St. Columb German Tutors and St. Columb German Tuition

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

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced, professional, private tutor, offering tuition in French, German and English (EFL/ESOL). I am experienced at teaching both adults and children online, using Zoom, Skype or other software and use a variety of materials and resources to keep lessons interesting. Classes are available during both daytime and evening during the week, and also on Saturday mornings.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring privately for 20 years and have references available from former students as well as an enhanced DBS disclosure. My clients range in age from 8 years to retirement and beyond. I cater for all standards from Beginners to Advanced (A1 to C1 on the Common European Framework).

I have extensive experience of tutoring for GCSE, IGCSE and A Level examinations for several different exam boards. In addition, several of my adult students have taken German exams with the Goethe Institut.

As a former volunteer leader within the Guide Association (now GirlGuiding UK) and now as a volunteer with the Scout Association, I
have considerable experience of teaching a variety of skills to young people aged 10-25. I have led a considerable amount of adult training, both as a language tutor and in my previous roles in the IT industry.

Tutoring Approach:
After initial assessments to see what support is needed, classes are tailored to a student's particular needs and interests. There is, of course, a vast difference between a school student who requires additional support in preparation for an exam and an adult student who is pursuing a modern foreign language out of personal interest or for business reasons. We would look at verbal and listening practice as well as written exercises.

I have a particular interest in grammar and feel that it is very difficult to have a good grasp of a language without some grammar competency. This is especially important for A Level examinations. However, grammar does not have to be taught in a boring way and I often use games and fun exercises as well as more formal methods. Primary pupils learn mostly through games, puzzles and songs.

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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 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 am passionate about teaching languages, mostly orientals, and also coaching martial arts and self defence. I coach the IWTA-EWTO-WingTsun 梁挺詠春拳.

In the first 12 weeks of the beginners program you'll learn the basics for a proactive and "pre-emptive" self defence and to deal with the most "common" types of attacks. This is the Blitz-Defence program.

Afterward you start a more sophisticated training program where you learn to deal with an aggressor in a less violent way by using our unique tactile skills training method.

I can assure you, you will terminate every lesson by learning something new and useful! All I need is your concentration.

Due to the contact nature of this martial art I cam only teach in person and not online

Teaching Experience:
Currently tutoring Italian (advanced level) and Japanese (basic level) in all the 4 skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

January 2012 - PRESENT: I have been teaching Italian language since January 2012 on 1-2-1 base and via skype when I am abroad.

February 2012 - April 2012: I taught Japanese language for absolute beginners via skype.

April 2010 - February 2012: I taught at The Mill Languages School, in Macclesfield town centre: Mandarin, Japanese, German. In particular I have taught German language to a tailored group to refresh their skills.

August 2015 - 2016. Tutoring Japanese language to beginner level via skype. I taught to school teachers who are planning to travel to Japan and teach English, they need a minimum fluency to go by.

....however; nothing can beat the experience I have matured over these past 2 years. I need your full committment over a term period (3 months). I need a quite learning environment where I can focus on your progress; either a public library or my house; coffee shop may work depending on the time we agree.

Tutoring Approach:
I am based in Macclesfield and I teach in an informal and yet methodical way; I can teach colloquial and formal languages.

As for martial art for self-defence (WingTsun Kungfu 梁挺詠春拳) I have been teaching privately at different venues.
Each 1-2-1 class has to be booked. I combine the Kungfu system with my experience in working with body awareness and body technique at contact.
This is a very diverse method of teaching in comparison to the mainstream as it involves not just the purely choreographic aspect but a more comprehensive.

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Personal Description:
I currently work as a QA Engineering Lead at Globacap. Before this I received a Double First Class in Mathematics.

I am 33, fully CRB checked, and a member of STEMnet (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics network), as well as being An associate member of the IMA (Institute of Mathematics and its Applications).

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring around the West Midlands for over 5 years, Manchester for 2 years, and currently due to COVID, I've been teaching online for another year. All parents / tutees who I have supplied private tutoring to are happy to recommend / provide references should you wish to seek clarification, on the quality of tutoring I am able to provide.

