Treharris French Tutors and Treharris French Tuition

Personal Description:
Hello!
My name is Catherine, I am a 21 years old French girl studying International Relations at London School of Economics (LSE)
I enjoy new challenges, I am really adaptable, open minded and easy going.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring students for the past three years and they ALL are at least on a high 2.1 at University.

I have been working in the Language Centre at Leeds Uni for the past two years.

I have also been tutoring a French Teacher from Leeds University on French Politics, Culture and Literature

In June 2009 I was a Matron in an English boarding school.

Tutoring Approach:
If you already have some interest for French, I will be the one who will help you make your way right to the top

Teaching is something I really love doing. I will be happy to help you improve your grammar, pronunciation, orthography, as well as teaching you about the very rich french culture and Politics. The cultural side is indeed the part I love to speak about (as a lesson or just randomly) because I believe learning a language is not only learning its grammar.

I am specialised on tutoring people who already have some basis of French (From A Level to fluent).

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a University of Glasgow Biochemistry, Glasgow Caledonian MSc International Project Management and INSEAD Executive MBA graduate. I'm a French and English bi-lingual. I'm a lovely person, very dynamic and love the one-to-one of tutoring. It makes me really happy to help someone achieve something they have worked so hard for.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring privately for 20 years and have seen my students grow in confidence, understanding and knowledge of their chosen topics. I saw a girl who I tutored for 7 months go from getting an 'Unclassified grade' in her Biology AS Level to a B in her A2. I have never seen a student of mine's grades stay the same post-tutoring and I am very proud of that.

Tutoring Approach:
I approach tutoring different ways depending on who the student is. I ask them questions about themselves, hobbies, favourite subjects etc; and then using that to better understand how they learn, I talk to them about their private learning and revision and the method of approach to that and to exams. And then I teach them using the method appropriate to their style of learning. I also set plenty of work and get them to do past papers which I send to them in the first week. I then take these away and mark them in my own time and return with a deeper view of where they are going wrong after they have been taught. I do 2hr concentrated sessions either weekly or fornightly and have seen great results not only in grades but also in enthusiasm for learning. I am also on hand to discuss career and university options too, which helps ease the daunting choices the students have to make.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Master of Arts graduate of Choreography and a Bachelor of Arts graduate of French language and literature. My mother tongue is greek but I am also a native speaker in english because I was born in Australia. I live in London and don't mind travelling within London. I am friendly, communicative and very outgoing so feel free to contact me for any tuitions :)

Teaching Experience:
Teaching is one of my favourite activities because it is a way to share my knowledge with young people and also with adults. I have been teaching various subjects since 2006 which include dance, french language, greek language and english language. I always have my classes organised to achieve the goals that my students have in a specific amount of time, not time-wasters please:) I am currently a Visiting Lecturer in Universities.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring for me must have a methodology and a structure. It always depends on the needs of the student, the goals and the time available. As long as you know your aim, we can work around it together.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native French tutor with over 20 years experience in training, coaching and lecturing.
I am currently the official tutor for Newstead Wood grammar and I also support a number of students from Bromley High school and Sevenoaks school. I have received consistent high level of positive feedback from parents and teachers alike and am passionate about teaching, ensuring my students get the highest marks and making it into a fun and rewarding experience.

Testimonials

I am currently studying A level French and I am very pleased to be able to say that my French has improved more than I ever thought it would since starting tuition with Michel. In just over one month, I have improved by two whole grades, which has been evident from mock exam results in class at school. I thoroughly enjoy my lessons with Michel because I do not feel embarrassed to ask seemingly simple questions, which I feel I cannot ask in my class at school.
E. H. - Bromley

My daughter who is doing A level French was really struggling before we found Michel. He has really motivated her and has made lessons more interesting . She has 2 hour lessons but she is surprised how quick the time goes. I would highly recommend Michel. I can see he gets pleasure helping his pupils make progress. My daughter`s accent has also greatly improved with Michel`s help.
Mrs G - Croydon

I`ve just received my results and I`m very happy to tell you that I got an A for my French I-GCSE. Thank you for all your help because it really made a difference! - G - Bromley

Hi Michel,
Thank you for your help. I got A* in my French oral! - C. Sevenoaks School

I just wanted to say thank you so much for all the sessions, they really helped me get a high grade for speaking and an overall A. Thank you so much - S - Orpington

I have enjoyed Michel`s teaching immensely. I would very much recommend Michel to other students- he`s really quite adaptable and has used some creative approaches to teaching which was really helpful for me.
Karen C. - London

Teaching Experience:
Over 20 years tutoring, coaching, including seven years classroom based training. Currently teaching all ages from beginners to advanced, city professionals including a number of GCSE and A Level students.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to use a great variety of methods, videos, conversations, audio recordings in my French lessons to speed the learning process and keep my students as entertained and engaged as possible.

