Ruislip French Tutors and Ruislip French Tuition

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 believe it is very important for children to have a knowledge of a modern language,and that anyone can learn a foreign language, as long as they put enough work into it.I love my teaching work and my subject,and am currently studying for the Diploma in Translation.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as a private tutor now for eighteen years,mainly to GCSE and 'A'-level students,.although I have also taught adults in a family environment.Before working as a private tutor,I spent nine years teaching my subject in secondary education.Over the years I have been able to improve students' exam grades,so that they are able to continue with their studies,or,in the case of 'A'-level students,gain entry to University.I am happy to supply recent references.In recent years, I have come to specialize in helping GCSE pupils with their speaking and writing tasks for their controlled assessments, which many find daunting. In the majority of cases I have been able to achieve a significant improvement in the final grade.

Tutoring Approach:
Every student is different,and I will always try to adapt my teaching methods to the needs of each student.I use both computer technology and up-to-date textbooks as teaching aids,as required.I believe that each lesson should be carefully planned as part of an overall programme of development and study.I cover the syllabus and examinations of all the National Awarding Bodies, and provide any assistance with coursework.I believe that establishing a good rapport between tutor and student is important in order to improve standards.

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Personal Description:
Paola
Online lessons nationwide and face to face based in Aberdeen.

I am a native Italian speaker with British nationality and fluent in both English and French.

I have a long working knowledge of English, having worked for several years as a librarian in Aberdeen and for the oil & gas industry (GE and NOV) for 8 years. I also worked for RGU prior to start teaching full time.

I offer Italian, French and English tuition at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced.

I studied English language and literature with French and Italian at La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, where I obtained my PhD.

After graduation I spent a long time working in France in Disneyland Paris. This gave me the opportunity to hone my French language skills.

I have experience teaching students of various age and nationality, both school children and adults who need to pass exams.
I have a PVG check.

Teaching Experience:
University of Aberdeen
Rosemount Community Centre, small groups - Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen language department
Tutoring agencies

Tutoring Approach:
I offer distance learning tuition via Skype for all beginners, intermediate and advanced learners.

I describe myself as enthusiastic, friendly and patient.

I am committed to delivering high quality tuition by offering tailor-made classes to suit different students' needs.

I think that a good tutor should guide the student towards the learner's goal with confidence and be able to explain clearly and in a friendly manner.

I am committed to bridge the gap between the textbooks and the demands of modern learning making the learning process fun and adaptable to each student.

Learning a new language should be fun. I am passionate about creating activities for the learners and make them feel at ease and comfortable during the class.

I have experience teaching school children and adults one-to-one, one-to-two, and small groups for different organisations across the UK such as private schools and community centres.

I offer flexible hours so my students can arrange the classes according to their needs and availability.

Learning a new language is a great opportunity to discover the culture of another country.

Cultural awareness is part of the language experience. Therefore, I love sharing the culture of my country and my knowledge of other cultures with my students.

For my teaching, I use different techniques and media. I love sharing online resources such as videos, articles and podcasts for listening activities and guided speaking exercises.

I can prepare for school and university exams, including GCSE and National 4 and 4 English, French and Italian and EFL exams.

For learners who take regular classes I can correct short written exercises.

During the first class I can assess the student's level in order to plan a suitable course tailor made to the learner's needs.

I am enthusiastic for using new technologies to add to the learning experience.

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced, multilingual educator with over 30 years of teaching languages and humanities across both UK and international settings. I specialise in Portuguese, French, and English, offering expert support for students at GCSE, A-level, university, and adult learning levels. My teaching combines academic rigour with creativity and cultural insight to help students achieve fluency, confidence, and excellent results..

Teaching Experience:
Throughout my career, I have taught in diverse educational settings, including UK schools, international programmes, and private tutoring. My professional background includes:

Teaching Portuguese, French, English Language and Literature, Spanish, Sociology, and Psychology

Serving as a GCSE speaking examiner for multiple London schools

Supporting relocation clients and professionals in mastering language for work, integration, or study

Teaching learners of all levels, from school-age pupils to adults and professionals

Designing personalised lesson plans that blend language, literature, culture, and practical usage

My students consistently achieve outstanding results due to my exam-focused strategies, interactive lesson delivery, and emphasis on building confidence.

