Worksop French Tutors and Worksop French Tuition

Personal Description:
I have over 5 years experience tutoring all ages and levels. I have excellent experience with AQA (GCSE & A-Level), and Edexcel, and CIE IGCSE (GCSE) exam boards. In regards to my own studies, I have a first class degree in French and an MA in translation studies. I take great care to listen and understand your needs, aims, learning style, and interests to help you achieve your goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 5 years experience in personal tuition and I lived for a year in France during my degree and did the British Council assistant ship 2012/2013 in 3 primary schools teaching English. On the back of that I also did some extra one to one tutoring.
From my own experience I think it is important to follow the tutee's needs, and work on those first. I always try to follow the student's lead and tailor sessions as much as possible. For all students I will always try to provide a balanced well-rounded session with a main theme or objective for the session. However, I do like to let the lesson flow and follow your learning speed and style. It's always great if something crops up organically particularly with grammar - it's much easier to see it in practice!

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is nurturing, humourous, and easy-going. I believe in creating a safe learning space where students feel able to explore and ask questions without feeling silly. After all, there is no such thing as a silly question. I believe humour and laughter helps us learn, and I never want any students to feel pressured and forced into following a strict scheme of work. Even if you are studying for an exam, learning should still have some element of enjoyment.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Experienced language tutor with excellent proficiency (oral/ written) in 3 languages.

I am an experienced tutor in teaching French (up to GCSE and IGCSE, A'Level and International Baccalaureate and beyond). I also teach German and Italian up to GCSE/IGCSE level.

I also teach conversation and practical French for adults looking to use the language for holidays/buying/maintaining properties in France as well as business French or just for general use

Have valid CRB disclosure

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for the last 10 years at all levels and have consistantly produced good results in my students at A' Level/IB as well as GCSE/IGCSE.

I am fully conversant with all Exam Boards and GCSE/IGCSE/A'LEVEL/IB etc. syllabuses

I have also taught French to adults at all levels for example who have just wanted to be able to converse comfortably while on holiday, use French to purchase a house in France. I have taught those who want to learn from scratch as well as those who are already at a reasonable level and want to improve their oral and writing skills for business or pleasure

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is firstly to assess closely where the gaps in my pupil's knowledge are and then build on closing them through grammar and vocabulary. I therefore give my students the building blocks to construct their own sentences in writing and speech.

I will work with them sometimes using their own text books but also I provide my own material to make the lessons more interesting. I will use games/quizzes as well as focussing on past papers and oral exams to help them gain confidence in the language.

I engage well with all my pupils and they always enjoy their lessons with me so that their time with me does not feel like just another extension of school

My conversation lessons with adults are always fast-paced and fun and my pupils widen their vocabulary and gain confidence in the new language very quickly

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm Pauline, and I specialise in French and biology. It sounds an odd combination, but read on and I'll tell you more.

For French: I'm half French, complete with both British and French passports. I am fluent in the language, having started with "survival French" at the age of five to yell at my cousins, and then studying it at both GCSE (A* grade) and A-level (A grade). I go to France regularly and enjoy reading news articles in French. For lessons, I usually mix in reading, speaking, listening and grammar, as well as some history, geography and French current affairs to bring it to life. I am also available to practice speaking French, to improve your accent. I can teach both students for exam prep and adults if you're going to France and need some help with asking for directions and a coffee/glass of wine!

For biology: I again studied at GCSE and A-level and then did three degrees in the general field of biology! My PhD was in biomechanics so I specialise in anatomy and physiology, exercise science and cardiovascular; but feel free to contact me and we can discuss what you need. I can even teach plant science! A common request is to go through past papers: often, students have a good knowledge of the subject but find it hard to answer exam questions, especially AQA. My specialty is in exam technique, helping you to understand the questions and what they're really asking for. I have a large bank of past papers and questions of all shapes and sizes that we can go through.

I'm patient and friendly and use a flexible approach so you learn at your speed. Having obtained my PhD, I can relate to students and the specific pressures they face. I am DBS checked and can supply references on request.

Lessons are £30 per hour per person and £50 for two hours, including travel in and around Newcastle. There will be a small charge to cover my fuel for a longer drive, but I'm happy to discuss.

I may not be the cheapest but I'm experienced, reliable, friendly and flexible - I'd rather be good than cheap!

At the moment I am quite near full capacity but give me a shout and I'll do my best to help.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2008, working with a variety of ages and in a range of topics from French tuition to sports coaching. I have taught over 40 students, both school students and adults, and have excellent references.

