Kirkby Stephen Mandarin Tutors and Kirkby Stephen Mandarin Tuition

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 tutor of both Chinese Mandarin and Cantonese. I am an enthusiastic, dedicated and focused professional with exceptional organisational skills. I am from China, but have lived in England for over 20 years. I am fluent in English.

I worked for Barclays in UK for six year but I much prefer teaching. I find it very rewarding when I see my students learn and grow with my help. This is why I now work full-time as a private tutor.

I am currently teaching several students. They give me great feedback and are very satisfied with the service I offer.

I have worked as an interpreter and translator. I have a UK masters degree in International Business Communication. While working at Barclays I worked in Correspondence and often interpreted

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for over 13 years. I have taught both grown-ups and kids, one-to-one and in a group. I have helped students pass Chinese HSK exams.

If you are going to or doing business with Chinese:
I have experience of teaching groups of senior business people in the office. I have been giving great feedback. For example, "I have gained lots of confidence to speak Chinese when I travel to China for business. Liwen is a really encouraging tutor and I have made great progress in a short space of time."

"I studied Mandarin with Liwen's classes for 6 years to help with my career progression. The lessons were engaging and I highly recommend Liwen's classes for anyone interested in learning."

I also have one-to-one lessons with students who are doing business with Chinese or travelling to China frequently.

If you are planning to travel to China for a holiday:
Few of my students learned Chinese before they went to China for holiday. They were very satisfied after my lessons. "Liwen is professional, organised, and patient. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who would like to learn or improve their Chinese. "

If you are parents and wanted your children to learn Chinese:
I have students between 3-7 years old. They really enjoy my lessons. As a mum myself, I understand the need of children.
I am also teaching in the secondary school. There are many enthusiastic students in the class.

More:
I have both Cantonese and Mandarin adult students.

I am very warm, patient, understanding and a great listener.

I have invested in my teaching materials and have some great stuff to help you learn.

I am flexible and can offer lessons on subject matters of interest to the student.

I have taught students who have very different reasons for wanting to learn Mandarin or Cantonese. Some because they have Chinese relations, some because they have a general interest in China. In all cases I have been able to meet my student's needs and they have been very satisfied with what my lessons.

Tutoring Approach:
I think everyone has different learning styles. My aim is to understand the different needs of my students and provide the best teaching methods for them, so they will get the most from my lessons. As I have been in England for over 11 years, I have a deep understanding of the cultural differences between west and east.

I like to share my own personal experiences with my students in order to illuminate a subject.

I make lessons enjoyable and have designed some games and exercises.

I am very passionate about teaching Chinese and love to see my students progress.

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Personal Description:
I graduated from Durham University with an MA Education and I have Qualified Teacher Status specialised in Chinese teaching. My Bachelor degree was 'Chinese Literature'. I have a recent CRB check, Mandarin teaching experience at both private and state schools in London and East Sussex. I also have experiences of private tuition (age 8 months to 23 years old, from complete beginner to university level) and real passion for this career.

I have been teaching at a private school in London for almost 10 years. Prior to that, I taught at a prestigious private school in Sussex for three years. In the past few years, I have also been working as an A-Level Mandarin examiner. During my teaching placements I've came across a range of students with different abilities, and I have managed to help them achieve outstanding results with a variety of teaching strategies.

I am punctual, easy-going, patient with strong academic background together with a range of teaching experiences. If you would like a weekday evening, weekend or summer Mandarin intensive courses (areas: calligraphy, tourism, business, culture, exam preparation or even Chinese cookery!!), please feel free to drop me an email :)

I'd love to hear from you.

Teaching Experience:
1. Helped my tutee to pass his HSK4 exam within eight weeks of learning;
2. Years of teaching the English secondary school curriculum.
3. Every year of teaching, my students achieved 100% A-A*.
4. Lots of experience in HSK and business tuition.