Tutoring Approach:
I create a warm, welcoming environment that encourages active participation, critical thinking, and communication.
In all my lessons,

Prioritise oral fluency, listening, and cultural understanding

Integrate grammar instruction naturally within engaging, real-life contexts

Customise sessions to fit each student's learning style, pace, and goals

Provide regular feedback and practical assessments to track progress

Use a cultural and interdisciplinary approach that makes language learning meaningful and memorable

Whether you're studying for exams, relocating abroad, improving language for your profession, or simply learning for personal growth, I tailor every session to your needs.

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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:
I am an experienced teacher of both classics and modern languages, and have taught in a variety of secondary schools. I have stopped classroom teaching now but I am keen to carry on teaching in a different capacity. I am passionate about languages, words and communication and love to share this with others. I have lived abroad for prolonged periods in France and Italy, and travel to see friends there whenever possible.

Teaching Experience:
Since completing my PGCE in 1992 I have taught Latin, Greek, French and Italian, from beginners to A level and Oxbridge, in secondary schools, both private and state. More recently I have been giving private lessons to both adults and teenagers.
***PLEASE NOTE THAT I TEACH ANCIENT GREEK, NOT MODERN! The UK tutors website does not give Ancient Greek as an option in the drop down list. I am not able to teach modern Greek.

Tutoring Approach:
Successful language teaching should combine a fun approach using oral practice including song lyrics and games with a more structured approach to grammar; this gives the student confidence that they really understand the language used. The advantage of private lessons is that I can focus on what the individual learner wants, which might be lots of oral practice to become more proficient at speaking, or to pass a specific exam. I do like to set homework from week to week as this is an important part of progress; but it is not compulsory!

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Personal Description:
My passion for teaching started in 2008, having qualified as a teacher at University in Madrid. After a pedagogic practice in an Secondary Bilingual School I moved to France, where I have recently graduated in French and Spanish Linguistics.

Last year I finished a master's degree in French Applied Language in the Sorbonne University and the Paris Trade Chamber, where I trained in didactics of Specific French (business, scientific, hotel trade, etc).

I'm a very enthusiastic teacher, able to find the talent hidden in every student.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience includes two years as a Modern Foreign Language teacher with Learnissimo, training individual from different sectors (enterprises as Danone, Tompress), three years in Primary and Secondary schools and a six months internship in the French Institute in Madrid.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching method for is based on tasks and the PPP paradigm (presenting a subject, practicing by repetition, matching or filling and producing in the context of a particular task). This approach allows the students to learn by practicing in their real communication situations and to progress in a very short time!

The type of materials I use are generally design by myself, using authentic documents as reports, conversation recordings, emails, hand outs and I also use general linguistics and grammar manuals and essays to support my research

Using a task-based approach, you will be focusing in particular missions and I will give you the tools to accomplish them and I will be designing a individualized programme from your personal or professional targets.

Basically, this is a very practical methodology based on learning by doing.

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Personal Description:
I have an LLB in English and a diplome in French law. I have worked in 2 different Swiss banks as a lawyer, in Geneva and in London before starting a family. I currently work as a French and Spanish teacher at a local private school in Esher and I also teach French, Italian and Portuguese to adults and children in their homes. For the last 8 years I have helped children of all ages improve their maths and english work.
I speak 5 languages; English, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.

I have an Italian father and a Brasilian mother who has lived in France for more then 20 years.

Seeing my nephews and own kids grow up with 2 different languages has given me the opportunity to help them with their english and with any other subject they have fallen behind in due to the language barrier.

Teaching Experience:
I have key stages 1,2 and 3 teaching experience in all subjects.

I currently teach French and Spanish at a local private school in Esher and I also tutor English, maths, French and Portuguese to adults and children in their homes. I have been tutoring for 10 years now.

Being multilingual and raising bilingual kids, I feel it is important to teach children from an early age the basics in maths and english in a fun and structured way either in their mother tongue language or in english, depending on the preference of the parents.

