Balham German Tutors and Balham German Tuition

Personal Description:
I always seek to organise lessons around the student's areas of interest.
I expect lessons to be both fun and challenging, and set clear goals and objectives for each student, both short- term and long- term.
I have lived and taught in France, Germany and the UK.

Teaching Experience:
6 years in a London Montessori School, age range 5- 16.
3 years in a London comprehensive, age range 11- 19.
3 years in a West Midlands comprehensive, age range 11- 16.
10 years in a Cheshire comprehensive, age range 11- 18.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring is a serious investment of time and money on the part of both student and teacher, and so I always spend part of the first session making sure that everyone is clear about the aims and objectives of the tutoring.

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I was born in Germany to British parents and lived there for 8 years before coming over to the UK to live. I also spent a total of 2 further years over there in Southern and Northern Germany after my A Levels and during my undergraduate degree to further my knowledge, working for OSRAM GmbH and studying at the Freie Universität Berlin.

Teaching Experience:
I graduated with a degree in German and Drama, with First Class Honours, in July 2010, from Queen Mary, University of London and have just completed a PGCE (Secondary) in Modern Foreign Languages (German with French), at the Institute of Education, University of London, also gaining QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) from the GTCE (General Teaching Council for England).

I am familiar with the National Curriculum at the Secondary level for Key Stages 3/4/5 - Year 7 through to Year 13, and will tailor tuition to suit individual needs, allowing for development in German language skills, as well as preparation for public examinations.

Tutoring Approach:
Friendly 1-2-1 tuition supporting development in German language skills, tailored to individual needs. National Curriculum at Key Stages 3/4/5 can be followed as well as key examination preparation to boost confidence and performance.

Currently offering sessions on a Saturday/Sunday @ £40p/h

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Personal Description:
My mum was from Germany, and my frequent childhood trips to Germany fuelled my love of languages, leading me to study French and German at university. I have a wide range of interests, including sport, music, current affairs, reading and travel, which enables me to find areas of common interest with my tutees - this is particularly helpful at a more advanced linguistic level, when discussion and conversation play a greater role. I am friendly and sociable and love helping students achieve their language goals by finding ways of learning that work well for them.

Teaching Experience:
I achieved a First Class Joint Honours degree in French and German from Nottingham University, where I spent the third year of my degree as an 'Assistante' in a school in St-Lô in northern France. I then completed a PGCE in Secondary German and French at Manchester Polytechnic. Since qualifying I have worked in secondary, primary and adult education, teaching all ages and levels, including GCSE and A-level. I have also tutored privately, again with a variety of age groups and levels.

Tutoring Approach:
I am enthusiastic, friendly and conscientious and believe that good relationships are at the heart of effective teaching and learning. My experience in different sectors of education means I have developed a wide range of teaching styles which can be adapted to the needs of each individual learner. Whilst every student is different and requires a tailored approach, I aim to create a relaxed and open atmosphere in which students are given encouragement at every stage and feel able to ask about anything they do not understand. I review with the tutee on an ongoing basis how they feel things are going and whether their needs are being met.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I have always had a love for languages and would love to instil you with the same enthusiasm. After having lived abroad as part of my degree, I then graduated with a BA Hons Degree Class 2.1 in Modern Languages (German, French and Italian), after which I obtained my Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). After teaching, I also worked for International companies, using my languages extensively by liaising with customers and colleagues overseas and also translating and interpreting. I have always kept my languages fresh by reading foreign literature and keeping in touch with German / French friends. I am mother to 4 children, but even after my children were born, I continued to do some freelance translation. As a mother and as a teacher, I know the importance of patience and how important it is to make learning worthwhile, enjoyable and fun!

Teaching Experience:
After qualifying as a Languages teacher, I have taught German and French in a Comprehensive School to the 11-18 age group. I have tutored teenagers and adults privately in both German and French. I have also provided French classes in one of the International companies I worked for.

Tutoring Approach:
I can offer a learning program which is specifically tailored to suit the individuals needs, whatever the level of knowledge or ability. If required, lessons can be adapted to focus on specific areas such as grammar or conversation practice. My experience in using languages in a business setting also means that I am also well placed to teach lanuages to adults for business purposes. I am a perfectionist and will strive to offer the best tuition possible, by thorough preparation and the use of a variety of learning materials and approaches. If required homework can be set to consolidate knowledge learnt. I want your learning to be productive and engaging. It can open a window into foreign culture and soon you will realise how much fun it is to be able to communicate in another language.