Tutoring Approach:
I will work closely with you to achieve your goals, if that's to improve in the subject for its own sake, to pass an exam or even to be able to order in French at a restaurant. During the first session we'll agree on a timetable and set specific goals. We'll set aside a few minutes during each subsequent session to assess our progress. I am patient, friendly and reliable and above all I love teaching!

Subjects

Personal Description:
French tutor (native speaker) qualified and experienced.
I provide French tuition in Berkshire / Surrey (based in Bracknell) : one-to-one, groups for Business, Leisure, Preparation GCSE and A-level. From children to adults.

In Addition, I could offer French tuition for French native children.

I could travel up to around 5 miles from Bracknell (Ascot, Maidenhead, Windsor, Camberley, Wokingham ,...).

Teaching Experience:
Previously, I was Primary school teacher in France.
Nowadays, I am a Qualified French Teacher in UK.
I have a large French teaching experience in all ages from beginners to advanced, adults and children.

Tutoring Approach:
All lessons are tailored to the students' needs and expectations, designed depending on their level, interests and specific objectives.
I teach in a studious and enjoyable environment.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an Open University graduate having completed an BA(Hons) degree. I chose my own programme of study which consisted of French,English Language Studies with GCSE/Standard grade Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. After my degree, I undertook an A-level/Higher Grade Maths course and GCSE/Standard Grade level Latin course to keep my study skills fresh and updated whilst complimenting my degree.

Prior to this, I under went a City and Guilds in Delivering Learning which taught me the vital skills required to be able to plan and construct lessons. In conjunction to this, I have also achieved my Level 1 certificate in British Sign Language.

Teaching Experience:
I am currently hired by Borders College based in Galashiels where I teach adult evening classes in Mandarin Chinese, Italian and French, which I love. Seeing my students grow and learn is one of the main reasons why I entered the tutoring and teaching profession.

In addition, I have taught French to various ages ranging from Primary right through to Adult in various capacities. Furthermore, I have taught English as a Foreign Language which was a brilliant experience as it gave me a valuable insight into how people learn not only English but languages in general.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring comprises of friendliness and patience. Having studied at home for my degree, I understand the importance of a structured and warm learning environment. My motto has always been "There is no such thing as a stupid question". If you do not know the answer then the only way to find the answer out is to ask the question, whether it is for the first or tenth time. As I am so passionate about French and English along with reading and writing skills, I feel that lessons with me will be a positive, exciting and worthwhile experience.

I have always strongly believed that education is available to everyone, regardless of past experiences. The only thing that I feel matters when it comes to learning is a want to learn, if you have that then anything is possible.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Born in London, I was educated in the UK and Hong Kong. I currently reside in Oxfordshire with my husband, where we both enjoy the outdoors in the Cotswolds.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years' experience in primary and secondary schools and home education in the UK, Hong Kong and Germany.

I teach in a school in Burford, Oxfordshire, and also provide home tuition to primary and secondary pupils.

Tutoring Approach:
To encourage your child to gain confidence and enjoy learning, I draw on my personal warmth and humour in lessons. I aim to help your child gain good exam results through:

lively engagement with your child's creative intelligence
continuous assessment and feedback of your child's progress
learning using a wide variety of resources

I believe learning comes alive through building on the child's immediate experiences and their curiosity for the world around them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vinehall Preparatory school
Year 3 teacher September 2016- July 2018

Private tutor 2011- present day

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I 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:
London-based bilingual French and English postgraduate speaker offers professional, flexible and affordable private language tuitions in French.

Teaching Experience:
Native French speaker with over 15 years` experience in marketing communications providing training sessions

Tutoring Approach:
Professional, flexible and affordable private language tuitions in French to A-level standard for beginners to advanced levels with an emphasis on French grammar and pronunciation.

There is no registration fee or extra charges for learning materials; help is provided between lessons for homework and you can pay-as- you-go for the classes.

Tutoring can be provided within your home/office with no additional cost or at a local library.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Communication, cooperation and commitment are my key values. I know the importance of being assertive and helpful while providing French and Spanish tuition.
Empathy and a cheerful personality are my bridges to treating language learners with respect. It allows me to have a positive impact on them and see situations from different angles.

Teaching Experience:
During my teaching experience, I have learned how to establish and maintain constructive relationships during lessons, school hours, regular meetings and parents' evenings.
My past experience as a French language assistant and supply teacher allows me to quickly adapt to changes of pace while providing differentiated support. I am therefore used to constantly keeping review and updating records of learners' attendance and attitude. Therefore, a continual assessment of students' learning allows me to set them appropriate targets. So in parallel to the lessons I teach, I monitor their achievement to give them constant appropriate feedback.