Tutoring Approach:
I have plenty of interests and these can also be involved in extra-curricular activities in terms of Mandarin teaching, such as singing, cooking and calligraphy.

In order to build up an interactive learning atmosphere, I will mainly utilise the Communicative Language Teaching Method (CLT), which focuses on cultural aspects. I will also use other teaching approaches in accordance with the purpose of learning, learners' age and their language backgrounds.

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Personal Description:
I'm a Chinese girl who is really hard working and self-disciplined. I am a postgraduate in Translation and Interpreting at University of Essex. I did my bachelor's degree in English in China and I was the top student in my class.

Apart from the high levels of enthusiasm and commitment, as I have been trained intensively to be a Simultaneous Interpreter/ Conference Interpreter, I enjoy the advantage of good presentation and speaking manner. It's proven that I have strong teamwork spirit and multitask skills. I can work under high pressure and am able to schedule priorities and perform/delegate accordingly to effectively accomplish tasks at hand. Living in China for 20 years, I can always look at things in new perspective. Culturally I am strongly adaptive since I can smoothly operate in two entirely different environments.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored some primary school kids on their English course when I was in China. Their class performance was much better after my tutoring. I managed to get a Teacher's Certificate by taking the national exam when I was in China.

I have a real passion for languages and have been very privileged to have had the opportunities to go and live in the countries where these languages are spoken and experience the diverse culture each country has to offer. Teaching is something that I am very passionate about and want to help others have the same opportunities I have been fortunate to have.

Tutoring Approach:
I work closely with my students to customize the most effective one-on-one tutoring solution. I listen. Before designing a module, I make careful observation and evaluate the student's ability. I teach with the most patience.

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Personal Description:
Happy, friendly, patient and enthusiastic Chinese native teacher / speaker.

Professional and experienced, provides quality tailor made lessons for any purpose. e.g. work, education, business, travelling, interests or science papers, etc.

UK-China Business Consultant.

Registered interpreter for public sectors, courts, solicitors, hospitals, GPs and dentists.

Teaching Experience:
16 years private teaching experience for children and adults (1-1 and groups).

A Chinese Mandarin teacher working at independent schools, state schools, private language schools, and Chinese community schools in Brighton and Sussex, as well as the London Mandarin School in London.

Tutoring Approach:
Creative 'one to one' all level tuition in Chinese Mandarin and Cantonese, for both adults and children, using a tested fastest possible progress technique.

Lessons are fun, challenging, enjoyable and achievable, all your needs catered for in conversation, grammar, pronunciation, speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Preparing for Common Entrance exams, GCSE / HSK / YCT and Chinese for business or culture.

Various approaches to meet different learning styles.

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Personal Description:
I am a native speaker of Mandarin. I am a graduate student who study Radio in University of London. My BA degree is Journalism and I graduated from one of top universities in Mainland China. I am good at Mandarin. I love to talk and communicate.

Teaching Experience:
attend the language exchange group and tech people Mandarin.

Tutoring Approach:
Chinese phonetic alphabet
Chinese characters and pronunciation
useful sentence and dialogue

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Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese speaking fluent standard Chinese Mandarin and English, and have taught Chinese Mandarin for over 18 years in Birmingham, and currently work part time for a local mainstream school in UK.

I am also an experienced English and Maths tutor and a certified 11+ teacher and have a very good success rate with all of my pupils for passing 11+ tests, successfully grabbed places in local grammar schools and private schools, and achieving higher GCSE grades.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Chinese Mandarin for over 20 years to students from different countries with diverse linguistic backgrounds in UK. I have experience in teaching Chinese at various levels including GCSE, A level and HSK. I currently work part time for a local mainstream school in UK.

I am also an experienced English and Maths tutor and a certified 11+ teacher and have a very good success rate with all of my pupils for passing 11+ tests, successfully grabbed places in local grammar schools and private schools, and achieving higher GCSE grades.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient, passionate and dedicated female teacher and have a track record of helping students achieve top grades and dramatically improve their attainment. My lessons are tailored to meet each student's need, interesting and motivating.