Subjects

Personal Description:
When I was a boy I was taught by people who were larger-than-life characters who dominated the classroom. They made clear to us boys what was expected of us and that if we didn't make the effort we would simply not achieve the rewards.

As a teacher, I share the same ethos. I expect pupils to follow my lead and work to the best of their ability.

I spend a lot of time reading and thinking.

I think it was George Bernard Shaw who said that 2% of people think, 3% think they think and 95% would rather die than do any thinking at all!

Sadly, I think that over the last thirty years dumbing down and inflated grades have shown how accurate Shaw's assessment was.

I see my role as one of reversing the tide of apathy and mediocrity and encouraging pupils to value themselves as individuals each with unique potential.

I finally achieved my educational potential because I came to see intellectual growth as the only sure path to happiness and fulfilment.

Helping pupils reach the same understanding about their full intellectual potential is my vocation and the foundation on which I build all my one-to-one tuition relationships.

Teaching Experience:
After teaching in the UK Primary and Secondary sectors as well as managing English and History departments in three international schools overseas, I now devote my time exclusively to private tuition.

My experience includes 12 years teaching English and History to GCSE and A level in the UK secondary system and eight years teaching the same subjects to the same levels in international schools in Italy, Egypt and Kenya.

During this time I have always had a number of students on my books for home tuition to provide extra help in Primary, Secondary and University level subjects.

My English GCSE students last year all achieved A-C grades and my A level History student achieved an A (predicted C after Year 12) and is now at university. In previous years, my A level History students have never achieved less than a C and in 2014, I had a student who reached A* and is now studying the subject at Exeter University.

Tutoring Approach:
My experience has led me to believe that one-to-one tuition is the best way to educate pupils. It brings them to the realisation that the whole point of education really is to set us free. It's not easy for a student to discover this when confined every day in a class of 30 or more others! Learning to think independently as an individual, and to read and write fluently enables pupils to participate fully in society, to achieve their full potential and thereby become happy, confident adults. Once the student is enthused and inspired by a tutor to think for themselves there is only one way forward.

I like to encourage pupils to develop independent thinking and logical analysis. Too many schools are teaching the children WHAT to think when they should be teaching them HOW to think. Naturally, many pupils become disengaged and even some of the most talented are simply going through the motions rather than actually studying. This lack of motivation together with highly inflated grades means that many of our youngsters are leaving school with minimal reading and writing skills. Indeed, few now have the aptitude for doing much reading, thinking or writing at all.

I like to build up the student's confidence by establishing their strengths first. Thereafter I identify weaknesses and gauge the student's awareness of them and motivation to put them right. Above all, I encourage my students to read widely and with full concentration. My best students learn to read closely and publish their reviews on Amazon. Aside from the huge adrenaline run, the boost in confidence and proficiency students get from seeing their writing in print is awesome to behold!

To put it simply, when they're reading they start succeeding!

Homework set weekly by me will always involve reading, thinking and writing. My feedback will always concentrate on reinforcing the idea that the writing process never ends with the last full stop. I expect students to read back their work to ensure that their writing communicates their meaning clearly and fluently. Editing with the focus on making the right word choices, organising sentences with the words in the right order and structuring longer writing assignments into coherent paragraphs are all priorities schools are increasingly neglecting thereby greatly hindering the life chances of their pupils..

Once the student and I have agreed which areas need improvement we use lesson time to extend the student's competence and skills by undertaking thinking and written assignments that allow the student to develop these.

Weekly homework set will advance and reinforce the skills the student has been encouraged to bring to the lesson.

Subjects

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
My background is in languages and performing arts. I began studying
English at age 8, French at 13, German at 15, and have been
self-taught in Spanish since age 10. I come from a family with a
long tradition in teaching and have always been encouraged to study
and learn, while at the same time inheriting and developing a strong
capacity to explain, train, and encourage.

Teaching Experience:
Since graduating from my Master's course in 2011 I have been working
as a self-employed language tutor in and around London and have
always received more than positive feedback from my clients. My
tutees' ages range from four to seventy-four and I constantly
endeavour to improve myself and adapt my teaching method to my
clients' needs.

