Swanley German Tutors and Swanley German Tuition

Personal Description:
I am 45 years old and hold a Masters degree from Oxford University. I work full time as a tutor, now offering lessons online and face-to-face.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring on a one-to-one basis for over 20 years. I also sometimes teach small classes. I am happy teaching children, teenagers, university students and adult learners.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching uses traditional methods and lively interaction. I expect the student to complete tasks between lessons. Without repetition and revision no-one can be expected to remember. Therefore, I am not afraid to go over the most basic elements until they are well known. Solid foundations are the basis for confidence.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native speaker of Italian with a degree in European Languages and extensive teaching experience. I have been based in Oxford for almost 20 years, after having lived in different European countries. I am an enthusiast linguist and my multilingual family is testimonial to that (a French husband, and trilingual children).

Teaching Experience:
I have gained experience in teaching to both adults and younger students (secondary school and degree level), both in formal context (university degree courses and schools) and less formal (evening and leisure courses) as well as Italian for business (directly to companies for their employees).

Tutoring Approach:
I privilege the communicative approach as after all languages are made to communicate! This allows all lessons to be more relaxed and rewarding as small results can be achieved - and seen - every time. I have run absolute beginners intensive courses and my aim is to allow the student(s) to go home speaking from the first time, however little it might be. At the same time, I also tend not to forget about grammar as it is the structure of the language and gives a better insight and understanding, but even grammar doesn't necessarily need to be taught in a very conservative manner.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Highly experienced working teacher/examiner ,100% grades A*-C for GCE and grades 4-9 for GCSE, with 80% of tutees consistently reaching the upper bands. All levels catered for. DBS checked.

As I am qualified and experienced to teach four subjects: English literature and language, Drama/Theatre Studies, French and German, up to and including A level, I am in a position to offer students on alternate weeks tutoring in two or three subjects if required.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching at secondary and university level for over 25 years, my secondary school experience ranges from state schools to prestigious independent. I am an Edexcel GCE examiner and hold upper threshold status. Despite being a trained secondary teacher, I have in recent years had great success preparing students for 11 and 13 plus English exams, one such student won the English scholarship to attend Harrow public school.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are created to meet the exact requirements of the examining board the student is following and or their precise learning needs. Students with special needs and or English not as a first language, can also be catered for. Homework is given and is expected to be completed. I teach week day evenings and Saturday mornings via Zoom or in person.

In the first instance parents should email me to arrange a time to discuss how I can help their child. Testimonials, qualifications, DBS and proof of upper threshold status are available on request.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a very well qualified and very experienced teacher of both German and English as a Foreign Language. I have a Master's of Education, a BA (Hons) in German, a PGCE and an RSA Diploma in TEFL. Having lived and worked in Germany for over seven years, I also have near-native competence in German.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching German and EFL for more than 30 years from beginners to advanced level. I used to teach German to GCSE and A level at what used to be Plymouth College of Further Education as well as EFL from Cambridge KET to Cambridge Proficiency. In addition to that I have prepared many students for the IELTS exam and I have taught Business English and English for Academic Purposes too. I have worked in the UK, Germany, Spain and the United Arab Republic.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that it is essential to establish the needs of each individual student so that a tailor-made course can be designed for that particular student. That does not mean that my approach is inflexible, however - if one approach to teaching does not suit the individual learning needs of the student, I will endeavour to teach the student in a way that they are happy with and which will lead to the best possible results.
As a teacher of foreign languages I very much favour the communicative approach but I am also more than willing to teach grammar as this also plays an important role in language learning. As languages are meant for speaking I place a great deal of importance on oral work - particularly at GCSE and A level - but once again, the needs of each individual learner are paramount. For oral conversation, I am happy to teach using SKYPE.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native German speaker. I have a BA (Honours) degree in French, German and English Linguistics and a Cert HE in Teaching and Learning Support. I can teach French up to KS3 and German up to A Level/Adult. I also offer English language lessons for speakers of other languages. I enjoy Yoga, being creative, listening to live music and travelling.