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Personal Description:
I'm Nonie. I'm originally from Taiwan. I have lived and studied in several countries and speak several languages. I speak fluent Mandarin, Taiwanese, English and Japanese. I also speak conversational German and Spanish. I haven't stopped learning languages because it's such a fun thing to do.

I have taught in junior school and secondary schools in England for a few years. Now I base in Wales. I work with Confucius Institute teachings students in University of Wales Trinity Saint David. I also give private lessons in person and online. Apart from that, from time to time, I work with the Reaching Wider Department of Swansea University, teaching Mandarin, the culture and the art of writing such as Chinese Calligraphy to pupils of different ages.

I would love to be able to share my language learning and teaching experiences with whoever finds learning languages difficult, especially with the ones who find reading and writing Chinese impossible.

There are many ways that you can learn Mandarin. I assure you that you'd not just be writing characters but singing and playing games with me. You will have access to the learning materials online and on apps. Whenever you have time, you'd be able to access them and play the games. If you are almost giving it up, give me a shout and I might just get you back on track!

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Mandarin to adults for years. Currently I am teaching Mandarin at high schools in London and also teaching private students from age 6.

Tutoring Approach:
Apart from text books, I use traditional games, board games, songs and other activities to help students learning. I share my language learning skills with my students and break down words for them so it is easier for them to understand and remember.

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Personal Description:
I am an outgoing, patient, and hard-working girl with short hair. I have finished both of my master's degrees at the University of Warwick within the field of Engineering and started to work on my Ph.D. degree from the Nov of 2020 for Autonomous Vehicle also at the University of Warwick.

Outside of my academic work, I have pursued many extracurricular undertakings throughout my life. During my undergraduate study, I served as the University of Liverpool Flash Mob Society President and led huge street performance activities which were broadcast by CCTV13 and several other television channels. Despite attending school in China, I took English A-Levels and I have attained high marks in English language exams. Further, I am a talented musician and, at the age of 11, I obtained a Level 9 certification (UK Grade 8 equivalent) in the electric organ. Also able to join several excellent internship opportunities.

Teaching Experience:
I have been worked in a company which teaches English to under-achieving Chinese children. These experiences have greatly improved my skills in self-assessment, teamwork and communication.

I have taught some friends I met at the University who were interested in Mandarin and after a term, they can do simple conversation with me.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer to teach Mandarin based on a book with exercises on it. But I also believe that the most effective way to learn a language is freestyle conversation with different theme after several basic lessons. I am very patient and love to teach children during playing small games with them. During the current Covid-19 situations, the online meeting is preferred.

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Personal Description:
I am an artist working in my own art studio in Ouseburn, Newcastle. I express my love of culture and diversity through my art and teaching practices. I try to explore a vast range of styles (12 different art styles) to earn a richer understanding of the cultures that they come from. Over three decades, I have made a living creating; a freelance artist and tutor. I have a BA degree in Fine art from Beijing. China and a MA in Art from UK.

Teaching Experience:
I have years of experience teaching art and language for all age groups delivering one-to-one, groups and large events. I also a qualified adults education teacher. I also work with SEN children and adults to improve their wellbeing through art therapy.

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly, well organized, work on time, motivated teacher. I can be flexible and tailor the lessons suits for your need. I

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Personal Description:
I finished my postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham in Dec 2018. I had stayed in UK for more than a year. I really love UK. The time when I was living in UK left me a great and impressive memory.

Now I have returned to China, I would like to keep contact with British people, and continue tutoring online. There are 7 or 8 hours time difference between UK and China. Therefore, someone who are interested in learning Chinese/Mandarin, or want to know the culture of China, or want to improve your Maths, please leave me a message. I will do my best to be a good tutor and also a good international friend of you.

