Waltham Cross French Tutors and Waltham Cross French Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an experienced and successful assistant examiner for a major exam board for A Level French and have marked German and French GCSE in the past. I am an experienced, enthusiastic and friendly tutor, with a high success rate with GCSE and A level students of French and German. I love what I do, particularly helping to build student confidence and helping them achieve their best, in a fun and supportive way.

More recently I have been teaching English as a Foreign Language to Russian, German and French students. I love teaching my native language and helping students to gain confidence in it.

PGCE - University of Newcastle Upon Tyne 1998 (Secondary Teaching Qualification)
I am a fully qualified teacher of Languages and English as a foreign language, with 18 years' experience of teaching all levels.

My work as an assistant examiner for a major exam board, has given me an excellent insight into what is required by the exam in order to gain a good pass.
I love languages, teaching, music and travel.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught and supported students at all levels and for different purpose: GCSE, A Level, Holiday French and German, Primary French and German.

I have been an assistant examiner for a major exam board for A level French speaking, listening, reading and writing for the past 8 years, so can help to support students for exams and help them to become very familiar with the techniques and knowledge required to gain a good pass.

I have a 100% success rate with students. Last year, all 3 GCSE students gained A* and A (French and German) and my 3 A Level students gained A (French), and 2 C's (from a grade E/U in German).

I have taught online for Learndirect/myself, am computer literate, and have had success with students learning long distance via Skype.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a fun and enthusiastic approach to teaching and I am able to guarantee success at all levels. I have lots of success with all levels, and have been successful due to a variety of techniques, knowledge of exam papers/common difficulties when learning a language and teaching experience.
I am able to get the best out of students, by identifying their learning needs and styles.

Adult learners: I have a very successful and unique approach, which allows adults to understand how a language is constructed and which allows them to grasp the basics of a language and then 'play' with the language by adding new vocabulary and phrases. You will feel confident wiih the pronunciation of the language from the beginning, which is essential to make progress quickly and effectively.

What my previous students have said:

E - July 2012 - Intermediate Adult: I needed a quick few lessons to help me pass a resit at University, I realised this was a pressure on Sarah to help me pass but I had learnt more with Sarah in a total of 6 hours than I had in a whole year. I would highly recommend Sarah to anybody, Thank you Sarah for your help, you helped me pass with flying colours! E.

R - May 2012 - GCSE last minute help online - My daughter says " Sarah is really friendly and helpful and she gave me lots of techniques I can use to revise". Sarah has been brilliant at giving a late boost just before the exams, which was exactly what we wanted. We found her incredibly helpful and responsive and are sure she has been a major part of boosting my daughter's confidence - her grades as reported by school have gone up two levels in the last two months and Sarah has been a definite part of this

S - July 2011-May 2012 - Adult Casual - After having lessons for a few months now I can say that Sarah is a very effective teacher and has the ability to explain things in a simple and easy to understand way. I feel I have made significant progress in my learning and would not hesitate to recommend Sarah to anybody wishing to learn french.

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Personal Description:
I have an MA in Classical Philology and Russian Studies from the University of St Petersburg and am qualified to teach Russian, French, English and Latin. Since graduating in 1978 I have worked extensively in language teaching and translation / interpreting. I have also worked in France for 3 years and attended an interpreting school in Paris (ISIT - Institut Superieur d' Interpretation et de Traduction). I also hold a Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI in Law) issued by the Chartered Institute of Linguists and am a member of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI) and of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIL).

I have taught schoolchildren, students and adult learners at beginners, intermediate and advanced level. I have lived in Britain since 1991 and am available for tutoring in Cambridge, Huntingdon and in the surrounding areas.