Some client reviews:

David
21/03/2020
5/5 Rating

"I`ve been doing Romanian with Maria for a few months now,
initially face to face and now via Skype. I enjoy my lessons
a great. Maria has excellent teaching skills, prepares well for
the class, and provides me with good feedback. Aside from that,
the lessons are fun and I look forward to them. Would definitely
recommend."

Toni
20/09/2018
5/5 Rating

"Only had 3 lessons but I`m loving the way Maria breaks everything
down and explains it. She fills me with confidence by focusing on
the positive from the lessons. Thank you for everything so far :)"

John
14/05/2018
5/5 Rating

"Maria is an excellent tutor, already 2 lessons in and I am picking
up the basics quickly!"

Rebecca
01/04/2018
5/5 Rating

"Prompt, organised, professional and a great teacher!"

Arshad
22/02/2018
5/5 Rating

"Very professional tutor
Highly recommended"

Otis
26/12/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria is an excellent tutor. She is very knowledgeable and her
lessons are always well structured and enjoyable. She has a genuine
passion for languages which is evident in her thorough preparation
for each lesson. I would recommend Maria."

Polly
24/10/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria has been great so far!!!"

Tracey
22/05/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria is an excellent tutor. She is very punctual and happy to be
flexible with the times we can meet. She is very patience and her
explanations are concise and clear. I would have no hesitation in
reommending her."

Mihaela
14/11/2016
5/5 Rating

"Maria is a very punctual and organised tutor and my daughter is
making good progress. She is friendly and supportive and I would
definitely recommend her."

Phillip
31/03/2016
5/5 Rating

"Absolute great tutor, who was professional, personable and patient!
Highly recommended."

Evita
05/11/2015
5/5 Rating

"Maria is teaching German to me and my 7-year old daughter both had
no previous knowledge and I can suggest her as fast progressing
learning teacher. She is strict and well prepared. It`s been a
pleasure working with her."

Luke
23/08/2015
5/5 Rating

"Amazing tutor, highly professional and well qualified! worth her
weight in gold!"

Spiros
07/08/2015
5/5 Rating

"I THE LIKE THE WAY MARIA GOES THROUGH THE LESSON, AND SHE EXPLAINS
EVERYTHING, ALSO SHE IS ALWAYS ON TIME AND FLEXIBLE WITH THE HOURS
SHE DOES.
VERY PLEASED, THANK YOU."

James
20/07/2015
5/5 Rating

"Maria is efficient, focused and hardworking. My 14 year old
daughter enjoys her lessons with Maria."

Teresa
10/02/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria tutors my daughter and me together in French. Maria is
extremely patient and we are enjoying her lessons. She is really
helping us."

Deborah
12/09/2016
5/5 Rating

"Very patient with lots of energy! Really good with my 6 and 7 year
old girls learning German."

Tutoring Approach:
Although I learned all my foreign languages through a rigorous method very much based on writing and grammar, I am happy to adapt my method to my pupil's needs. Personally, I believe that conversation is the key to becoming fluent in a language, but at the same time I do not neglect the importance of writing and reading comprehension. I therefore aim to split my lessons as evenly as possible between speaking, reading, listening comprehension, and writing assignments.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified language teacher (French and Spanish) who became a professional tutor after the birth of my children.
I am passionate about making French and Spanish accessible and enjoyable to my students whilst giving them the skills which will help them achieve the highest grade at their examinations as well as the confidence to use the language effectively. A lot of my students achieve a higher grade at their examinations than the grade they were predicted.
I am a native French speaker and I tutor students of all ages, from students working towards their GCSE or A level examinations to undergraduates and adults wishing to learn French or Spanish from scratch or improve their existing competence in order to travel or have a more complete experience if they visit or live in France or Spain.

Teaching Experience:
Since obtaining my PGCE, I have taught languages in secondary schools for 13 years; French to A level and Spanish to GCSE.

I am an examiner for one of the country's leading examination boards and mark examination papers. In the summer I conduct speaking tests in schools for the A level examinations. This experience is invaluable when teaching GCSE or A level students.

I also tutor adults who have no previous knowledge of a language and want to learn French/Spanish for pleasure or to communicate more effectively on holiday. I also tutor adult students who are already very competent but who want to take their knowledge to a higher level.
I also tutor language undergraduates and students who need support or wish to improve their grades at the GCSE, A level and DELF examinations.
I started tutoring online two years ago and am teaching students anywhere in Great Britain but also abroad. I find on-line teaching a very effective way of teaching as I can share documents, play games, consolidate grammar using Powerpoints and videos, which enhances the way I teach.

