Achnasheen Mandarin Tutors and Achnasheen Mandarin Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a PGCE-qualified teacher with two Master's degrees, and I also serve as a Cambridge International examiner. My teaching expertise covers Mandarin GCSE (9-1), IGCSE, GCE (A level), HSK, Japanese GCSE (9-1), and JLPT qualifications. I teach my students both on-site and via Zoom for private students.

Teaching Experience:
I teach both Mandarin and Japanese at local independent schools and universities, and I am also an experienced private tutor. I instruct both simplified and traditional Chinese, as well as Japanese, to both native and non-native students, including professionals. Over the past decade, my students have consistently achieved outstanding results in Edexcel Chinese (9-1) and Japanese GCSEs (9-1), earning A* and Grade 9. Additionally, they have excelled with As in A-level Chinese.

I've successfully tutored numerous students who pursued further 'Oriental studies' at Oxford University, completed an MPhil in Chinese studies at Oxford, and Japanese at Leeds University and Cardiff University.

In addition, I possess a strong working knowledge of the national curriculum and am very familiar with the demands and expectations of both state and independent schooling.

Tutoring Approach:
Encouraging, effective, student-centered approach, and developing a love for learning.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified Mandarin teacher who is experienced teaching Mandarin across the age groups and at different levels, from beginner to A Level. I enjoy teaching Chinese and get great satisfaction from achieving excellent results with my pupils. I have taught Mandarin in independent and state schools. I tutor pupils of 4-18 years old at my home in Weybridge, in one to one, one to two, or small group settings. A Chinese graduate with degrees in the UK, I have lived here for 20 years and have great understanding of both cultures. I am also a GCSE/IGCSE/A Level examiner who is familiar with GCSE/IGCSE/A Level specifications.

Teaching Experience:
I am fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. I tutor according to students' requirements: either gaining exposure as a complete beginner from this up or coming language, learning basic daily conversations prior to travel, or preparing for GCSE and A Level examinations.

Tutoring Approach:
With excellent knowledge of cultural differences between China and UK, my approach to tutoring is practical and encouraging with a sense of humour. I can help my students in a flexible, adaptive and tailored way, as I understand that each student is an individual with individual needs. I enjoy good relationships with them and take great pleasure to obtain excellent results.

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Personal Description:
'Talented', 'inspiring', 'fun', 'a wealth of knowledge'...Majority of people enjoyed my lessons and fell in love with Chinese language. I am a smart Mandarin video creator and have composed 9 Mandarin learning books.

I have been teaching and training since 2009 and gained excellent testimonials. I have taught and trained over a thousand people from all backgrounds, including Defence Academy of UK, BP Technology Centre, Logicalis, The Said Business School, The European School at Culham and much more.

My specialisation in the teaching of Mandarin is designing structured and logical material and various activities in order to make learning enjoyable and achievable. I have developed inspiring and motivational teaching strategies. Some learners could be able to grasp Mandarin skills in 30 hours.

I enjoy teaching all levels, including GCSE, A Level, IB, university level and business Chinese.

I have good communication, organisation, planning and management skills with a sense of humour.

Thank you and enjoy learning Mandarin.

Teaching Experience:
Career Summary

June 2011 to present
Managing Director at MOLAES (Modern Oriental Language, Academic and Enterprise Services)
Clients including BP, Logicalis, P2i, Academy of Defence of UK, LPA Channel Electric, Said Business School, The
Taylor & Francis Group, European School at Culham, St. Hugh's Prep School and St Edward School in Oxford etc.

February 2012 to Present
Part-time Mandarin Teacher The Downe House

February 2011 to August 2011
Temporary Part-time Mandarin Teacher St. Bartholomew's School, Newbury

September 2009 to present
Permanent Part time Language Tutor Oxfordshire Adult Learning, Oxfordshire

February 2010 to Present
Contract Part-time Mandarin Tutor St. George International Foreign Languages
Directors Languages, Buckinghamshire
Professional Language Solutions
Simon & Simon Language School

I have been delivering Mandarin course to all levels and ages. My specialisation is designing
structured and logical material and wide ranges of activities to making learning enjoyable and achievable.