All students I have tutored have seen an increase in grades over the time I have worked with them, with an average improvement of 1 and a half grades!

I am happy to also offer a free first half session in order to gauge a students requirements, as sometimes parents aren't aware of this.

N.E.W Academy - Cover Supervisor and Academic Coach
Years 2009/10 and 2010/11

Self Employed - Private Tutor
2012 till present

Tutoring Approach:
I will provide materials, course guides, and encourage young students to be creative in their methods of tackling problems. I have lots of experience with working with students from the E/U borderline-category all the way up to A/A* candidates.

From the Ages of 14 onwards (Year 9+) I teach all subjects from scratch, with a view to proving why concepts exist and introduce topics from first principles. This I believe will improve retention, help pupils understand concepts better, and also allow them to remember test questions better - It really does work!

Where parents request extra work, I can provide monthly progress sheets, homework tasks, and an extensive list of past papers. Pupils are also encouraged to not just tackle past papers, but to try and understand how papers are conceived, helping them prepare for the unexpected, should it arise in their relevant exams.

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Personal Description:
I am passionate about language learning and believe that languages contribute to intercultural understanding.

​"A different language is a different vision of life." - Federico Fellini, Italian film director​​

I am a qualified teacher and native German speaker from North Rhine-Westphalia, the central western part of Germany, and I relocated to England in 1991. I have been teaching German and English as a Foreign Language (IELTS) for the past 17 years in a range of educational settings (Primary, Secondary, Further and Higher Education) and online. Therefore I have been teaching students from a wide variety of backgrounds either for exam preparation, leisure or business.

I am a member of the Tutor's Association (MTA), Society for Education and Training (SET) and have Enhanced DBS Clearance (2021).

Because I am passionate about language learning I am currently studying Italian and can relate to the challenges of language learning!

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience in teaching German and English as a Foreign Language (IELTS) with all my students achieving their set targets and 100% satisfaction. I cover all exam boards and levels. All sessions are tailor made to match the individual or group level. I cover the following exam strategies:

GCSE German:
• to revise key topics
• to extend your range of vocabulary
• to improve accuracy through grammar
• to develop confidence in speaking
• to create an idea bank for speaking and writing topics
• to tackle translations
• to practise mock exams in real time

A-level German:
• to acquire a diverse vocabulary and culturally appropriate idiomatic expressions
• to create language use (as opposed to memorised expressions)
• to improve translations through language concepts
• to gain a better understanding of essay writing
• to increase language fluency
• to practise mock exams in real time

IELTS test taking:
• to develop a broad vocabulary
• to obtain a good understanding of the English grammar
• to gain confidence in speaking
• to discover your unique approach to the Reading section
• to create an idea bank for Writing section 2
• to acquire language accuracy
• to increase speed in answering questions

Home education: German
Enriched learning: meaningful - personalised - flexible
Over the past years I have taken on more home educated students from around the world providing either exam support, a full curriculum or just short language experience courses. Working with my students has been very rewarding and enjoyable. I tailor my sessions to my students' interests and needs to promote confidence and uniqueness.

Tutoring Approach:
Your level - my approach - your success!

Effective planning on my part will determine your success in German or English as a Foreign Language at your pace. I pride myself in being patient, committed and enthusiastic enabling you to develop confidence in all four language skills (reading, writing listening and speaking) based on individual needs, learning styles and continuous progress.

Passing any exam can be stressful but you will be well prepared! We will focus on exam-style or past paper questions in order to check, practise and perfect your understanding and techniques. We will focus on relevant study skills necessary to pass the exam. Where appropriate I set and mark work, provide detailed feedback so that you can improve quickly!

I am hoping for you to actively participate during lessons, ask questions develop your skills and for you to have fun! Being successful in a language demands dedication and perseverance but most importantly the willingness to try out new things.

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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:
My name is Andy. I finished my A-Levels in 2011 and am preparing to study German and Russian at The University of Cambridge starting in October. I excelled at languages in school, receiving an A* in German A2 and an A in French AS. Between school and university I studied at the Goethe Institute in Berlin, lived and worked in Germany for over half a year, and am now starting to learn Russian and pusuing my other interests such as computer programming. I have also travelled extensively in France and Germany.

