Cranbrook German Tutors and Cranbrook German Tuition

Personal Description:
I have over 13 years of experience teaching languages, and hold a PGCE & Master's degree in teaching from the University of Oxford. I have taught French and Spanish to GCSE and A-level, always securing excellent results for my students. Outside of lessons, I keep fully up-to-date with the cultures of the languages I teach through my love of travelling, reading and the cinema. I am also a keen student of Japanese.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught for over 13 years in Good and Outstanding London secondary schools, and also work as an exam board marker, ensuring I am fully up-to-date with all exam specifications at GCSE and A level. I also have experience training teachers at one of the UK's leading universities. I have extensive experience as a tutor delivering online lessons. I am able to offer lessons that cover the following:

- Key Stage 3 French, German & Spanish - to boost progress and lay excellent foundations ahead of a potential GCSE course
- GCSE French, German & Spanish - grammar, vocabulary, translation, speaking and writing strategies, examination skills
- A level French & Spanish - grammar, vocabulary, translation, summary writing, speaking exam preparation, cultural components (i.e. the book and/or the film)
- Adult learners who wish to pick up the language for fun or for specific purposes

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approach is flexible and always adapted to suit the needs and objectives of my students. Motivation is key, and for this reason I prepare bespoke lessons to engage and interest my students, making use of authentic resources wherever possible. My approach caters for the balanced development of all four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

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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.

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Personal Description:
I studied English Literature at Edinburgh University, graduating with a First Class Masters in 1999, before going on to train as an actor at the prestigious London Academy of Dramatic Art (LAMDA) in 2001. Since graduating, I have worked extensively as an actor in theatre, television and radio and since 2007 I have worked very closely with acclaimed theatre company The Factory as an associate producer and director as well as an actor. I have a wide-ranging interest in the arts (from contemporary music through to cinema and the visual arts) as well as an active interest in politics and current affairs. I have worked as a free-lance tutor since 2005 and love not only the obvious flexibility it affords but, far more importantly, the mental, creative and social stimulation it provides both me and, hopefully, those I teach.

Teaching Experience:
In 2005 I registered with a private agency and taught English Literature as a freelance tutor at GCSE level for them that year.
I have wide and extensive experience teaching and creating drama with young people: I have worked on schools and youth projects with Shakespeare's Globe, the National Student Drama Festival and the Carney Academy of Performing Arts as well providing private tuition for drama school entrance and audition technique.
I occasionally work for the University of Westminster as a free-lance actor, working closely with director and academic Helen Eastman.

Tutoring Approach:
I passionately believe that education needs to be grounded in passing on, developing and deepening the love of a subject and that, as such, learning shouldn't be results led. I also believe that people are different and that an approach to tutoring and education should reflect that.

As such I aim to keep engagement and enjoyment at the centre of the process. I encourage pupils to engage with their subject through lateral and creative thinking in the belief that good results follow when a student can enter into a dialogue with the work they are being asked to do and not the other way round.

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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 professional in my 30s with degrees in English & Italian Literature (BA 2:1, Warwick 2000) and the History of Medicine & Science (MA Merit, Birkbeck College, University of London). I also hold a CELTA qualification in teaching English Language to adults.

I am a friendly and open teacher and get on very well with my students. I have a car and will travel.

Proof-editing: contact for rates.

In addition to teaching I also offer a proof-reading service so for university essays / research proposals / writing projects, please do contact me for rates.

Teaching Experience:
I have spent the past three years in Germany teaching English as a foreign language to university students and business professionals. I am CELTA qualified and have a flexible approach, adapting my style to suit my students' needs. One to one teaching was my preferred method. l

Before I went to Germany in 2014, I had been a English and History tutor for ten years.

Please note that I am not a PGCE-qualified teacher. My focus is on the required skills rather than the syllabus as set by the school. This method has proved very effective time and time again.

I hold a German CRB, in due time I will replace this with a UK one.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to proof-editing / English checking is to look primarily at the language. For some clients - university students in particular - it is not appropriate to offer an editorial service as this goes against the rules of university submissions. However, where I think a mistake has been made or something is not clearly expressed - and it is not a simple matter of correcting the language - then I will flag it up to the student so they can look at it again.

My main aim with my tutees is to build their confidence and enthusiasm for the subject. To this end I concentrate on teaching the skills they require to achieve the grades they want. My role is not to replace the teaching they get at school but to compliment it so a tutoring session could concentrate on planning an essay the student has been asked to write or going through specific areas the student needs help with. I won't necessarily give homework - unless required - as I feel students have enough to do without me adding to their workload.