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly, very approachable, patient and have a good sense of humour and tailor my lessons to individual needs.
My aim is to build confidence in speaking and using languages by using a variety of materials and making learning enjoyable and rewarding whilst focussing on accuracy.
I make topic mats which help my students see what they need to know at one glance, or almost!
I systematically revise tenses with exam students and consolidate grammatical structures with Powerpoints and games, when appropriate
.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I can help with GCSE/GCE exams and Brighton College and Westminster School scholarship coaching are recent successes. I am also a former Advanced Skills Teacher with many years of experience working in a comprehensive school with all abilities from GCSE to A levels / Oxbridge entrance. My key priority is to provide a safe learning setting where the learner and my starting point is always to be where the learner is rather than a fixed programme in advance.


Clearly you will need to know if this will be the right arrangement for you, so the first lesson is free with no commitment to continue.

If your child has the potential, I can enable him or her to achieve their highest potential grades provided they commit to the project: knowing what the exam requires you to do will make a difference

Teaching Experience:
I have coached a pupil who gained a scholarship for Brighton College and another who was awarded the Queen's Scholarship to enter Westminster School, London. In both cases exams tested a whole range of traditional skills set at a relatively demanding level for this age group. Future candidates would be welcome to contact me.

Prior to this, I have taught pupils from 11 years upwards to Advanced Level pupils heading for Oxbridge. I have worked as an examiner for an exam board, set and marked papers at GCSE and taught adults in evening classes.

Tutoring Approach:
Tuition offered via Skype which offers greater flexibility of timings, lengths of lesson etc as well benefits for teaching using Google docs which record lesson progress, better use of resources etc.

On-line tasks can be set in between lessons to practise skills learnt.

Lively approach including games where appropriate.

Teaching linked to the exam board specification you are working towards including specific skills at GCSE / A level.

Grammar taught relevant to your needs: to include the new course requirements when published.

Feedback after each session to parents/ guardian or carer if requested to include likely grade potential at GCSE / A level or IB

A / AS / IB level students will work through short accessible texts to build up topic vocabulary but also support class tuition in your college or school.

Common Entrance Level candidates or specific entry exams for schools will receive very focused teaching to prepare for the exam.

Adult tuition for business or leisure.

I would be pleased to work with students in groups of 2 or 3 for a reduced fee per person all online.

Fees are a little higher than perhaps for other tutors, but you will be receiving a premium service with many more benefits than a session's tuition.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I lived and worked in France and am keen to pass on my love for the language and culture of this fascinating country. I am fluent in French and have an MA in French studies. I love all things French - music, history, culture - and I love to communicate this in my teaching. I am good-humoured and patient in my approach to tutoring and love to encourage my students to try new things in their learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught all level of learners from little ones to GCSE students through to adult learners. I have been teaching for 10 years and have built up a wealth of experience and can recommend websites and links that will be of use to lots of different levels. I have paid for access to a language learning website and I invite my learners to register through the links I send (this is free for students - I have paid for the access).

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is very much to ensure that you are comfortable with the learning environment. I use the Gianfranco Conti method of teaching which means that I encourage speaking and listening in our classes, however, I do back this up with writing and reading exercises so that all the 4 skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are practised in my lessons.
I work with the student to make sure that we are approaching the learning that you need in a very proactive way.

For example: for beginner adults we can look at:
- shopping / personal opinions/directions
For more advanced adult learners we can look at
- tourist attractions/describing people and places/asking for more information
For GCSE students we can look at:
- key vocab in the exam/pas papers/key grammar structures/speaking exercises/picture card exercises

These topics are very much agreed on with you as the student and are flexible as we continue to work together

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a French national who has lived in England for more than30 years. I am passionate about languages, how we learn them and the impact this learning has on our ability to study/think better. So many transferable skills!

My other interests are unsurprisingly travelling and reading. My second love is teaching Yoga, relaxation and meditation.

Learning is definitely a life long experience.

Teaching Experience:
PGCE qualified to teach French/TEFL-TESL with 25 years teaching experience mainly in Secondary Schools: KS3, KS4 and KS5 and one-to-one tutoring in French and Spanish.