I also provide English language tutoring for Russian, French and German speakers. As a translator / interpreter I specialise in Medical / Pharmaceutical and Legal translation and interpreting for private companies and public service organisations like the National Probation Service, the Police, the Courts and the NHS.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching Latin at the Chemical Pharmaceutical Institute of St Petersburg (1978 - 1979).
Teaching English and French at the Technical University of St Petersburg (formerly the Leningrad Polytechnic) - 1981 - 1984 and 1986 - 1991.
Teaching Latin and French at the Medical Military Academy of St Petersburg (1984 - 1986)
Teaching French and German at a Russian Secondary School (1988 - 1991).
Teaching Russian at Manchester Business School, BNFL, Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, University of Salford.
Private tutoring - teaching English, French, Latin and Russian (1984 - 2015).

Tutoring Approach:
I do my best to give the student a good grounding in grammar which is a key to understanding and fluency whatever the language. I encourage students to listen to radio programmes in the target language, watch newsreports on television etc as it is a great learning tool. I feel passionate about languages myself and find teaching highly enjoyable.


I hold a full up - to - date DBS Enhanced check certificate issued 13 February 2013.

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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

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Personal Description:
Hello, my name is Angel, I am a qualified teacher of Psychology and Languages (Spanish and French). I have a BSc in Psychology, an MA in Psychoanalysis and Philosophy, an MA in Languages and Translation, an MA in English Literature, and a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. In my free time, I enjoy running, walking my dog and going to the cinema.

Teaching Experience:
I have 25 years of experience in teaching language (Spanish, French and English) and psychology, and have worked in a number of different schools and language institutes, from primary and secondary schools to corporate language training centres and universities (Université de Paris 8, Université Panthéon-Assas, Université de Paris Sud in France, Newcastle University in London). I have also worked as a Lecturer in Psychology at Bromley and Orpington College, South Devon College in Paignton, DLD College London, Birkbeck University, and Arden University.

I prepare A level and GCSE students for the following exam boards: AQA, Eduqas, OCR, Edexcel, CIE, WJEC.

I share files and resources with my students for their classes and revision. During my lessons, besides covering all the topics, I focus on exam techniques and past papers.

I also prepare students for university examinations in Psychology and Spanish.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is tailored to my students' needs and level. For languages, I have a number of adult students who want to improve their language skills with a view to travelling or working abroad. My main focus in language tutoring is on communication: my classes are designed to recreate real-life situations in which the foreign language is required. My classes include role play to recreate these situations. I also have experience in preparing students for official examinations, and business and academic needs. I always take the time to discuss your requirements with you to work out a programme that will best suit your needs and your particular interests.

For students preparing external examinations, my classes are based on the exam specification and exam skills. Depending on the student's requirements, we revise and cover content as well as practising structured essay writing and exam skills.

For my classes, I provide all the material myself, all included in the price per hour.

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Personal Description:
Teaching Experience
I am a professional qualified part time teacher as well as online French teacher, currently based in Tonbridge Kent . I hold a BA from the University of Canterbury, and a Celta., with my Mindfulness and Breath-work qualification. Teaching is my full-time profession as well as teaching Breath-work and mindfulness because it is what I truly enjoy, and my students appreciate learning in a structured, motivating, and supportive environment.

I have over 30 years of experience teaching French for a wide range of specific objectives, including:
• Home-schooled students
• Scholarship preparation for prestigious independent schools.
• All major UK French exams: 11-plus, Common Entrance, GCSE, AS-level, A-level, Pre-U, IGCSE, IB, CNED
• All UK exam boards: AQA, OCR, Edexcel, CIE, WJEC
• US high-school French exams such as AP
• Preparation for official certifications: DELF, DALF, TCF, TEF-including for French citizenship
• Regular conversation classes for learners wishing to maintain or refresh their French, including frequent travelers

In addition to exam preparation, I regularly design long-term, tailored learning programmes for home-schooled students, adult learners, and younger children. My approach is very personalised, structured, and adaptable, ensuring that every student progresses with confidence and clarity, so you will be able to appreciate your progress.