Teaching Experience:
I have no formal teaching experience (yet!) but learning three foreign languages myself and having studied German in a class actually taught in German, I am very familiar with the aspects of language that students have difficulty with. I am always thinking of better ways to explain things than the way they were explained to me, because every student learns in their own way; this makes me well placed to teach languages, German in particular due to my recent experiences in my gap year.

Tutoring Approach:
Having only recently completed my German GCSE myself (in 2009), I am familiar with the way it is taught in school. I also had lessons from a private tutor myself in German for a year or so during secondary school, so I know the sorts of things that will complement and expand on the material taught in class.

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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:
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 am a highly experienced educationalist with a wholistic approach and a wide range of work experience before training as a teacher.

Prior to becoming a qualified teacher my professional experience includes IT, social work, property maintenance, music, photography and education & employment while my studies at undergraduate included nine subjects. I therefore draw upon a wide range of experience, knowledge and practice and believe that personal development is one of the most important and fulfilling things we can engage with in life.

In addition to various qualifications I have gained, I self study and pursue a wide range of activities and interests which gives me an ever increasing palette to draw upon when tutoring / mentoring.

Teaching Experience:
I gained my PGCE in Secondary Education (Maths) and worked in Adult Education and Family Learning for many years whereby I delivered accredited courses in Mathematics (up to GCSE level) and non-accredited courses in English and IT. In utilising my experience of working with mental health I set up and ran the only Maths for Mental Health group in Sussex which, although successful, unfortunately was terminated due to lack of funding along with my Family Learning teaching practice.

I left the Adult Education sector when I was head hunted by a family to deliver a private Home Learning curriculum and now work solely as a private tutor; supporting students in the Maths school curriculum and delivering a range of subjects (Maths, English, German, History, Photography, Chess etc.) to students who are home schooled. I also undertake private adult learning where there is a demand, additionally designing and undertaking bespoke plans for specific skills development such as report writing for business and fundamental Maths & Physics for basic Aircraft Engineering courses.

During the time of working in the Education & Employment sector I was responsible for skills development of various special needs groups so I have a solid understanding of and experience in a wide variety of educational needs. This experience also laid the foundation for a fixed term contract at a college for SEND students where I delivered a Maths curriculum to groups of SEND young adults within the QCF accredited curriculum.

Tutoring Approach:
As a professional educator I am committed to lifelong learning myself and, while I see the benefits and necessity of having learning goals to work towards, I believe that the most important role of a tutor is to develop a healthy and respectful relationship with a student, so that learning and achievement can flow from a sense of natural enquiry into a subject in a way which engages them in life. My experience suggests that, for most students, this approach helps them achieve greater confidence, awareness and motivation to excel in their learning and understanding of the subject.

My overall experience of working with a wide range of people in diverse professional fields and having studied a multi-disciplinary undergraduate degree as well as Maths also allows me to link learning across a range of subjects and life situations. In itself, this gives me a significant platform to develop a learner's ability to grasp a 'bigger picture' and to see self development as intrinsically valuable beyond the subject or topics being worked on.

I believe that we can never truly know our potential and I approach each student with a sense of curiosity and encouragement to explore that potential through appropriate cognitive skills development, so as to build positive channels of learning while identifying and addressing any specific difficulties.

When working with students I usually discuss learning and content with them but, when tutoring young people, I also encourage regular contact with the parent / carer - after all, a parent / carer is the first teacher in a young person's life and very much part of the young person's view of the world and educational growth.

PLEASE NOTE: relevant charges and introductory sessions

(i) sessions based more than 3 miles radius from my location will incur a travel charge based on a reasonable mileage cost if I am required to travel to the tutee.

(ii) on acceptance of each other via this site, there is an immediate introduction fee to be made to the site. This can be accommodated by a single session at my usual rates where you and your son / daughter can meet me and I you.

(iii) I would ask that sessions are subsequently booked in blocks of 6 and paid for in advance. Thank you.

BRAIN TEASER: if you were to spell out the counting numbers from "one" on wards, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter 'A' in the number (this doesn't include the conjunction "and")?