Each of my courses is tailored to needs of the students, beginning with developing their Individual Learning Plan and defining their Personal Learning Style. I also encourage my student to provide feedback and assessment of each lesson so that I can monitor my teaching style as I am always looking for ways to improve.

My goal is always to deliver teaching in a style which engages my students and makes learning interesting and fun.

Tutoring Approach:
Various approaches to meet the different learning styles.

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Personal Description:
I am a Chinese oversea student who have studied at plymouth for 2 years now. I am looking for a part-time job to counteract my living costs, also making friends all around the world.

Teaching Experience:
No actual related teaching experience.

Tutoring Approach:
to be discussed

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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 am a native Chinese speaker from mainland China, and I have been living in the UK for more than 15 years, working as a Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and Chinese teacher at a independent school. I earned a PhD in Educational Studies from the University of Manchester in 2015. I have excellent teaching experience in Chinese at all levels, as well as in Maths (from KS1 up to GCSE). I have received positive feedback from my previous students, who have praised my patience, clear communication, and sense of responsibility. Additionally, I have worked as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in a secondary school, where I gained valuable experience supporting young people's learning.

In terms of personality, I am very easygoing, kind, and highly responsible. Since moving to the UK in 2010, I have lived in diverse environments, working with students from various creeds and ethnic backgrounds. This experience has enriched my understanding and appreciation of international cultures and individual differences.

I enjoy travelling and experiencing new things. I have visited several places, including European countries (England, Scotland, Wales, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Iceland, and Greenland), Africa (Cameroon), South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macau. I love sports, particularly swimming, yoga, cycling, hiking, and horse riding.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced and dedicated Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and Chinese teacher, currently teaching students aged 3-18, including GCSE, GCE/A Level,HSK and YCT(Youth Chinese Test) Chinese, at an independent school in the UK. With about 15 years of experience teaching Mandarin both online and face-to-face to non-native English speakers of various ages and levels in both China and the UK, I have developed a deep understanding of effective teaching methods and the ability to meet individual student needs.

As a private Mandarin tutor, I bring the same level of commitment and personalized attention to each of my students. My extensive experience has equipped me with valuable insights into creating engaging and effective lessons tailored to each student's learning style and goals.

In addition to my current teaching role, I have been a freelance Mandarin teacher since 2012, collaborating with several language organizations. I am also an experienced interpreter and translator, with over ten years of expertise in both written and spoken translation. My background includes working in various sectors, such as business (e.g., 2010 EXPO Shanghai) and education (e.g., translating articles and interpreting at international conferences).

Testimonials:
"I decided to begin learning Mandarin with Yifen over the summer for business and travel purposes.
Given that I was a complete beginner, I was heartened by the friendliness and professional nature of the lessons and was delighted by the flexibility of the lessons.
The way Yifen catered the lessons to my specific areas of interest was very encouraging. It meant I was able to cover a lot more relevant content in the short time I had with her.
Had I not had to move back to University, I would've liked to continue my lessons." Matthew, a former Student

''I had the pleasure of taking my first steps in Mandarin with Yifen. I found her very knowledgeable, understanding, adaptable and extremely flexible to my needs. Only when I travelled to China, I could really appreciate how valuable her teachings were. Before Yifen, I could not understand anything at all. After only a few lessons with Yifen, my ability to understand had greatly improved and I could even venture into dialogues with Chinese people and, lo and behold, be understood!

Yifen's approach is systematic and practical at the same time. She frequently tested my comprehension ability, and engaged me in dialogues, but also illustrated the building blocks of the language, touching on grammar rules and special usage, as needed.
She was always keen on answering any additional questions that might have crossed my mind. She was motivating and an inspiration and greatly boosted my desire to learn more about the Chinese language and culture.
Yifen is a joy to work with and I would heartily recommend her to anyone who wants to approach the study of the Chinese language with a solid, competent and inspirational teacher.