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Personal Description:
Stafford resident currently working in a Midlands sixth-form college providing language training to 16-19 year-olds. Professional, a good listener and able to get the best out of my students. I have excellent results from my current students and wish to harness my knowledge again into the field of private tuition.

Teaching Experience:
Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages for over twenty years to students of wide ranging levels (Beginners to A2 Level). A lot of my recent work has been with sixth-form students across the region but prior to that I worked with adults at many establishments on a more group basis. Equally, I have vast experience of working within businesses, providing language tuition at all levels. My teaching has been diverse and very interesting and I always relish a new challenge.

Tutoring Approach:
A tutor has to be able to focus on the individual needs of the student and make a learning session both varied and interesting. He or she must keep up-to-date with modern learning methods and changes in the curriculum. I am able to tailor my sessions according to the particular needs of the individual and be flexible at any time.

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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.

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Personal Description:
I am a 25 year old PhD student in Spanish Literature at the University of Cambridge. I have a first class-degree in Spanish and German language and literature as well as an MPhil in Spanish literature which I completed in 2014. I have a range of experience that would make me ideal for teaching young people and adults from beginner up to A-Level standard.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored Spanish to school pupils with learning difficulties at both beginner and GCSE level and helped them to significantly improve their performances.

I was also a group leader at the Villiers Park Educational Trust in Cambridgeshire, aimed at language applicants from less advantaged backgrounds. Throughout the week-long programme I was responsible for delivering a series of seminars as well as one-to-one tuition on subjects as varied as Spanish vocabulary and grammar, to cinema, literature and history. The programme was such a success that I have been invited back as a tutor this year.

Tutoring Approach:
I am available to give online tutoring to young people and adults in Spanish and German from beginner to A-Level standard. I can work you through the basics of the language or the more complex material for advanced students. I'm happy to teach any aspect of the language or culture you need. I am also available to teach in Cambridge city centre, where possible.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I'm Sabine, a native German speaker and former university lecturer. With a Master's Degree in Translation from the University of Heidelberg and numerous teaching qualifications from the Goethe Institute, I'm here to guide you in learning German or Spanish.

Teaching Experience:
I bring over 10 years of teaching experience from the School of Management and Languages at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, the German Saturday School, and through private instruction in small groups and one-on-one settings. Recently, I have embraced online language teaching, completing additional training in online teaching software and collaborative tools and apps through the Goethe Institute, ensuring dynamic and interactive virtual learning experiences.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor each class to the unique needs of my students, adapting content, level, and teaching approach to suit individual learning style or group dynamics. My goal is to make learning enjoyable and enriching, ensuring you gain a deep understanding of the language along with cultural insights and practical skills.

My lessons provide an environment where students feel comfortable to actually speak the language and make mistakes - without pressure or judgement.

£35/hour or £50/1.5 hrs online - discount for 2 or more students of similar level.

(An additional £5 per hour is applicable for in-person lessons)

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Personal Description:
I am a friendly, qualified and experienced teacher. I am a native German. I moved to the UK in 1991 just after meeting my future husband. We have three grown-up sons. My hobbies are walking, gardening, piano and music, cooking and I am a member of the WI. I hold a current DBS certificate and I am also registered with the Education Workforce Council.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in Grammar schools and colleges in the UK for over 15 years, as a German teacher and Head of German. I have conducted GCSE and A-level oral exams for the WJEC examination board and written syllabuses for German GCSE and A-level groups. The school where I worked, received an "Outstanding" by Ofsted. At present, I am working online and in-person with students who are eager to improve their confidence and skills at Key stage 3, GCSE, A-level or Degree level, and also with adults who want to learn German to converse with family and friends or are taking up professional positions in Germany and Switzerland.

The feedback I have received from students has been consistently positive. All students have improved their skills and confidence and many have been able to get top marks in their exams and have been able to secure places at Cambridge, Imperial College, York, Nottingham, Cardiff and Kings College London.

Tutoring Approach:
I currently teach all lessons in person or online on Zoom or Skype. Online tutoring is very effective, as students can choose the best tutor regardless of where they live and save on travelling time. As with in person lessons, I prepare lesson plans and materials and send them to the student before the lesson. I also set homework assignments, mark the work and give constructive feedback.