Tutoring Approach:
Keeping a high quality of work is one of my other assets. To do so, I make sure I constantly review my lesson planning and assessment processes. I make constant use of my creativity, and provide solutions when improvements are required prior to or during the lessons taught. I am always searching to undergo further training to add value to the lessons I teach.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Experienced tutor both face to face and online sessions. I am at present a part time languages teacher. I have been teaching for 15 years in secondary schools and I have 7 years experience of teaching adult education. I specialise in French and have been mainly responsible for GCSE and A level teaching. I am able to help students with set texts and films such as L'étranger, un sac de billes, l'auberge espagnole, No et moi, entre les murs and la Haine they are studying and I can provide extra guidance and help with this aspect of the new A Level course. I have a detailed knowledge of exam criteria for a range of exam boards and I can offer personalised tutoring for all aspects of the course. My teaching style is very engaging and interactive and I adapt my teaching to get the very best out of students. All of my tutees who took their exam in summer 2022 increased their overall grade by at least one grade.
I am able to provide targeted intensive revision sessions in the holidays to boost exam success .

Teaching Experience:
12 years secondary school experience teaching KS 3 French and Geman , KS4 French , KS 5 French and beginners Italian.

5 years experience with a local city council teaching adult French and Italian.

5 years tutoring experience teaching a range of levels.

I currently mark for one of the major exam boards at GCSE level.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor sessions to the needs of students and their learning styles. I aim to create a safe environment for learners where it is ok to make mistakes and try to be creative. I use a range of teaching resources to make lessons varied and engaging.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello!

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

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

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Toby, I am 19 and have just come back from a year abroad in France. I currently work as a lifeguard and musician and am heading to Reading University to study french and business in september. I am a fluent french speaker who is fresh from learning the language to fluency, so am very much in touch with the language-learning process from a student's point of view - I know exactly where the hudrles lie and how to overcome them.

Teaching Experience:
I studied french up to A Level and took a year out in France, working as an Au Pair to the Marquis de Biliotti family at the Château d'Anjou in Lyon. I was in the highest class level at my Lyon university (C1/C2 class) and learned the language fluently. I have experience teaching English to children in France, and have worked as a telephone translator and PA translator.

Tutoring Approach:
I am flexible with my sessions; I can work on specific topics with which the pupil struggles, grammar, pronunciation and phonetics, vocab etc as well as approaches to language learning; analysing areas for the pupil to work on and giving resources, apps, videos and advice to help further their independent learning.
I can also work through set syllabuses, workbooks or other related set-works with the pupil.
(I will build sessions around my current working hours.)

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
** Qualified teacher and examiner with years of experience. Proven exam results for SATs, GCSEs, A'levels and IB. 100% pass rate for the Eleven-Plus **

I graduated from Lancaster University with first class honours in English language and literature, I was also awarded the Pendle College prize for linguistics. I then went on to complete my PGCE at St Martin's College. I gained qualified teacher status at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.

I have always had a passion for education and this has enabled me to inspire and motivate my students. I have achieved high results with pupils in previous years and most students progress an additional two grades after tuition. Some students achieve higher progression and have been known to gain three grades higher following tuition sessions.

I teach GCSE English language and literature, A'level English language and literature and the eleven-plus. I also have experience teaching a wide range of curriculum subjects with great success and results. In addition, I tutor students for the SATs exams and previous students have had excellent results, often the top of their year group.

I regularly help students prepare for entrance examinations and have 100% rate in this area. The schools I have previously helped pupils gain entry to are: Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, Bury Grammar School, Manchester High School for girls and Bolton School. I am familiar with the CEM and GL Assessment specifications.

I am fortunate to teach students both in the UK and in many parts of the world. I currently teach students at the British School in Voorschoten (Netherlands) and at the British School in Shunyi (Beiijing) in addition to students based in the UK. Furthermore, I am able to offer a range of subjects to my students including: English, French, Classical Civilisation, Spanish and History.

Previously students that I have taught have gone on to Oxford and Cambridge in addition to Russell Group universities. I have also helped students prepare for the Oxbridge tests and the writing task on the BMAT exam (BioMedical Admissions Test).

I am a versatile, professional and friendly tutor who will work hard to help students achieve their full potential. I believe strongly that education changes lives.

I am currently a postgraduate student at the University of York (Mphil by distance).

Teaching Experience:
10 years working at secondary schools in Lancashire.
Over five years experience as a private tutor.

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly, dedicated and enthusiastic in my approach to tutoring students. I work very hard to help students progress and think of the tutor-student relationship as a partnership whereby we work to further the students' goals.

I always go beyond the usual expectations of students, I aim to offer tuition support between sessions to help students progress.

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