老师，谢谢'' -Fernando, A former adult learner

"Yifen has been my teacher for the past four years throughout my GCSEs and A-levels! She helped me achieve an A* at GCSE and helped me achieve my required grade to get into university! With a lesson every week I was undoubtedly able to rely on Yifen for the support I needed for my work and to achieve the result that I not only wanted, but needed. She would always write lesson reviews and summaries for me to look upon to further improve my learning of Mandarin, and even set me work to challenge me and to push my ability further. I'm so grateful for all the time Yifen gave up for me and definitely wouldn't have been able to adapt and progress my Chinese without her help! Yifen is so helpful, reliable and able to focus on anything you ask her to help you with and I would highly recommend her to anyone who would want to learn or better their Mandarin!"-Bethan, a former GCSE and A-level learner.

Tutoring Approach:
I make every effort to prepare lessons that meet each student's individual needs. I strive to create a comfortable learning environment because I believe a good atmosphere is crucial for learning a language and encouraging learners to speak. Lessons are carefully prepared, incorporating engaging stories and other materials, so you can learn Mandarin and have fun at the same time!

I believe that a good teacher is responsible for meeting students' needs. My work experience has reinforced my belief that it is essential to teach the students in front of you rather than just following a textbook. I endeavour to be an attentive listener, observe, and identify any problems that arise during lessons. This approach helps me find solutions and maximise my potential.

I am passionate about helping my students succeed and am committed to providing high-quality, individualised instruction. If you are looking for a skilled and reliable private Mandarin tutor who can help you achieve your language goals, I would be delighted to work with you.

There are some textbooks I have been using for the learners, such as:
Confidence Chinese Vol. Getting Started
Confidence Chinese Vol2. Living in China
Chinese Made Easy Book1, 2 and 3.
Standard Course HSK
Edexcel Chinese for AS
Edexcel Chinese for A2
Chinese Made Easy for Kids.
Youth Chinese Test(YCT)

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Personal Description:
Post doctoral researcher at University of Sheffield, working to improve mathematical computer models which predict onset of heart disease.

I recently completed a PhD in Bioengineering at Imperial College London, carrying out mathematical research on heart disease. My first degree was in Maths at the same university, and I took a Masters in Biomedical Research in between.

I attended both a state school and a top boarding school and am comfortable to cover topics on and off the standard syllabus.

I am a very fun, friendly person with a wide range of activities and hobbies from inline skating to singing and playing the violin.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored A-level maths privately for a few years, and also spent several weeks as a teaching assistant in a secondary school during my undergraduate degree as part of the Student Associates Scheme. Many of my contemporaries from university are science and mathematics teachers across England and overseas, and I periodically discuss teaching methods and curriculum changes with them.

During my PhD, I led undergraduate tutorials and problems classes in the Mathematics and several Engineering departments, teaching undergraduates from 1st year to 4th year. The courses include Mathematical Methods, Matlab, Fluid Mechanics, PDEs, Modelling in Biology, Heat and Mass Transfer. I also carried out 1-1 tuition for undergraduates at departmental request. I have supervised a number of undergraduate and masters research projects and summer students.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a very approachable person and I prefer interactive sessions, although I can tailor the tuition style to the individual.

A first meeting would involve an informal chat for the student and I to get more familiar with his/her needs and style of working, and everything follows from there.

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Personal Description:
✨Experienced Native Mandarin Tutor | GCSE, HSK & Professional Chinese | 20+ Years✨

Hello, I'm Ching-Yi (Sunny) - a native Mandarin Chinese tutor from Taiwan, now based in the UK, with over 20 years of teaching experience.

I provide high-quality, structured Mandarin lessons for students who are serious about achieving real progress, strong academic results, and confident communication skills.

My teaching combines:
Clear, step-by-step progression
Accurate pronunciation and tone training
Real-life conversational Mandarin
Cultural understanding

This ensures students develop the ability to speak naturally and use Mandarin with confidence.

Teaching Experience:
✨20+ years teaching Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan & UK)
Teaching international students since 2005
UK-based since 2008
Former professional translator & interpreter
Current Chinese language school teacher (students aged 5-16)

I bring a professional, organised, and results-driven approach to every lesson.

Specialist Areas:
GCSE Chinese preparation
HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test)
Mandarin for beginners & adults
Conversational Mandarin Chinese
Business & professional Chinese
Chinese for children (KS1-KS4)
Pronunciation, tones & Pinyin mastery
Reading & writing (Simplified & Traditional Chinese)

Tutoring Approach:
✨Each lesson is tailored to the student's goals.