Language tuition has been my passion for a long time and allows me to be supportive and creative, motivating pupils and believing in their abilities. One-to-one tuition is very productive, because it adapts to the individual learner's needs easily. My experience in schools and with exams has given me the knowledge of standards required for GCSE and A-level exams, and many pupils have commented on how much improvement they have seen in their school work, and in their confidence, as a result of our lessons. My aim is to make language learning enjoyable, and therefore I always encourage a warm and relaxed atmosphere for lessons. My lessons are structured, integrating all four language skills speaking, listening, reading and writing, and also include grammar, pronunciation, games, video clips, and lots of authentic material and cultural knowledge.

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Personal Description:
I like to be friendly around people who are eager to learn. I'm very patient even if anyone has struggles, I'm confident and I'm willing to put too much effort into the subjects that I'm teaching.

Teaching Experience:
Fellow students achieved grades that are similar to mine, straight A's in their GCSE's

Tutoring Approach:
I'm a student and I need money but by helping people around with what I collected of knowledge.

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Personal Description:
I am a native German speaker and I am passionate about teaching and I love people. I have a PhD in protein chemistry.

Teaching Experience:
I am teaching since 2012 and I have taught 31 private students so far. I have taught 17 Science GCSE and A-level classes in schools and Colleges. I also have taught 23 German, French and Italian evening classes.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is student and needs centred.
My language lessons can focus on speaking and listening, essential grammar and writing sentences and essays.
In science lessons all weaknesses can be discussed, school homework and exam paper questions.
A typical lesson with me is one hour per week with one additional hour of homework for the following lesson, however this is entirely up to the student.

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Personal Description:
Hey! I am an A-Level student looking to consolidate my knowledge by helping others. I achieved all grade 8s and 9s at GCSE level (this is equivalent to As and A*s). I have a vast skill base. I have been head boy, prefect and a young leader.

Teaching Experience:
Tutoring students in the lower school

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that teaching students on their level and disregarding the formalities like 'sir' or 'miss' builds a stronger bond between tutor and student. I am very patient and I am very capable of changing the wording so you understand. I can also provide you with my own revision notes that got me my awesome grades.

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Personal Description:
Spanish was the first language I learned after English, as my grandparents taught my sister and I from a young age. I was fascinated by foreign languages and wanted to learn more, which was how I ended up learning French and German. I took my Spanish and French GCSEs outside school, with help from my grandparents in order to be able to take all three of these languages up to that level.

I am now a third-year student of BA Finnish and Russian at University College London, and I completed A-Levels in French, German and Spanish.

Teaching Experience:
Tutoring began for me online, teaching English as a foreign language. My first tutee was a native Russian speaker, with whom I am still in contact. She now studies at university in English in the US, and has moved on to learn Spanish which I speak well and have continued to teach her via Skype.

In 2018 I had the opportunity to start tutoring a Spanish student alongside her weekly classroom lessons. Upon her recommendation, another member of her Spanish class approached me for her own tutoring and I suggested teaching the two of them together, something I thoroughly enjoyed and which gave me valuable experience working with two tutees at once.

Since March 2020 I have been tutoring regularly online and have built up a network of tutees of various subjects.

My other teaching experience includes a work experience placement in a secondary school in Germany during which I led classroom lessons of English and worked with SEN students. Alongside studying for my A-Levels I worked with younger Spanish students as a teaching assistant within my school.

Tutoring Approach:
What I find most important when it comes to keeping my students inspired is giving them the chance to apply the skills they are learning. It's easy to get bogged down learning grammatical concept after grammatical concept, lists of vocabulary and verb conjugations, but it's vital that we don't lose sight of why we started learning in the first place. With this in mind, I make sure we spend as much time speaking, writing about topics relevant to the student and consuming authentic written and audible media in the target language. The feeling of managing to express something meaningful to you or of understanding a line of a song you love in your target language is incredibly valuable but often overlooked.

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Personal Description:
Qualified, experienced, patient tutor
An outstanding practitioner, as evidenced in inspections and lesson observations.
I have had extensive training in supporting students with special educational needs. I am able to tailor approaches and resources to suit the individual needs of every pupil.

Teaching Experience:
27 years Headmistress Primary and Secondary School, retired.
15 years private tuition experience.
35 years teaching experience.

Tutoring Approach:
27 years' experience, including as Head Of Department and Headmistress.
Qualified teacher and subject specialist.
I am supportive, warm and encouraging in my approach.

Why choose me?
100% success rate in helping pupils get into their first choice schools, including Cheltenham Ladies' College, Haberdashers', St Paul's and Westminster College.
I provide expert private tuition for 11+, 13+, GCSE, A-level and International Baccalaureate examinations.
I am experienced at teaching pupils of all ages between 7 - 18.