Teaching Experience:
I worked as a German language assistant for 8 years, preparing pupils for their GCSE and A Level exams. I ran speaking practice sessions, grammar workshops and supported learning in class. I have extensive experience working in Education, including SEN.
I have been a freelance private tutor since 2013

Tutoring Approach:
ONLINE & F2F lessons available!

Due to the current COVID situation, I encourage online lessons via Skype (or other online platforms on request).

My approach to tutoring is student-centred.

Depending on the age and requirements of the student, I can adapt my teaching approach to the individual's needs. I am happy to teach groups of up to 5 students. It would work out less expensive!

Primary level would be teaching through songs and games in a fun way. Lessons usually last 30 mins, which will cost £20 per pupil for a one-to-one session. I am happy to teach a small group of pupils and the cost can be shared between them to make the lessons less expensive (£10 per pupil for 4 pupils in one session).

GCSE and A Level would be focusing on exam preparation and speaking practice, supporting the student to become more confident. I would base my teaching on supporting the subject teacher.

Adult teaching would be tailored to the individual's needs. Some students just want to improve their speaking, therefore I would tailor the lessons to accommodate their need. Some may just want to learn some basic phrases for a holiday in Germany, I would plan lessons based on that need.

I can also run grammar, conversation and writing workshops in German.

I now offer English (as a foreign language).

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified Modern Foreign Languages teacher and have been working as a secondary school teacher since September 2016.

I am passionate about languages and language teaching in particular and am a fully qualified secondary school teacher with vast experience in the education system and in the teaching of modern foreign languages. I have also had significant tutoring experience with GCSE and A-Level pupils as well as teaching English to younger pupils in both France and Italy.

Teaching Experience:
I have had experience of language teaching at a secondary school as a fully qualified teacher for the past seven academic years as well as having previous experience teaching English abroad in both France and Italy. I have vast experience teaching KS3, KS4 and KS5 students.

Tutoring Approach:
I am enthusiastic and have a wealth of experience in languages teaching as well as excellent knowledge of the current GCSE and A-level courses. Furthermore, I have strong links with the University of Hull, having worked as a languages ambassador and thus retain my strong links with the university and its languages students and staff in particular.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a French native speaker with extensive experience as a French tutor. I am currently working as a researcher at the university of York investigating how to improve second language teaching methods. I have always loved helping people learning French as I am myself a passionate language learner. I can also help with German since I have been learning it for more than 10 years.
Given that I love learning languages myself, I am highly aware of the difficulties one can face in this journey. Moreover, I have a strong background in grammatical knowledge because I studied linguistics and literature in the past (and latin!).
Finally, I am a very friendly, enthusiastic and engaged tutor.

Teaching Experience:
I have a long experience in tutoring with students of various ages and various learning goals.
Below is a list of the positions I have had:
-French trainer, Educom GmBH, Vienna, Austria: I prepared and conducted weekly French lessons for a group of adults at beginner level (2 months).
-French tutor, Lernkurve institute, Vienna, Austria: I tutored various pupils in French (aged from 12 to 18-year old).
-private French tutor in Vienna, Austria and in the UK: I helped an 11 year old boy, a 13 year old girl and a 16 year old girl with their French homework once a week and helped them getting ready for exams during two years. I started to teach French from zero to two younger girls (6 and 8 years old). Finally, I designed personalised French lessons during 8 months for an adult student who wanted to start learning French.
-French conversation: I regularly met an adult student (advanced level) to have conversations in French.
-French corrections: I have helped university students of French writing essays in French.

Tutoring Approach:
I like keeping French tutoring sessions as interactive as possible. That is really the only way of learning languages!
Depending on the students' language level and desires, I can teach French from scratch, help with homework, have conversations or prepare intense exam revision sessions if the student tells me in advance what he/she has problems with.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I was born in Germany and the moved to the UK once I turned 18. My English proficiency level has been assessed at C2 level, nearly native speaker. I am married to a South African and we have one teenage son and 4 adorable cats.
I love teaching and contributing to children's learning journeys, preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead of them.
I have a very strong work ethic, which is reflected in me always being on time, completing my duties beyond what is expected of me and being well-prepared for work. I treat everyone I encounter with equal respect, regardless of their circumstances and back-grounds. I am able to adapt swiftly to change and can be flexible. I am regularly reflecting on my work practice trying to identify gaps and seeking advice, guidance and training in order to continuously develop further on a professional as well as personal level.