For younger learners, I use engaging activities, stories, and games.
For older students and professionals, lessons are focused, efficient, and goal-oriented.

Who I Work With?
I work best with:
Parents seeking high-quality Mandarin education
Students preparing for GCSEs, A-levels, or HSK exams
Professionals learning Mandarin for career or business
Motivated adult learners seeking structured progress

Lesson Options:
One-to-one premium tuition (recommended)
Small group lessons (siblings/friends welcome - discounted rate)

Available:
Online
From my home
Travel lessons (additional fee)

Results:
Gain confidence in speaking Mandarin
Build strong pronunciation and grammar foundations
Achieve improved exam results
Develop long-term interest in the language and culture

If you are looking for a professional, experienced Mandarin tutor who delivers high-quality, results-focused lessons, I would be delighted to help.

Contact me today to arrange a trial lesson.

Results-focused Mandarin lessons with a native Taiwanese tutor. 20+ years' experience helping students succeed in GCSE, HSK, and real-life Chinese communication.

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Personal Description:
Hello, I am Suzy. I was born in Shanghai and educated at Shanghai Teachers University. I have lived in the UK since 2001.

I specialise in Mandarin Chinese at GCSE and A level. Since 2012, I have taught both Edexcel and AQA exam boards pat private schools and Oxford Sixth Form College. All of my students have achieved Grade 9 at GCSE and Grade A at A level.

I have over 25 years of experience teaching Mandarin to both adults and children.

A few points you should know about me:

• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Flexible with time allocation for learners
• Able to put learners at ease and help them enjoy the learning process

I hold three enhanced DBS certificates and have completed child protection training, safeguarding adults awareness training, and a diversity in the workplace course.

Teaching Experience:
Over 25 years of experience teaching Mandarin Chinese to both children and adults.
• Teaching British diplomats
• Teaching Edexcel, AQA GCSE and A Level Chinese at private schools
• Teaching private students business Chinese from global companies on a one-to-one basis

Tutoring Approach:
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Flexible with time allocation for learners
• Able to put learners at ease and help them enjoy the learning process
• Skilled at challenging students to take responsibility, reach their potential, stay motivated, and develop knowledge, skills, and understanding
• Provides caring, dedicated, enthusiastic, and expert teaching
• Able to identify each individual's strengths, achievements, and current learning situation

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Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese. My first language is Mandarin. I graduated with Honours Degree in English. I had been an English Teacher in China for 13 years before I moved to Scotland. I have lived in Scotland for 14 years. I am an experienced language teacher, and I am enthusiastic and friendly. I can tutor pupils of different levels.

Teaching Experience:
I had 13 years of experience of teaching English in an university in China. I also taught Mandarin in a Chinese School in Stow College of Glasgow. I have been a private tutor of Mandarin for over 4 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I can make learning a fun and enjoyable process by using different approaches to suit the varied needs of the learners.

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Personal Description:
YingShi teaches languages to children and adults, also coaches and conducts controlled assessments for Edexcel GCSE exams; iGCSE speaking exams; AS and A2 speaking exams for some local independent schools. She also provides cultural training for expats to be. She is patient, caring, fun and very good with young and older learners. She is very passionate and committed about teaching.

She have been teaching Mandarin since she was a student in Japan, haven't stopped even when worked full-time. The full-time languages teaching started about 15 years ago. She created great quantity of ‬good quality of Mandarin teaching resources including worksheets of vocabularies, grammars, common expressions; full collections of past exam papers, audios, and videos which is free on her website for all my learners. She is co-author of a book - 'Talking with the New Business Dragons'.

She is a native Mandarin (Putonghua - standard Mandarin Chinese) and Korean speaker, and a near native level of Japanese speaker. She's educated in China (Mechanical engineering management), studied (Chemistry) in Japan, gained MSc (Computer science) in England. She worked and lived in Japan for about 7 years, and worked as a Software Engineers (mainly in education sector) in England for over 16 years.

She offers one-to-one and small group tutoring for total beginners to advanced level of Mandarin, and has archived excellent results. Date/time of your lesson can be flexible to suit yours and her timetable.

She hold at lest 9 DBS Certifications, you are welcome to ask references, or talk to our learners directly.