Tutoring Approach:
I like teaching younger children in a fun and structured way, so I use a variety of props, music, colourful stories and scenarios, all this to keep them interested and entertained.

Older children and adults I teach in a structured and varied way where my aim is for them to learn and absorb the passion I have for the subject. Each have their own lesson plan and I check their development through quizzes and tests.

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Personal Description:
I am a french native speaker, teaching french. I am a very enthusiastic person who love contact with people and I enjoy teaching my language to others. I also speak Spanish.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 21 years in an independent school and I am also a Team Leader and examiner for Edexcel Pearson and AQA exam boards. I am checking , marking and assessing exams at GCSE level and I teach at all levels. As well as teaching my classes on site, I do teach my lessons via video conferencing using zoom, Skype or Teams, the delivery of the lessons online are as good as being in a classroom. Virtual classes are fun and are an easy way to learn from home.

Tutoring Approach:
Very calm and smooth approach with lots of speaking, listening, writing and reading activities to enable students to develop their skills. I also work on the grammar and the verbs which are a huge part of the learning, all students can learn according to their own abilities and develop at their own pace. Grade guaranty.

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Personal Description:
I am of french nationality, i arrived in bristol 7 months ago. I have spent my whole life in france, passed my A level, studied carpentry and passed my exam successfully. I practiced english for 6 years at school, and i am now completely bilingual. I read a lot in english and i am very ineterested in languages in general. Since i arrived in England, i have been working as a waitress in a restaurant ( Poco on stokes croft ), and i would like now to work as a tutor to help children and people learn french the best way possible.

Teaching Experience:
Back in france, i have been helping children doing their lessons, not only in french, but also in all the other subjects. I have never been " teaching", but i am very good in communication and working with children and people.

Tutoring Approach:
I am willing to give my best to help people learning french and helping them in the understanding of the language. The communication and being patient must be my priority.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified and experienced French native speaker / language tutor with over 20 years' experience teaching French across all levels at the local university and helping GCSE and A level students to achieve the highest possible grade

Teaching Experience:
In addition to my work as a university lecturer, I have tutored since 1989 many students of all ages and backgrounds ranging from business people, holidaymakers in France, French property owners to GCSE/A level / Open University students who need to prepare for their oral & written examinations

Because of the lockdown I have moved to online teaching/tutoring
I have regular Skype / Zoom sessions with my university /GCSE/ A level students and adult learners

I usually email over worksheets or learning materials [past papers/ newspapers articles, audio files] in advance so that the students can familiarise themselves with the lesson structure and content. All skills [listening and speaking, reading and writing can be practised


Consultation lesson offered for free

Tutoring Approach:
Friendly, relaxed and focused
I tailor my lessons around the student's individual needs/ interests and objectives.
I have a wide range of learning resources [grammar worksheets, topic-based vocabulary lists, AQA, Edexcel and WJEC past papers..] and interactive activities to cater for different learning styles and help students develop their confidence and achieve their full potential. I aim to make learning French a rewarding and enjoyable experience

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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 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:
I am a native German speaker. I have a BA (Honours) degree in French, German and English Linguistics and a Cert HE in Teaching and Learning Support. I can teach French up to KS3 and German up to A Level/Adult. I also offer English language lessons for speakers of other languages. I enjoy Yoga, being creative, listening to live music and travelling.

Teaching Experience:
I worked as a German language assistant for 8 years, preparing pupils for their GCSE and A Level exams. I ran speaking practice sessions, grammar workshops and supported learning in class. I have extensive experience working in Education, including SEN.
I have been a freelance private tutor since 2013

Tutoring Approach:
ONLINE & F2F lessons available!

Due to the current COVID situation, I encourage online lessons via Skype (or other online platforms on request).

My approach to tutoring is student-centred.

Depending on the age and requirements of the student, I can adapt my teaching approach to the individual's needs. I am happy to teach groups of up to 5 students. It would work out less expensive!

Primary level would be teaching through songs and games in a fun way. Lessons usually last 30 mins, which will cost £20 per pupil for a one-to-one session. I am happy to teach a small group of pupils and the cost can be shared between them to make the lessons less expensive (£10 per pupil for 4 pupils in one session).