Teaching Experience:
I worked in Chiddingstone , Horsmonden, Pembury, Fosse Bank, as well as Adult Education in Tonbridge,
Tonbridge Girls Grammar and Wrotham Secondary School. I was also for 3 years a Modern Foreign Language coordinator in Tunbridge Wells supporting 8 primary schools to implement languages. I am a qualified teacher and in my teaching career I was able to cater for the needs of primary secondary and adults students, covering the basic language, from common entrance, GCSE, A-level, IB, to adults. I enjoy teaching all of those levels because it has allowed me to bring lots of creativity to all the level and create a wide range of resources that can be adapted to all my students.I have been working in Rochester independent college for 13 years now, and I also teach Breath-work and Mindfulness.

Tutoring Approach:
All my experience has allowed me to be very creative in my teaching. Integrating ICT, books, worksheets, power points, videos, and interactive games to insure a broad variety of teaching methods are implemented. I always ensure that all skills are covered.
I will provide my students with a medium term planning, and personalise learning experience.
We can discuss your needs, and I will be able to assess your requirements, whether you are an auditory
Visual, or kinaesthetic learner, I will find a strategy that will result In success.
Whatever your goals; exams, pleasure, business, holiday in France, I will ensure that you will progress and give you all the support that you need.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher in languages and I am also a French native speaker. I can teach French up to A level.

I have many years of experience in the education profession, and provides private French and Spanish tuition to individuals including pupils, students and adults throughout Aylesbury and the local area.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience include working in a grammar school as well as working in a private school.
I have also worked with classes ranging from Y7 to Y13. I am using authentic materials including CD's, textbooks and magazines.

Currently I am working in a Primary school and specialise in private tutoring coaching students for their exams (GCSE and A Level). I have had excellent results and can provide testimonials from past students.

I have plenty of experience of teaching groups of students as well as individuals. I am able to offer One to One tuition as this is a very good way to learn languages at a fast pace.

Tutoring Approach:
Personally, I enjoy teaching and I always ensure that students enjoy the learning experience. I can offer general conversation and encourage students to speak in French and Spanish. I am offering top quality one to one French and Spanish tutoring at times convenient to the pupil.

Tailored to your needs, the classes are the most efficient and cost effective solution designed for:

- French exams (GCSE, A Level)
-Spanish exams (GCSE)
- French or Spanish for children (primary school)
- Ideal if travelling or planning to live in a French or Spanish speaking country

I am able to work from my home but I can travel to your home within the local area.

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Personal Description:
I am fluent in and specialise in French tutoring. I have been speaking French since I was very young, and like to pass on my knowledge and enthusiasm to others. I am an expert in tutoring to GCSE/A level and have been teaching to this exam for over 20 years with 100% pass rate, and with most students achieving grades 7 to 9 in GCSE and A*, A or B at A level. I upgrade my knowledge of the courses as soon as they update or change (which they do fairly frequently). I am also extemely knowledge about France, its current affairs and culture as I have and do spend time in the country.

I tutor both in person and online.Each lesson can be tailored to the student's individual needs.

Other subjects taught::
- beginner to GCSE Italian
-English language (primary to year 11,)

I have dbs certification, a degree in French language and literature, and teaching certificate.

Teaching Experience:
Teacher, private tutor, small group tutor

Tutoring Approach:
I offer a learning experience tailored to your requirements. Lessons can be casual or or exam focused.

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Personal Description:
I am a bilingual native speaker from the Loire Valley in France, have a Master's Degree in French as a Foreign Language and have worked in the UK since 1998 as a French teacher and in Community Education.

Teaching Experience:
I began teaching French in 1991 as a French assistant in a secondary school and throughout 1995-6 undertook Training Placements at l'Institut de Touraine, l'Université François Rabelais and le Centre Linguistique pour Étranger (CLE) de Tours. I have taught French to students from beginner to university level and my experience includes working as a French assistant in primary and secondary schools, French classes for children and adults, private tuition for SQA (NQ 4 and 5, Higher Grade, Advanced Higher), BA Degree level students, DELF or DALF students, leisure classes and literacy.
For SQA, AQA/ GCSE/ AS and A2 level, and DELF/ DALF students, I adopt a person-centred approach in line with course requirements: grammar and discussion around topics such as society, family and friends, lifestyles, media, global languages, citizenship, employability and culture (planning a trip, other countries, celebrating a special event, literature of another country, film and television). Whatever the level, I am particularly interested in developing oral, writing and translation skills, and in tailoring lessons to suit each student's requirements.
Always aiming for fluency and proficiency in French, I provide practice for oral and written communication with emphasis on authenticity, idiomatic expression and translation; provide a concerted development of the four basics - listening, reading, writing and speaking; provide pronunciation tips in light of the phonetic and phonological rules of pronunciation; and, of course, provide access to those grammatical textbooks which perplex many students of the language.