Teaching Experience:
She have been teaching Mandarin for over 30 years on and off and teaching full-time for last 15 years. Currently teaching 1-2-1s, a small group, children from age 7. Covers curriculum includes ISEB, GCSE, iGCSE, AS/A2, HSK exams. She also provides intense exam tuitions for native Chinese students 1-2-1, and in schools. Rendcomb College (tutoring GCSE/iGCSE, AS/A2 exams, and conduct oral exams); St. Edward's School, Wycliffe College, The Kings School Gloucester, Berkhampstead School (Chinese Cultural day), Richard Pate School, Beaudesert Park School (Mandarin clubs), Dean Close School (Mandarin Club), University of Gloucestershire (university modules), and Abbey College (AS/A2 exam).

Tutoring Approach:
We will discuss your leaning objectives and a time frame to achieving it. We will work out your current Mandarin level, if you are not a total beginner. I will give an overview of Chinese language history, and what it involves at the initial session. I will make you at ease and feel comfortable, and you will have a taste of my teaching style.

Your lesson plan is personalised to suit your ability and needs. I always add Chinese culture and business contents as part of the course whenever it is appropriate. You will learn core contents including Pinyin, grammar, writing Chinese characters with correct writing strokes and how to use computer/mobile phone to type.

All learning materials are free - vocabularies, gramme summary, sentence pattens and practice sheets, online videos my website for beginners; also past exam papers.

Lessons are conducted in a bilingual context. Lessons can be face-to-face or online or both combined.

We are teaching many local people (children and adults), and they are all making excellent progress and enjoying it.

I am patient, caring, fun and very good with different age learners. I am very passionate about teaching.

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Personal Description:
I am a current student of University of Exeter, pursing a degree in Law. I have recently moved here from Singapore so as to pursue further education. I have been learning Mandarin (amongst other subject, English being one of them) since the age of 7 I have also gotten an A for Chinese in my GCSE 'O' Level.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught a primary school student on Mandarin and Math.

Tutoring Approach:
Be patient and calm.

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Personal Description:
I'm a master student from China majoring in human nutrition in Glasgow university. Before this, in my undergraduate university in China I have worked as a proofreader of dictated draft from speech records for student union. I'm good at wording and grammar. Recently I learned a little German and Arabic to experience how people speaking varies around the world and also inspired by these teachers as to how to approach to a language from 0.

Teaching Experience:
During this year I have taught a classmate mandarin from 0. He is a Scottish. However, he is keen to learn a wide variety of languages. When he found Korean and Malay easier he gave up mandarin. Such a worldwide culture vulture! Anyway, no matter you learn mandarin for culture, travel, work, yellow-face friends, curiosity, or just Chinese restaurants, you are all warmly welcome! I can teach you from the basic pronunciation which is like singing to beautiful Chinese characters which is like dancing.....

Tutoring Approach:
I'm only available from September to December 2016. I'm friendly and very patient. If you have time for homestudying I can teach more during tutorial; if not, we will practice more together to consolidate memory. Language is for communication, absolutely not for getting a high score!
Honored to be your teacher!

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Personal Description:
Native Mandarin speaker born and raised in China, systematically educated to a high standard (graduated from primary, middle and high schools). Highly educated, successfully graduated with a couple of academic degrees from top British universities including Imperial College London. Currently working in banking in the city of London.

Teaching Experience:
Many years of one to one experiences with private school students from Tonbridge and Sevenoaks as well as younger kids and mature students.

Tutoring Approach:
I have had experience teaching children from a young age as well as mature students, therefore I am more than happy to customize teaching pace and technique according to the requirement of my students.

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified and experienced Mandarin and Spanish teacher, and held the positions of Head of Chinese at both Oakham School and Oundle School. I am bilingual in Spanish, and studied Chinese at University for 4 years, including a year in China.