Testimonials

Wendy was recommended to us by a colleague for her excellent quality of tuition. She has an extensive knowledge of the GCSE syllabus for literature and language and has considerable experience in the field. She is reliable and has a great work ethic. She has enabled my son to reach his potential and is able to focus on points of weakness, build confidence and motivate him into writing essays, which he did not enjoy or do prior to Wendy. Wendy has tailored her approach to teaching him in how to answer questions for the best possible outcome. His improvement in English has helped him progress in other subjects and is now looking at higher grades in History and RE due to a more articulate approach to answering questions. Less importantly my son has enjoyed his English lessons and always looked forward to them.

S, Chesham, Bucks

Wendy has been such a blessing for my daughter, completely turning around her expectations with regards to her academic ability and hugely affecting not only her English results but all her other subjects. Now, thanks to Wendy, she has the right tools to construct an essay. Her marks have improved by two grades across the board. Wendy is a wonderful and inspiring teacher and I just cannot recommend her highly enough.

Rachel, Amersham, Bucks

Lovely Wendy is the most amazing and caring tutor I could ever wish for. She deserves a medal for her work and her students are so motivated in these crazy times it is wonderful to know my son is being so looked after. He enjoys every lesson.

Lucy, South Heath, Bucks.

I highly recommend Wendy. Her long experience, personal approach and carefully planned English lessons have been incredible for over two years now. She also provides excellent feedback following each session and takes time to stay close to parents to gauge how and where she can add most value. I am happy to email or speak to other parents about how she has helped us!

Sarah, Great Missenden, Bucks.

I am so delighted we found Wendy to help with my son's preparation for his GCSE in English Literature and French to A level. I thoroughly recommend her tutoring services. She is consummate and professional and well prepared for each session with a myriad of printed materials to support the lesson. She is knowledgeable about her subject and importantly about what the examiners are looking for in assessing examination answers. She is also friendly, approachable and has a rare gift for imparting her understanding and enthusiasm for literature. My son positively looked forward to both English and French studies with her - something sadly he never felt at school. He now looks forward to University with every confidence

Tokeer, High Wycombe, Bucks.

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Personal Description:
Hello, my name is Luisa. I'm a 20-year-old medical student who speaks English, German, Hungarian, and French. Subjects such as business and economics interest me outside of Medicine, and I'm based in Scotland. As a native German, Hungarian, and English speaker (having learned all three at the same time while growing up), I offer a natural teaching approach that matches the way one would learn as a native speaker.

Teaching Experience:
Thus far I have only tutored in German, but I have assisted others informally in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and getting into Medicine.
[As a Medical student my CRB check has also been done.]

Tutoring Approach:
I love past papers! These for me were key when I was revising for my Highers, Advanced Highers, and even for the Medical School entrance exams such as the BMAT, UCAT, and TMS (Germany). I believe they offer key information on what exactly it is you need to know, and to what standard/ depth one must answer questions. At the beginning I like to get a feel for what level of knowledge students have, and together we set goals for what we wish to achieve (e.g. time remaining until the exam, what grade they wish to achieve, if there is any particular section they are struggling with, etc..). Preferably, I like to communicate with my students before the lesson, so we can decide what learning outcomes to focus on during our session, so we can both prepare beforehand.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I am a French and German graduate from the University of Cambridge with experience in tutoring languages for children and adults through volunteering and working as a teaching assistant both in the UK and abroad.

Teaching Experience:
In the past, I have volunteered to help at a local lower school, where I would give speaking practice to small groups and help them reinforce new vocabulary ahead of mock tests. I have also been a teaching assistant in upper school, where I have helped students on a 1:1 basis.

Tutoring Approach:
I will tailor to your specific goals and also help you improve your confidence in the language through friendly tutoring.

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Personal Description:
Out of passion i teach from United Kingdom. Have taught and inspired many students online over 10000 students.

My specialty i am not a typical teacher , but a professional from industry. So i teach differently , i believe in understanding concepts and testing students which is the best way. More interactive will make learning more exciting. I nowadays am focused on Artificial Intelligence so feel to send me queries.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of experience in programming software and worked in many industries in software industry like automotive, aerospace and also in web/app development. I can create courses depending on your needs.

Tutoring Approach:
Pracitcal approach and immediate quizzing after learning about a topic and application of the knowledge learnt , this is my approach and i am confident that the students will gain value and will be able to apply the knowledge learnt from me.

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