Tutoring Approach:
To inspire confidence in speaking and writing, to encourage improvisation in language use and to stimulate interest in French culture and manners. My lessons aim to be fun as well as methodological, whether instructing school students for SQA/ AQA exams, encouraging casual learners or assisting university students in the finer points of grammar!

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Personal Description:
My language learning journey started in the same way it does for most of us - at secondary school. I fell in love with the French language at an early age and went on to complete an honours degree in French Studies at the University of Birmingham. During my year abroad, I lived and studied in Montréal, where I took classes in French, Italian and Spanish at McGill University and also fell in love with the Spanish language and culture.

I am passionate languages and helping learners build their confidence and reach their language learning goals, whether it be for school, exam preparation, work or pleasure, and I aim to do so in a purposeful and structured yet fun way.

I firmly believe that anyone can learn a language and make progress, whatever their starting point might be.

Teaching Experience:
I have over ten years` cumulative experience of teaching in secondary schools and I have taught French, Spanish, English Language and English Literature. As well as my work in schools, I have been working as a private tutor since 2012,

Over the past 20 years, I have also taught on many English as a foreign language courses to young learners in summer schools and also to adults for general and business purposes in Wiltshire and in North London. I delivered a course in English for business purposes at an Italian legal firm in central London.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe a positive working relationship between tutor and student is the cornerstone of a successful learning experience. I aim to make my students feel at ease and safe to take risks in order to build their confidence and experience success. I tailor lessons to each individual's learning needs and preferences so that the student is always at the centre of the learning process. I use a range of materials in my teaching including online resources, worksheets, games, speaking activities, and past exam papers where appropriate.

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Personal Description:
My name is Haidee, I'm a 19 year old from Liverpool studying French at The University of Liverpool. (I often go to Kirkby and Fazackerly to work and see family so would often be available to tutor in that area too). I have thoroughly enjoyed learning French for 8 years and would love to pass on my knowledge so that you can enjoy learning French too! This is my first time tutoring but I have a genuine love and flair for languages and have enjoyed teaching friends in my own time, so please don't let this put you off as I would love to help!

In school I sat my GCSE early at the age of 14 (year 9), passing with a B. I then continued to study French for the final two years of school and passed again with an A*. I also started studying Spanish in the last two years and passed with an A. During college I studied French to A2 level, passing with a B. In my time in college I spent a week each year in Montpellier living with a French family and attending a French language school, which I really enjoyed and feel helped me with my learning.

In my free time I love to cook (although I'm not very good at it!), go out for meals (when my cooking goes wrong!), read and watch films. I also love to practise Tae Kwon Do, which I started at the age of 15, although I don't do this since I moved away to university.

Teaching Experience:
This is my first time trying tutoring, but I often helped my sister with her French to GCSE level. I also helped a friend of mine who struggled in school to pass her English and Maths GCSE by using imaginative teaching and memory techniques, to which she was very grateful. Due to having friends that also study languages I am used to being able to help others in areas in which they struggle. I have worked with children and young adults from age 2-18 part-time for the past 3 years and so would be comfortable teaching from all ages.

Tutoring Approach:
Throughout my learning experience I have found that it is best to learn the basic rules and grammar of a language from the start, as this has made it easier to build on this. I have lots of quirky ways of remembering things myself and would urge you to figure out how best you learn in order to develop your own style. I also enjoy to watch films/news, listen to music and read genuine French articles to enhance my own learning and would be using these to make your learning more interesting. As not every individual is the same I will adapt my teaching to suit your style and meet your individual needs and if there's something different you want to do please let me know so I can change!