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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:
Hi, I'm Kate, a full-time, professional tutor based in Petersfield (MA in Medieval and Modern Languages from St John`s College, Oxford). I design tailored learning plans to help students achieve their potential.

In 2021 100% of my A-Level students achieved grade A*.

You can enter for a GCSE or A-Level with me directly, or have extra tuition to support your studies at school, college or university.

I offer private tuition and intensive course programmes to build fluency in Spanish, German, English, Portuguese, Italian, French, Catalan and Dutch.

No matter what your level, your lessons will be full of real-world language and will deliver the content and vocabulary that you need to achieve your goals.

Teaching Experience:
I began my teaching career in 2008 with the Government of Andorra as Lecturer of English.

I have since taught privately and at schools and colleges in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Austria and the UK.

During the last 10 years I have mostly been based in Spain, but have also tutored private clients around Europe. In 2019 I opened a dedicated language school in Petersfield, Hampshire and I now offer online tuition too, with students learning for a mix of personal, professional and academic objectives.

Tutoring Approach:
Each course is created according to the student's needs, and is 100% bespoke.

Your course is designed for you, based on an initial consultation and/or questionnaire to help me to understand your learning style and establish clear goals for you.

Lessons often feel relaxed and fairly casual, because in my experience this is the best way to encourage real communication and thought in your target language!

For more advanced learners, there are plenty of academic resources and authentic materials to allow you to engage fully with your language. Courses can include grammar, linguistics, literature and cultural topics.

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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:
Hello! My name is Anatoli and I'm a language tutor, translator and performing artist. I'm passionate about languages, texts and words and I love teaching!

I was born and raised in Greece and I lived for eight years in Germany before moving to the UK, where I've been based since 2010. I hold a a BA in Greek Philology with specialization in Linguistics (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), a PhD in Cultural Studies with a thesis discussing the concept of the Total Work of Art ('Gesamtkunstwerk') in the context of cinema (Humboldt University of Berlin), an MA in Acting (15 Acting School, University of Essex) and a PGCert in Physical Theatre (Royal Holloway, University of London). I have also trained in music/singing and dance in various schools in the UK, Germany and Greece.

I have been a translator since 2007 (English/German/French into Greek) and I have translated among others international campaigns for major brands, as well as for audiovisual media (script adaptation, audio supervision). As a performer I have worked as an actor, voice actor and singer in the UK and Germany.

I combine my diverse influences and interests into various forms of expression and creativity, including writing, song-writing, theatre-making and photography. I'm committed to lifelong learning, currently learning Japanese and Russian and regularly attending classes and workshops on acting, dance, directing, drama therapy etc. I believe in the importance of education and culture in making a difference in the world.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Greek and German since 2012, one-on-one for all levels and ages as well as for businesses. Since 2016 I also teach Piano, Singing and Music Theory in various music schools in London and privately. I have also taught Movement sessions for various levels.

Tutoring Approach:
Drawing from my experience in both academics and the arts, as well as from my own continuous language learning, I bring a creative and dynamic approach to my teaching, customizing my methods and materials to suit each student's personal needs. I do appreciate a textbook and workbook as a main starting point and as a priority I strive to explain clearly any grammatical phenomena, syntax, word meanings etc. until these are well understood and the student can use them independently in written and oral speech. Then, besides grammar and vocabulary drills, and depending on individual learning goals, there are endless possibilities in foreign language immersion and acquisition, which I'm most happy to suggest and incorporate in the lesson!

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Personal Description:
I am a semi-retired teacher and am a very passionate and experienced teacher. I am a keen sportswoman and musician. I have three adult children.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 25 years of teaching in Secondary schools and since 2019 I have been teaching adults and GCSE and A level French and German. My group of GCSE German students and my A level German students achieved outstanding results in 2023.I also teach private students at highly regarded English independent schools.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is always student-centred and I use innovative methods of teaching to promote and support learning. I encourage students to be active participants in their own learning and support with developing transferable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking and reflective thinking. I have also worked with several students who have needed extra help and reassurance due to having anxiety issues and with my support, my students are able to take control of their learning and achieve the success they deserve.

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