Experienced in Adult Education tutoring both in Spanish and French and I have mentored new tutors for the Adult Education system.I have taught all ages from primary school children to older adults. It is never too late to enjoy practicing a foreign languange.!
I have also run my own primary school groups teaching French and worked as primary school liaison for teaching languages in primary schools.

Finally, I am an experienced EFL/ESL teacher, having taught "presessional" at the University of Chichester (Summer 2017) - Fully qualified.

Tutoring Approach:
Relaxed but organized and effective. Learning is fun especially when successful. Progress brings success. We all have different ways of learning, different "intelligence" once met there is no real limit to what we can achieve.

As a tutor, I will create and teach a program that is effective for you and your preferred learning style(s) and your requirement(s) whether learning for pleasure, business, exams etc or a mixture of all of these and more.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My journey to teaching was a natural progression from my passion for languages. For me, language teaching is synonymous with cultural exchange: by fostering an interest in language, I stimulate inter cultural awareness and empathy for others.
I am fascinated by the way in which children develop, as well as the challenges that arise when working alongside children and families. I am a qualified teacher. The PGCE Post-Compulsory Education and Training course I studied allowed me to gain work experience in secondary school and college. I have gained an understanding of the variety of ways in which adults work with children, such as placing more emphasis innovative curricular and raising achievement. In addition, I have an excellent understanding of the range of teaching and learning strategies.
The course also helped me to improve schemes of work, lesson plans and related resources. I have a good understanding of English and Mathematics. I have completed G.C.S.E.'s and "A" levels in Maths and English in Spain.
I believe that I have an open personality with other people. Moreover, I am easy to get along with. This helps me as a teacher to quickly develop a trusting relationship with people.
I am a gentle, loving and caring person and this helps me to be aware of children's and families' needs and be more responsive and empathetic towards them of faith and faith based in education. I am also multi-lingual. Spanish is my first language; I am fluent in English and I speak French.

Teaching Experience:
Spanish Teacher

In my role I had to make sure that I delivered my teaching to specific objectives, to deliver the best learning to the pupils. I identified clear teaching objectives and then set challenging, diverse expectations delivering individual teaching to the different levels of ability in the class, whether this being SEN pupils or very able pupils.
I used a variety of teaching methods to match appropriate content and information, using a different strategies and planned interventions, as well as first hand experience. At the end of each class I reviewed the content with the class to make sure that they had full understanding and the objectives of the lessons were met. This gives me the ability to monitor the strengths and weaknesses of each pupil so I can plan future lessons.

Spanish teacher

My role was involved in planning and delivering schemes of work and lessons that meet the requirements of the KS3, 4 and 5 in addition I was a sixth form tutor and I helped the students who want to apply to university or find an apprenticeship . At the same time, I showed care and concern for students by talking to one to one every week with tutor group.
I also set homework of a meaningful and appropriate nature, having regard to students' abilities. I assessed and monitored students' progress, maintained records and reported on the development, progress and attainment of students in accordance with school and curriculum area policy. While I took reasonable steps to maintain good order and discipline among students monitor their attendance and safeguard their health and safety, both when they are authorised to be on school premises and when they are engaged in authorised school activities elsewhere.

Tutoring Approach:
Approaches for early years and primary

Initiative: Children demonstrate initiative as they explore their world.
Planning: Children make plans and follow through on their intentions.
Engagement: Children focus on activities that interest them.
Problem solving: Children solve problems encountered in play.
Use of resources: Children gather information and formulate ideas about their world.
Reflection: Children reflect on their experiences.

Learning a foreign language is a process that implies some mimicking, language awareness, practice on comprehension, expression and also creativity. Some studies claim that the way we store languages in our brains is similar to that of data storing in a computer, but, of course, much more human, organic and alive. Languages have different components that need to be acquired and "stored" so that we can start feeling confident and creative in using them.

On the other hand, languages are a set of sounds, words (vocabulary), rules (grammar), expressions and even non-verbal language that are acquired both consciously and unconsciously. Conscious learning is a process in which I am extremely interested because it feels as if we are actually helping our minds to store the data so they can be available for us to use. This can be called monitored learning or instruction and it is an important part of the teaching activity: basically providing the tools for the learner to feel comfortable, confident and free using them.