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Personal Description:
I am a native Arabic speaker from Lebanon with french as a second language.
I have a Degree in Law from the Lebanese University.

Teaching Experience:
I have 10 years of teaching experience, teaching students at high school in Lebanon, and over 10 years of online or from home tutoring. I taught Arabic and French to students at all levels.

Tutoring Approach:
Speaking, writing and grammar plus preparing for the GCSE exam. Grammar are part of the Arabic and French lessons. The lessons are tailored to the student's needs and wishes. Ensuring students are learning and understand the lessons with pleasure.
*Arabic Grammar including iierab (إعراب).
I teach in a simple easy way to reach your goal with confidence.
I also teach Levantine Arabic

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Personal Description:
I am a female primary school teacher in the Doncaster/Wakefield area. Aside from my enthusiasm for teaching and helping children to achieve, I am interested in academic areas including sociology and languages. I enjoy travel and reading. I have worked voluntarily as a teaching assistant and completed a degree in Sociology before training to be a teacher. I have also recently (September 2019) completed a Master's in Social History. I now work as a supply teacher in primary and SEN schools and as a personal tutor to primary and secondary level children up to year 9. I hold an enhanced DBS check dated September 2015.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified primary school teacher who has taught classes of all ages at primary level. I also regularly work with secondary SEN students who are not in mainstream education. As a supply teacher, I have worked in many different schools and, as such, I develop positive relationships very quickly with both children and adults. I enjoy working with individuals and small groups in academic tasks and find that children are very responsive to this lower teacher-pupil ratio. I have found that working in these situations really helps to boost children's concentration and confidence in their work. They also feel more comfortable to ask questions in areas they find difficult. When tutoring, I am to create a positive, friendly and professional relationship where children feel comfortable with what they are learning, but also feel they can ask for help when required.

Tutoring Approach:
I recognise that children learn in many different ways - some by seeing and visualising, some by talking and discussing, and some by doing a physical or mental activity. I aim to tutor children using the learning style that best suits them. In a classroom, it is often difficult to meet the needs of every child. Personal tuition provides children with valuable one-to-one time, where the focus is on them and them alone. I believe that personal tuition does much to increase achievement in those weaker areas, but also serves to challenge and develop knowledge in stronger areas. Following an initial consultation, I provide personalised programmes of study tailored exactly to meet the needs of the child involved. I am passionate about helping children to reach their full potential and will do all I can to make this happen. Sessions take place in the child's own home and are arranged on a flexible basis with parent or guardian. I am able to provide tuition from 1 hour per week to more intensive programmes consisting of several hours per week in the school holidays.

I currently have slots available on weekday evenings. Please note, I do not usually tutor on Saturdays or Sundays.

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I have always enjoyed being around children and supporting them towards their personal development. I love watching their progression and helping them to achieve full potential.
I graduated in 2005 in the field of Philology, majoring in Teaching of the French Language.
I was working both in primary and high schools in Poland.
I have learnt there how to identify and find ways to effectively aid the learning and meet pupils' needs in ways which appeal to and best help them develop and gain a beneficial experience from their education so that they can achieve their full potential.
I taught Polish, English and French. The range of my clients was very diverse. I've been teaching children from various age groups, from as young as six up to thirteen years old, some with learning difficulties. I was also working with adults' casual learners and company directors with foreign capital or students who were going to work abroad.

Teaching Experience:
2016 freelancer -private tutor- teaching Polish, French and English, including clients with special needs

Tutoring Approach:
I offer an approach to teaching adapted to the individual needs, personalised style of teaching.
As a keen student of foreign languages, mainly French, I am also passionate about teaching languages to students at the earliest possible age. Languages open the door to exciting opportunities in life and providing children with language skills at an age when they are most receptive to absorbing information will allow them to make the most of these in future.