GCSE and A Level would be focusing on exam preparation and speaking practice, supporting the student to become more confident. I would base my teaching on supporting the subject teacher.

Adult teaching would be tailored to the individual's needs. Some students just want to improve their speaking, therefore I would tailor the lessons to accommodate their need. Some may just want to learn some basic phrases for a holiday in Germany, I would plan lessons based on that need.

I can also run grammar, conversation and writing workshops in German.

I now offer English (as a foreign language).

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Personal Description:
An advanced skills teacher in French, Spanish and German and a French native speaker, I also speak fluently 5 languages. I have been teaching in London secondary schools since 2010. In previous years I have also worked as second in charge and Head of French in an MFL department. However, I chose never to become head of department as this would have distracted me from perfecting my role as a teacher.

I pride myself on excellent exam results and students WILL CONSISTENTLY progress from the very first lesson. If students are not satisfied with the progress they have made in their first lesson, I am happy to refund the cost of that lesson.

I follow a new revolutionary teaching method which demistifies languages and make them so much simpler. Generally after one year my GCSE students can write independantly a level 9 piece of writing - if they are not on track to achieve this, parents will be warned as soon as this becomes apparent.

In our school we used to have 3 or 4 students taking languages at Alevel, this has now reached 20!

To primary school students, I teach a language in the same way a toddler learns their mother tongue and generally, by the time they reach year 7, we can work on GCSE materials and look at taking a GCSE a the end of year 8, worst case scenario at the end of year 9.

Amongst my greatest success are helping a student increase her grade from a 3 to a 7, this same student is now taking French at Alevel and intends to pursue its study at University.
I have also helped a number of students pass the MLAT exam for Oxford. I have also helped young people increase by to 2 and sometimes 3 grades at Alevel and reach countless 9s at GCSE.

As a practising teacher, I have prepared hundreds of students for their exams and have therefore a good understanding of not only the different exam requirements for all skills, but also a good knowledge of the wide array of exam revision techniques and exercises available. I use a wealth of resources which I have collected and developed over the years and I also call on, if necessary, the help of native French students to help break speaking barriers. I closely monitor progress and keep parents/guardians informed every step of the way.

If you would like to know how I would approach your particular needs, please do not hesitate to contact me, I look forward to hearing from you.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching since 2010 in various London secondary schools.

As a proven linguist, I have taught French, German and Spanish to GCSE and A level.

Over the years I have prepared hundreds of students for gcse, Alevels, IGCSEs And IB

Tutoring Approach:
I can summarise my approach by saying that I make languages seem easy to learn! Which they are, given the right approach.

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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'm Sophie, a fully qualified teacher with eight years of experience across both state and independent schools - and someone who has spent the better part of two decades with a deep enthusiasm for literature, language, history, and Ancient Greece and Rome, and many years developing the craft of helping people think and learn more effectively.

I hold a BA in English from the University of Cambridge and an MA from the University of York, and I bring that depth of knowledge into every session, tailoring my approach entirely to you or your child - your pace, your goals, your ambitions.

Why choose me?
- BA in English from the University of Cambridge and MA from the University of York
- Qualified, experienced teacher with eight years across state and independent schools
- Genuinely enthusiastic about all of the above subjects (yes, even grammar and poetic metre)
- Structured sessions with clear goals - but always room for a good tangent
- Flexible scheduling to fit around school and other commitments
- Sessions available in person or online

Teaching Experience:
- 8 years working in primary and secondary, state and independent schools; qualified as a teacher in 2020
- Taught KS2 English, French, Latin, History and Verbal Reasoning; KS3 English, Drama, French; KS4 English; KS5 English, Media
- BA in English (including French), MA in Medieval Studies (including French and Latin), A-levels in English literature (A*), Film Studies (A*), Classical Civilisation (A), AS-levels in French (A) and History (A)

Tutoring Approach:
Objective-oriented lessons that can be taught from a pre-planned curriculum or decided on a lesson-by-lesson basis. Just been told you have a surprise Macbeth mock in two weeks? Well, that can be what our next session is on!

Subjects