In return I expect my students to engage with the sessions. They don't have to like the subject and of course I'm there to help those who don't understand some things or just need a little help or encouragement, but the student must be prepared to be tutored.

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Personal Description:
Having completed my first degree in French and German at Oxford University in June 2013, I returned to Belfast to complete first a MA in Medieval History, and then a further MA in Translation Studies.

At the same time, I began building up a portfolio career as a freelance tutor and translator, allowing me to live out my passion for language, literature, and culture (alongside digger manuals, pharmaceutical texts, and other oddities) on a daily basis.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience dates back to my undergraduate years. At Oxford I gained two years' experience with Jacari, a charity that teaches English to local children of a different mother tongue. I also provided tuition to students of GCSE history in local Oxford schools.

I spent my year abroad teaching English to pupils aged 10 to 19 at a German grammar school, and have since instructed a number of tutees of ages 8 to 65+ in English Language, French, German and Italian.

I can also provide help with Oxbridge entrance examination and interview preparations for languages, English, and history, as well as general advice for personal statements.

Tutoring Approach:
This variety of experience has taught me the importance of varying my teaching approach according to the needs and interests of the pupil.

While I keep a keen eye on the intended curriculum or goals at all times, I am used and open to changing from more formal to more informal (i.e. games-based) tutoring methods as appropriate.

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Personal Description:
I`m a German, English and Educational Studies undergraduate from the University of Trier in Germany. I`m a native German, but have been living in the UK for over 15 years now.
I`m a self-employed Tutor and Translator and also work as a Proofreader.
I teach German at GCSE and University level as well as German for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
I also teach English at SATs and GCSE level as well as English as a foreign language.

Teaching Experience:
I`ve been a self-employed Private Tutor for over 12 years now, however have been tutoring since I was 15 years old.
I have studied English, German and Educational Studies at University in Germany and I have always tutored alongside my studies (also while I was at school) and I have undergone internships/ work experiences in different types of schools in Germany.
In the past 6 years I have accompanied a great number of students to a successful graduation (most of them have achieved As and A*s in their GCSEs and A-levels).

Tutoring Approach:
I can adjust very well to my students and cater for individual needs. I plan lessons according to the student's needs and don't follow a particular pattern.
I am always up to date with the school curriculum as I keep in touch with teachers and schools.
I am always very well prepared and I am very flexible concerning time, date and rearrangements.
I've got a very easy-going way of teaching and can adjust myself to any age groups and personal need.

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Personal Description:
I am a 38 year old native German, moved to Northumberland in 2012 to live here with my family and our little dachshund. After my A-Level (including German and English) I have made an apprenticeship as a Travel Agent, as travelling is one of my passions. The last 4 years before moving here I have been working as a Sales and Marketing Manager in the music industry, as music is another passion of mine. So when I moved here, I started giving guitar lessons and German lessons and I really enjoy both. I love to teach my language to people and have experience in teaching both children and adults.

Teaching Experience:
I am currently teaching private students one-to-one, beginning from 6 years up to 60 years old. Some of them are beginners, others prepare for their GCSE or A-Level. I have been assisting in schools from nursery to A-Level and know the curriculum.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are tailored to your needs and full of fun. I am very patient and encouraging as I know how hard the German language can appear. Everybody learns in a different way and I am very flexible to adjust to yours to support your progress and make you a confident German speaker. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or if you are already learning German, I want to help you improving your skills easily.
Please note that my lessons are 45 minutes long.

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Personal Description:
I am a 31-year old freelance journalist, born and raised in Germany. I have two Master's degrees, one in politics and one in digital journalism. Because of working in media & communications I am used to reviewing written text and highly aware of people's way of expressing themselves. I have a huge passion for languages and have learned Spanish for over 10 years now, including extensive stays in Spain, and I am perfectly fluent in English.

Teaching Experience:
Mostly 1 on 1 teaching and reviewing written texts over the last few years. Also, I taught a GCSE class in German at Royal Greenwich UTC for half a year. In addition, I have been teaching German at The Green Monkey School in Madrid for two years. My students have significantly improved in their skills and I prepared several people for their move to Germany.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer a natural approach to learning languages which means engaging in everyday conversations that help the speaker get used to the way they usually talk in a new environment. I also look precisely for mistakes in any kind of written work and take much care about correct grammar and spelling as I do in my own publications.