Languages have always been a passion of mine, and I am eager to help language learners of all abilities. I am friendly and approachable, and realise how difficult Mandarin in particular can be for learners with no Chinese background. I genuinely enjoy finding new ways to help pupils overcome these difficulties, especially with writing and speaking. Spanish has its own challenges, and I am equally passionate about both languages.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught and am familiar with a range of exam boards and syllabuses. At GCSE Level I have taught AQA and EdExcel, and Cambridge IGCSE. I have also taught IB Diploma Level: Spanish Standard and Higher Levels; Mandarin ab initio. I have taught A Level and Cambridge Pre-U in both languages for a number of years. All my pupils have achieved top results.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that everyone learns differently and I will first spend time getting to know exactly what is needed, and how the individual learns best before coming up with a personalised plan. I believe my strongest ability is an adaptability to meet the varying needs of the pupil as, generally, this is why tuition is being sought beyond the school curriculum.

In terms of academic structure, I would aim to follow a curriculum but have the flexibility to pause where needed. I am a firm believer that confidence is an essential part of learning a language, and I hope to give my pupils the confidence that they need.

Lastly, but equally as important, language learning should be engaging and fun. I strive to keep a healthy balance in this. So often I meet pupils who have initially fallen out of love with a subject and bringing them back on board is essential. Whilst the emphasis is always on academic progress, lessons will always be enjoyable.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified (CELTA) English Language teacher who has been teaching in Taiwan, Poland and the UK since July 2017.

I have studied Chinese, German and Spanish so I fully understand what it is like to learn a foreign language. I like to keep my classes informative, useful and enjoyable, and I will tailor them to suit you and your needs.

I read and write extensively during my free time, and I aim to encourage others to see the positives in both reading and writing effectively. I also enjoy football, travelling and gardening.

I am dedicated to improving my knowledge and skills, and I pride myself on being a strict and dedicated teacher who encourages every student to reach their full potential.

Teaching Experience:
Since completing my CELTA in 2017, I have taught ages 3-65 from levels A1-C1 in General English classes, but also IELTS, FCE, CAE and PET exam preparation classes. My favourite classes are IELTS and Intermediate levels, but I am comfortable teaching anyone who is willing to learn.

I have always received strong ratings from my students (school / teacher feedback) and often receive emails from previous students, asking me for help or support with their English.

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to teach all skills equally, but can tailor my lessons based on your strengths and weaknesses. I want to help my students develop a wide range of vocabulary and enable them to understand and use every day language, such as ordering in a restaurant or buying a train ticket, discussing the news or giving their opinion on a political situation.

I always include vocabulary and pronunciation work and believe that correction is a vital part of every lesson. I encourage my students to self-correct, especially in writing, and often find that after a few lessons they are able to make progress in this area.

My classes include games (kahoot, board games, cards, hangman...), social media when relevant, BBC / radio programmes and other interesting activities that will help students increase their English skills in a useful way.

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Personal Description:
I specialise in helping students achieve Grades 8-9 in GCSE Chinese through structured, exam-focused training.

TCSOL-qualified Mandarin teacher with over 20 years of experience, specialising in GCSE, IGCSE and A-Level exam preparation. I am also a certified HSK examiner and GCSE Speaking Examiner, with a clear understanding of exam requirements and marking criteria.

Teaching Experience:
Many of my students have achieved strong GCSE results, including those who initially struggled or lacked confidence.

I have developed a structured GCSE Chinese programme, supported by my own teaching materials, to help students improve efficiently and master key exam skills.

I focus on delivering targeted, high-impact teaching, while maintaining a supportive and engaging learning environment where students are challenged but not overwhelmed.

Alongside 1:1 tuition, I run multiple local GCSE Chinese group classes, allowing me to identify patterns in student performance and deliver highly targeted, exam-focused teaching.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are fully personalised and focused on achieving measurable results.

For exam preparation (GCSE / IGCSE / A-Level, including AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE), lessons focus on:
- Speaking fluency and exam performance
- Writing structure and accuracy based on mark schemes
- Listening skills and exam techniques
- Targeted improvement on weak areas

Lessons are designed to be effective and focused, using proven teaching methods to maximise progress.

After each lesson, students receive targeted homework and lesson notes to reinforce learning and support independent revision.

️️ Limited availability - most students stay long-term.

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Personal Description:
I am a full-time Mandarin Chinese tutor in the UK. I hold a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Newcastle University, as well as a Certificate in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language. I am a positive, reliable and supportive tutor, and I like to create a friendly and encouraging learning environment. I firmly believe that a relaxed atmosphere can lead to more effective learning. I
have a high student retention rate, with many students continuing to learn with me for a long time. I offer a free 20 minutes online initial consultation. Enhanced DBS check, academic qualifications, and references are available upon request.