I love grammar and language diversity and I always try to convey that passion to my students, since all sounds, words and structures have an origin and a history, they are also alive and that is what makes languages such wonderful tools for communication among very different people.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Maria and I come from Italy. I have always been passionate about foreign languages and I got a Diploma specialising in English, French, German and European Certificates (C1 Advanced level ) in English and French.
I have recently graduated at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama getting my MA in Advanced Theatre Practice, i also got a BA in Drama, Film and Media Studies in Italy.
I am a positive and friendly individual, professional and responsible. I chose becoming a tutor because I really care helping other people and I like sharing my knowledge.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Italian, French and English for 4 years assisting students of any nationality and age.

Tutoring Approach:
My classes are friendly and tailored, I try to make my students feel comfortable, enjoying my classes and feeling that they can always have a person to count on.

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi I'm an 18 year old political science student at a belgian university and I'm in Cambridge with my mother for the holidays. I'm a sweet and enthousiastic person with a real passion for the french language! I'd be glad to share some of my favourite french books or movies with you so we can talk about it together during our tea break!

Teaching Experience:
I used to regularly help my little cousins with their french and math lessons but I was not paid for it, so this would actually be my first time giving paid lessons. I'm therefore really looking forward to this first experience and have already prepared my tutoring approach. I hope you'll trust me and enjoy sharing this experience with me!

Tutoring Approach:
I will adapt my tutoring approach to the needs of the student, but I suggest participatory lessons. I will explain the lesson of the day during the first half hour and make sure the student has understood it by giving them a fun oral or written exercise to do during the last 20min. It can be a conversation, a story to write, a sequence from a series to translate etc... it could be anything! Of course, I will make sure to meet the student's needs and will pay attention to their personnality to make them feel as comfortable as I can.

Subjects

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
Having tutored for 12 years and been in mainstream education for the past 9, I am more than ready and willing to work with young people who are in need of a variety of different approaches:

- Stretching and challenging the most able
- Going back to basics with exam content
- Handwriting
- Organisation
- Revision skills and independent learning

Teaching Experience:
Qualified teacher (secondary)

Most recent tutee Results
Student 1: GCSE Spanish - Grade 9
Student 2: SATs 101 / 102 / 102
Student 3: GCSE English Language-Grade 8
Student 4: GCSE Spanish - grade 6
Student 5: GCSE French (current)

Tutoring Approach:
There is no right answer to "what is the best approach" - my first session will always be one hour to formulate a plan based on the requirements of the parent(s) or carer(s), to meet the learner in question, and to come up with a plan of action based on a variety of factors. This will incorporate target grades in school, achievements so far, existing attitudes to learning amongst other things.

Subjects

Personal Description:
First-class graduate of the University of Cambridge, I have tutored professionally since January 2023 and have worked in secondary schools in the UK between March 2017 and July 2018 full-time, working supply between February 2023 and July 2024.

I have tutored 4 students thus far, from Year 10 or 11 until their GCSE exams. My students have had great successes: my first student climbed 2 and 3 grades in their English GCSEs, passing them and allowing them to move on to sixth form without resits; another student achieved 8s in both English GCSEs, way higher than expected, and climbed grades over time in Maths; whilst another student also passed GCSE English Literature first time, with a Grade 4, well above his initial starting grade when we began tutoring.

My secondary school experience includes time as a full-time Cover Supervisor (March - July 2017), full-time Learning Support Assistant including sole teaching of KS3 SEN Literacy classes (September 2017 to July 2018), as well as supply LSA, Cover Supervisor and Exam Invigilator work.

I work with whoever, whatever your current grade, and I always aim to listen and understand who you are and what works well for you. Perhaps you're creative and into drawing; perhaps you are more analytical; perhaps you want to cover the basics. I always ensure my teaching is bespoke - I pay attention to what works and what does not.

My references attest to my good nature and personable qualities, as well as real results in helping students improve their grades.

At a fundamental level, any student of mine will tell you I am reliable, engaging, caring, fun, honest, and, equally, challenging and encouraging. I also offer a reasonable rate compared to other tutors in the area.

Please get in touch with any queries. I can tutor online, in person, and, within a certain distance, at your home.

Best wishes
Laurence,
Brighton and Hove

Teaching Experience:
- Private Tutor since 2023
- Full-time Cover Supervisor (March - July 2017)
- Full-time Learning Support Assistant including sole teaching of KS3 SEN Literacy classes (September 2017 to July 2018)
- Supply LSA (February 2023 - July 2024)
- Supply Cover Supervisor (September 2023 - July 2024)
- Exam Invigilator work (2023 and 2024 exam seasons)

Tutoring Approach:
- Person-centred
- Engaging and fun
- Reliable and caring

Subjects