My time in school and as a private tutor has developed my philosophy of valuing each student as an individual, as well as part of a community. I aim to give me students as many learning opportunities and experiences as possible in order to engage, motivate to take more responsibility for their own learning.

I feel it is essential to make learning exciting and creative; therefore, I always make my lessons interactive, give students choices and relate teaching program to their point of interest.

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Personal Description:
In 2025, I completed a PhD at the University of St. Andrews. In December 2026, I will publish an 100,000 word research monograph, John Clare's Modern Eco-Poetic Legacy in English, with Routledge.

I can teach English National 5, GCSE, A Level and University level.

I am a highly intelligent (Oxford-educated), extremely passionate, and endlessly empathetic tutor. I have been tutoring for three years and I guarantee that you will not regret working with me. I can push anyone up several grade points with my deep commitment to teaching and education.

I used to work in Wakefield as an English teacher but I left because of my desire to focus on tutoring and writing. At the school, I was a highly valued colleague who ran three after-school clubs: a BSL Club, a Playscript Club and a Debating Team.

I have a First Class Honours degree in English Literature (with a lot of French) from the University of York and a Masters' degree in Nineteenth Century Literature from St. Benet's Hall, University of Oxford. I am also a journalist writing for The Guardian, Catholic Herald and The Tablet. I also write creatively - my poems have won contests and appeared in publications such as Amethyst Review, Ink, Sweat & Tears and Ancient Paths. I have a blog, Squidditas, which showcases my writing skills, reinforcing the huge amount I have to offer as an English, French, History and R.S. tutor.

Previously I worked in care and I worked for a homeless shelter in North London, meaning I have a high level of empathy and a highly "person-centred" response to tutoring. I also worked for the University of York in the Disability Service, where I helped disabled students with their academic needs.

Teaching Experience:
I have seven years of experience of tutoring children from 11 to adults. I used to work as an English teacher in Wakefield.

I have mentored disabled students in the University of York and have tutored many people privately before, as well as worked in schools on projects discussing homelessness.

Tutoring Approach:
I do not believe in tutoring people mechanically or with a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. I believe in a truly mutual approach where we work together to understand each topic. I am firm and will do everything I can to ensure I can pass on my knowledge.

I am able to offer a concession of £20. This is only for first-generation migrants, who I have a strong commitment to supporting. If you are not a first-generation migrant, please do not try to barter with me as I am already charging a very low rate for my services given my experience and education. I can absolutely guarantee you will not find such good value for money in terms of commitment, passion and the level I am able to teach at (as well as the range of topics I am able to teach.)

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Personal Description:
I have been tutoring on a full-time basis for over 20 years, including teaching abroad as part of my degree at Cambridge University. Over this time, I have taught pupils across the whole range of ages and abilities. I offer professional, qualified, friendly tuition in English, maths and foreign languages, always tailored to meet each individual student's needs. Travelling is not a problem, and is included within the fee quoted.

Teaching Experience:
Please see above

Tutoring Approach:
Please see above

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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 am a dedicated and reflective education professional with a strong commitment to continuous learning and personal development. An enthusiastic reader who enjoys walking, travelling, and discovering new environments, bringing curiosity, cultural awareness, and adaptability into both professional and personal life. Fluent in French and Italian, with the ability to communicate confidently across cultures and build positive relationships. Approaches work with professionalism, openness, and a genuine interest in people and the world around them

Teaching Experience:
I'm a science teacher and I focus on supporting students' understanding and confidence in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
I am a dedicated professional with over 9 years of experience in education, committed to supporting students academically and personally.

Tutoring Approach:
I am available for One-to-One Tutoring that offers personalised attention, allowing me to tailor lessons to the student's pace and needs. It provides a more focused environment, which can lead to faster progress and better understanding.

I offer also Group Tutoring that Involves a small group of students learning together, which can enhance peer interaction and social learning. It can be beneficial for students who thrive in a collaborative environment and may benefit from peer support.

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