I can help with
*General Mandarin and more, such as Business Chinese, Chinese for travel, character reading and writing, graded reading etc.
*Exam Support ( GCSE, IGCSE, A Level, HSK).
*Personalised lesson planning
*All ages and levels
*1 to 1 & small group
* Online & in person

Outside of teaching, I am a mum to two teenage boys. Even though they don't need me as much as they used to, they still keep me busy! In my spare time, I love reading, walking and watching movies.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Chinese in the UK for over 15 years and have taught learners of all ages and levels, both in private and group settings. My teaching experience also includes working with local schools and institutions. I also work as a visiting speaking examiner for GCSE and A Level Mandarin, and regularly visit local schools to conduct speaking exams. Before moving to the UK in 2005, I worked as a secondary school English teacher in Taiwan.

Some recent reviews shared by students and parents I have supported.

"I have been working with Fenlan or laoshi for the past 5 months now and am pleased to say I'm very happy with her teaching approach and overall attitude to work. I first met Fenlan through first tutors whom I'm very pleased with also for finding such a fantastic teacher for me but also having a really reasonable finders fee which I was very appreciative of. I was interested in Chinese for a while and I decided I wanted to learn as an interest and hobby I looked one for more information when I came across first tutors. I had a good look at their website and decided to ask if anyone would like to teach me, Fenlan agreed and I have been learning for the past 5 months now making steady progress with which I'm happy with and enjoying. Fenlan has a good nature is easy to get along with and very patient with a great sense of humour that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. I would recommend her to anyone I can't imagine there is better. Thanks so much to first tutors and thank you Fenlan.
~Dean Allan, Newcastle~

"My son has had an excellent experience so far with Fenlan, his Mandarin tutor. Lessons are engaging, well-structured, and tailored to his level, which has really boosted his confidence. Highly recommended." ~Jill, Newcastle~

"My daughter has had a few weeks of lessons with Fenlan and we have been amazed at the progress she has made in this short time from her teaching. Fenlan is patient, highly organized and talented, and we are extremely glad we found her. We are happy to recommend her without hesitation." ~Ian, London~

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are highly interactive, with plenty of conversation mixed with grammar and exercises. Although my lessons are fun and enjoyable, I also make sure they are challenging enough to suit different abilities and levels. I also bring Chinese cultural knowledge and culture-related activities into my lessons, so you are not just learning the Chinese language, but also getting to know and appreciate the rich culture behind it.

I tailor my lessons to each student's individual needs. We will discuss your needs and goals together, and I will create a personalised plan for you. We can also make changes to the plan whenever needed as your learning progresses.

Lessons are usually based on a textbook suitable for your level. I will recommend a textbook for you to purchase. I find textbooks useful because they provide a clear structure for learning, with important language points introduced in a logical, step-by-step way. I will also supply extra digital materials whenever they are useful. (If you are doing a short course just for exam prep, a textbook might not even be necessary.)

I encourage students to learn character reading and writing from the beginning. You may find this challenging and it can make the initial stages of learning a little slower, but it will benefit you greatly in the long run. However, I understand that students have different goals and preferences, so we can adjust the balance between speaking, listening, reading and writing according to your needs. If you prefer to focus mainly on speaking and listening, we can do that too.

Once students have learned around 150 words commonly used characters, I will gradually introduce graded reading into their learning. I have found it helps improve reading skills, reinforce vocabulary and character recognition, and give students greater sense of progress and achievement. It can also be a fun and enjoyable way to meet familiar language in a meaningful way.

Homework is given regularly to help consolidate your learning. Throughout my teaching career, I have seen how helpful homework can be, and I always encourage my students to do it when possible. However, I also understand that every student is different, especially adult learners who have to use their time outside work to learn Chinese. So, if you don't have time to complete your homework, I promise you won't be punished! 😀

You may find that Chinese is not as difficult as you think once you give it a go. I firmly believe that, with the help of the right tutor, you can overcome the challenges that may come with learning Chinese.

Good luck with your learning, and I look forward to hearing from you!

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