For politics in journalism I can also edit written work and talk through complex political and social processes which I have extensively analysed during my studies.

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Personal Description:
French lessons with French Native speaker.

Learn with a patient and experienced French tutor based in Reading. I am also a professional translator for French and German.

Passionate about teaching French and German, I have extensive experience teaching Foreign Languages.

I am easy-going and encouraging, but also believe in challenge according to your own confidence, requirements and ability.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching French and German in the last 10 years to children, teenagers, and mostly professionals and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approach is first and foremost student-centered. I believe that each student grows at their own pace. Therefore my methodology is based on patience, persistence and set on progress.

The material that we will use has a progressive approach and will focus on your needs and interests. Attention is placed on pronunciation, conversation, grammar as well as writing skills if required.

It is suitable for both everyday life or business.

The learning pace is your pace. Just contact me and let's talk French or German together!

Not fussy about timing. Length of the lesson depends on you. I am available mostly evenings and week-ends.

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Personal Description:
I am a German native speaker with a First Class degree in English Language and a PGCE in German and Russian. I have experience in tutoring all levels up to Higher/ A-level.

Teaching Experience:
I initially worked in secondary schools, however, over the years I have also taught German to pre-schoolers, run German clubs in primary schools and have helped to prepare students for their exams, as well as teaching conversational German.

Tutoring Approach:
I choose appropriate methods to suit my students' needs, so the focus could be on exam preparation one day and building conversational confidence on another. I enjoy teaching my language and love teaching young children as much as preparing more academic students for their exams.

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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 been teaching French and German for the past 30 years.
I retired from classroom teaching in July 2022, in order to focus on offering private tuition.
The bulk of my private tuition is French and German GCSE. However, I am also delivering German IB (diploma) and A level, as well as English as a second language.
I also have some adult learners as well as children from age 6-10.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of teaching French and German at all levels but mainly secondary school.
I have worked for 27 years in two London comprehensives.
My results have always been excellent.
I have outstanding subject knowledge and am familiar with the main exam boards.
I also have access to all relevant materials.
I am currently working part time in a local secondary school teaching French and German A level.
My current tuition timetable includes:
French GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Edexcel IGCSE)
German GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE)
German A level (AQA and Edexcel)
German adult learners - beginners.
English as a second language - IGCSE, IELTS
Beginner's German to adult learners as well as children aged 6-11

I have students attending UK top grammar and independent schools, as well as state comprehensives. I have experience in stretching and challenging the most able as well as helping students gain an acceptable pass in what is sometimes their weakest subject.
In the last two years, those of my tutees taking higher GCSE, have all gained grades 7-9 and those taking foundation, a grade 5.
All of this information can be verified on request.
I also have a number of adult learners for beginner's German. This has been very successful. Current students can provide testimonials if required.

Tutoring Approach:
I have done a lot of private tutoring, mainly GCSE but also some A level and adult learners.
I am a calm and patient teacher and know how to get the best out of my students.
Each lesson is tailor made to suit the needs of the individual.
I pride myself on being flexible and as a parent myself, understand that unforeseen circumstances can crop up. Therefore, I do not charge for late cancellations.

Recent, verifiable testimonials (updated August 2023, following GCSE results)

Alison was a great tutor. She is very easy to understand and made french as a subject a lot more simple for my son to understand. My son was originally getting 3s and 2s in his mocks, but she was able to assist him in getting a good result in the GCSE. I can't thank her enough for the help. She's a great tutor.
I would like to recommend her to everyone.

Allison has tutored my son for the past 2 years and I was delighted that he got a 9 for his GCSE German exam this year. My son took his GCSE exam early at the end of year 9 and his grade is a true reflection of what an exceptional tutor Allison is. Allison has been a truly amazing tutor and my son has thoroughly enjoyed his lessons with her. He will continue his tutoring with Allison as he has now opted to take A/S Level German next year. I highly recommend Allison if your child needs tuition for German.