Teaching Experience:
I have more than 10 years of work experience in the education sector in a variety of roles including class teacher, private subject tutor, language teacher, after-school club teacher, intervention teacher and substitute teacher. I have worked in schools across Surrey in the UK and one school in South Africa. I also have experience on management level: managing a pre-school and leading a team of 9 members of staff.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are dynamic, well-resourced and well-prepared in which an attitude of 'let's try' and 'can do' is encouraged and nurtured. Obstacles, challenges and difficulties are considered as opportunities to grow and extend skills and are thus turned into positive experiences.

The atmosphere during my lessons tends to be relaxed and flexible allowing for constant re-adjustment to the student's particular needs. We would use different resources to assist us during the lesson.

My planning would be founded on what the student knows already and then carefully building on this knowledge through identifying gaps, setting individual targets and developing steps to success in order to achieve the desired learning goals.

At the heart of my teaching lie open communication, honesty and respect flowing both ways. I believe every student can learn successfully if they are provided with the correct resources, circumstances and support. I always aim to build each student's self-esteem and confidence through setting individual learning targets that match their individual strengths and weaknesses, through celebrating their individual achievements, through praise and encouragement and through adequate support and guidance and by allowing each student to learn at their own pace.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I've been working in Education for 16 years as a teacher, tutor, and Educational Psychologist. I started as a teacher of Modern Foreign Languages and I particularly enjoy learning about other cultures - I believe this brings language to life. I have spent time living in Germany and France and continue to have friendships with native speakers to keep up my language skills. I then trained, and now practice, as an Educational Psychologist. Through my experiences I have become highly skilled working with people with a wide range of needs in a learning environment. I also have an excellent understanding of how the process of learning "works" and how to use this knowledge practically to support your learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught French and German in mainstream secondary schools where I prepared students for GCSE, AS and A2-Level exams in both subjects (AQA board). Between 96% and 100% of students achieved a grade C/4. I also have experience teaching children with a wide range of additional needs. I taught in specialist schools for children with moderate, severe, and profound learning difficulties (a range of subjects in Key Stages 1 to 5) and specialist settings for children with social and emotional difficulties (a range of subjects in Key Stages 2 and 4). I have previously tutored French and German to children as young as 5, through to adult learners. This was delivered in a 1:1 or 2:1 setting.

Tutoring Approach:
When I tutor my priority is to make sure that you enjoy learning and grow in confidence in the subject. I would describe myself as patient, a clear communicator, and personable. All programmes of learning are personalised to your learning needs as well as the specific things you may want to achieve from tuition. I aim to make my lessons as creative and fun as possible.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello! I have a Honours degree in German and French from Oxford University. I also have a post graduate teaching qualification in German and French, so I am familiar with the demands of the curriculum and exam work.

I have also lived and worked in Germany, so I speak native-level German and am great German language and culture enthusiast. I hope that our lessons will make you feel like that too, as well as giving you the knowledge to speak, listen, read and write with confidence.

I am happy to take advice from you about how you would like to spend your tutorial time, or I can advise you on how best to reach your goal. You can also let me know if you wish to consolidate tutorials with some homework .

Teaching Experience:
I have a post graduate teaching qualification in German and French from UCL's Institute of Education and I taught in several secondary schools up to GCSE as part of my teacher training.

I have tutored students at all stages of secondary school up to GCSE, and have tutored adults who wanted to brush up on their German.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy teaching one to one and providing a learner with the extra edge that can provide. I like to build on a student's knowledge and language confidence by reviewing what has been learned in class and identifying any gaps in understanding. I like to teach in the target language when it helps student confidence.

For students who want to go that bit further, or who may be considering a language A level, I encourage them to watch and discuss films and programmes in the target language, and read some great literature as part of their language learning experience.

Subjects

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.

Subjects