GCSE. I can thoroughly recommend Allison to anyone looking for help in either German or French.

We had Allison for about a year, and my son continues enjoying the lessons. Allison is very reliable, personable and flexible. She understands the help and support that is required for my son and applies her skills and knowledge to help. Her calm manner and being very accommodating are helpful add-ons to the help we get from her.

I was so busy to let you know how impressed my boys are of both of you. Because of you and his German teacher now, D. studies German with pleasure.

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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 am a caring and organised educator committed to supporting students in a range of educational areas. I aim to create a stimulating and enjoyable online tutoring experience, promoting a positive and encouraging learning environment. My goal is for each student to not only enjoy learning but also to develop strong communication skills through a trusting and supportive relationship. I maintain regular communication with parents or caregivers and am happy to provide extra online assignments to reinforce learning between sessions.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified teacher entering my seventh year of practice, with experience teaching Year 2, Year 3, and Year 4. I can provide assessment support during sessions as needed. During my training, I gained valuable experience working with Year R, Year 2, and Year 4. I am also trained in SSP (phonics) and the Little Wandle program, enabling me to support early reading development effectively. Additionally, I have completed CPD training for the Year 4 multiplication check and can offer guidance and support in this area; my current Year 4 students achieved the highest results in the school this year. Beyond primary education, I have tutored students in foundation-level GCSE maths, using past papers to practise and analyse different question types.

Tutoring Approach:
I start by assessing each student's current level and discussing their specific areas of focus, either directly with them or with the adults in their household. From there, I tailor sessions to meet their individual needs. Each session incorporates a variety of activities designed to reinforce existing knowledge while introducing new concepts. Building a strong rapport with students is a priority, helping them feel comfortable and confident, which in turn supports their learning and progress.

I can also help address any learning gaps that may have arisen due to disruptions during the pandemic or any other missed learning reasons.

I have experience supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), adapting my approach to meet their unique learning requirements and providing the support necessary for them to thrive in a positive, inclusive environment.

Parents I have worked with have provided positive feedback on the impact of additional tuition, noting improvements in their child's progress as reflected in academic reports and parent-teacher meetings.

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Personal Description:
I studied French and Japanese as part of my degree in Applied Language and Translation Studies at Dublin City University and Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. As part of my degree, I also studied linguistics, and how to learn languages most effectively, given how the brain retains language. I have also taken the Irish Leaving Cert Japanese exam (A-Level equivalent) and Japanese Language Proficiency tests, so I have plenty of resources geared towards exams if that is your goal. If you are a more casual learner I am happy to make the lessons more fun and conversational, based on your preferences :)

Teaching Experience:
This year, I have taught my younger brother a 2 year higher level Japanese syllabus in 6 months for his Leaving Certificate exams, as he only found out in January there was a foreign language requirement for the course he wants to take in university. This was achieved through clever resources and study plan. With only 6 months tuition (one quarter of the usual 2 year syllabus time), my brother passed higher level Japanese with a grade equalling between 50-60%.

Other language teaching experience:
While in Japan I taught Japanese students English as a Foreign Language, from ages 4 to 20; in Ireland I gave casual English lessons to a Lithuanian woman who already had conversational English, but wanted to better understand certain English grammatical points; I also have a TEFL 160 course to teach English as a Foreign Language.

Other teaching experience:
I teach beginners piano every week from home.

Tutoring Approach:
Using the concepts learned in my Linguistics degree for language learning (L+1, Optimised Intervals for Repetition and Content Exposure for Memorisation Incentive), we will put a study plan in place with clever resources to ensure language learning is both fun and effective! We want our lessons to be so effective that we spend less time studying, and more time learning :)

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