Allison has been tutoring our daughter in French for the last few weeks, to help her prepare for GCSE's.
I cannot recommend Allison highly enough. She is easy to contact and on time to every lesson. My daughter was initially sceptical about having a tutor, but from the first lesson she soon saw the benefits. Allison is very personable and gave me feedback on what our daughter should be focusing on and how she has improved. Allison has great knowledge of the school syllabus and gave my daughter key areas to focus on outside of the lessons. I would like to thank Allison for giving our daughter more confidence in what used to be one of her weaker subjects

Allison provided tutoring for our daughter ahead of her GCSE in German. She knows the syllabus extremely well and identified the main areas on which to focus. She was very flexible on when she could come to our house and helped our daughter get the most out of each hour of tutoring. The overall impact was very positive with our daughter getting a 9 in her GCSE. I can thoroughly recommend Allison to anyone looking for help in either German or French.

We had Allison for about a year, and my son continues enjoying the lessons. Allison is very reliable, personable and flexible. She understands the help and support that is required for my son and applies her skills and knowledge to help. Her calm manner and being very accommodating are helpful add-ons to the help we get from her.

I was so busy to let you know how impressed my boys are of both of you. Because of you and his German teacher now, D. studies German with pleasure.

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Personal Description:
I am an extremely well qualified and experienced teacher of modern languages. I worked in many schools in the UK and for the most part as head of MFL. I also worked in China and Germany teaching English. Since retiring from full time teaching I have been teaching private lessons. I have extensive knowledge of the GCSE and A level courses and I have been very successful with my students. On average their grades have improved by at least two from their mock exams.

Teaching Experience:
I started teaching after leaving university when I went to China and worked for a United Nations Development Project. I then worked for a private language school in Germany. I became a qualified teacher and worked in several schools in Essex. I quickly worked my way up the ranks and became Head of Modern Languages. My last full time position was as Head of MFL at Medina College on the Isle of Wight. Since then I have been successfully teaching private lessons to students aged 5 to adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I use a variety of techniques adapted to my student's needs. I like to make my lessons fun and interactive. I follow the syllabus closely in the case of exam students and make sure that students are confident in all four skills. I elicit information from the students rather than just teach them how something works. By using this method students are more likely to retain the knowledge. I am happy to teach students individually or in pairs or groups.

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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:
A highly enthusiastic, dedicated, and accomplished teacher with 22 years of experience in secondary education, specialising in Modern Foreign Languages, including German, French, and Spanish. Having a Master's degree and already holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, I combine strong academic credentials with extensive classroom expertise.

Throughout my career, I have consistently secured positive outcomes for students by building strong relationships, fostering mutual respect, and creating engaging learning environments that inspire confidence and achievement. Passionate about language learning and committed to delivering outstanding German teaching, I strive to ensure that every student reaches their full potential.

With a proven track record of collaboration, professionalism, and high expectations, I am now seeking a new opportunity where I can contribute my skills, experience, and enthusiasm, and quickly become a valued member of a successful teaching team.

Teaching Experience:
With 22 years of teaching experience, I have developed a highly adaptable and student-centred approach that recognises and responds to the unique needs, strengths, and learning styles of each individual. I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students feel valued, challenged, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By tailoring teaching strategies and providing personalised support, I consistently promote engagement, confidence, and academic success.

Tutoring Approach:
As a teacher, I adopt a constructivist approach to learning, designing and adapting lessons to meet the diverse needs, abilities, and interests of my students. I encourage learners to actively engage with new knowledge, think critically, and take ownership of their learning journey. By fostering independence, resilience, and self-reflection, I create an environment in which students develop the confidence and skills required for long-term success. This personalised and student-centred approach has consistently resulted in high levels of engagement, strong academic progress, and excellent examination outcomes.

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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:
I am teaching French and German I will start off using speech methods, so that the student feels relaxed and able to learn. This is very important. Depending on how we go we can then progress to pens and paper. Learning at this level ought to be enjoyable. I also teach adults at this level. I seek to build confidence in students, so that they can encounter native speakers and be able to do simple tasks like ordering meal in a cafe and an item of clothing in a shop. I have GCSE French and A level German.

Teaching Experience:
I have dyslexia, so I am sensitive to those who have this condition. I go at a slow pace to make sure the knowledge is consolidated before we move on. There is no hurry in learning either of these languages. Better to learn solidly and slowly
than poorly and in a rush. I teach in short sessions as these are most beneficial. There is homework if students want it. I am DBS cleared.

Tutoring Approach:
I am patient and empathetic and these are vital qualities in a teacher. I have travelled frequently to France in recent years, chiefly to Burgundy and also to Paris. I have a also been to Germany --I know Konstanz quite well and have been to Berlin.
Part of learning a language is learning more about the culture of these countries. I hope the students will be able to do this.

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