In particular, for those who are interested in tutoring English, we can tutor each other for free.

Teaching Experience:
I was a volunteer teacher when I was an undergraduate student in China. It was in a countryside school of Hunan province. I went there with my schoolmates in a summer holiday. I taught students mathematics and introduced interesting things in the university to them. Although time passed fast, we had wonderful time together. Importantly, children and teenagers learned something from me, which is unforgettable in their life and is meaningful to me as well.

I had an experience of tutoring two junior school students for Maths of IGCSE when I was in UK. It lasted over two months. During that time I helped them make big progresses in their studies. I also gain friendship from their families which will last forever.

I had also tutored Mandarin for two kids in the UK after finishing IGCSE tutoring. It was easier for me to tutor language compared to Maths. I enjoyed the time when I spent with those two cute kids.

Tutoring Approach:
I would prepare for the lessons very well before tutoring.
Using an everyday language, make knowledge clear and easy to understand.
Develop student's interest step by step.
Providing good examples.
Give suggestions of study.
etc.

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Personal Description:
I am a native speaker in Mandarin with a standard accent and I am currently teaching Mandarin in the UK .
I studied Chinese Language and Literature for four years in China.
I graduated in MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
I have been teaching Chinese to speakers of other language over 6 years.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Chinese to speakers of other language over 6 years in both University and language institute in China
I teach beginners Mandarin and teach learners with higher level purpose .
I also have been teaching and helping students acquire mandarin for travelling, business , daily communicating etc.
I taught different classes . And my students from different age groups from 6 years old kids to 50 plus years old adults.
Generally my students could communicate with native freely during 3 months learning in my classes, and almost all my students could reach the HSK(Chinese proficiency Test) level 2 or level 3 through 6 months learning.
After 6-month teaching in this Institute I assistant teaching supervisor to give training to new Chinese teachers.

Tutoring Approach:
Normally my lessons are tailored to students' interests.I prefer to introduce Chinese culture, history and dialects to students.
Using games to help students memorise characters.
Teaching plan is flexible depending on which level you want to achieve.

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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 graduated from Imperial in 2015, studying mathematics & statistics, and am currently working as a consultant at McKinsey London.
A-level results: 4As*1A for Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Economics and Thinking Skills.
I am passionate about teaching and have been teaching since 2011.

Academic subjects help:
I have been tutoring Maths, English, Physics, and Mandarin since 2011.
I have also taught classes at top schools around the world.
My specialty is with coaching high performing students who are preparing for entrance exams such as Oxford MAT, STEP, and public school exam preps; and mathematical competitions such as the Math Olympiads, UKMT challenges etc.
I also like helping out with math projects.

Job hunting help:
With working experiences/job offers/internships at top consulting firms, accounting firms, investment banking firms, and FTSE100 firms. I can help with CV writing, technical and tests taking skills, and interview preparations to boost your chances to get jobs. I can also help with more specialised skills for consulting jobs.

Additional information:
-Language speaking and writing skills:
English, Mandarin (first languages)
Malay, Hokkien/Taiwanese, Cantonese (fluent)
French (beginner)
-Awards and Scholarships:
Silver and Bronze medals for various Mathematical Olympiads
Champion for the University of Waterloo`s Euclid Mathematics competition
7 High Distinctions from Australian Math Competitions and New South Wales Math Competition
Offered the prestigious ASEAN Scholarship to study in Singapore for my GCSE and A-level
Other private scholarships to further my studies in colleges and universities

Teaching Experience:
-9 years of tutoring experience.
-Imperial College London M3T Module - Distinction:
mini-thesis on: Difference in teaching approaches between top Asian schools and top British Schools.
-Taught more than 50 students on GCSE, AS, A-level, and university level maths, further maths, and (up to A-level) physics; and have taught many kids and adults learning Mandarin.
-Successfully prepped more than 10 students to qualify for BMO1 and BMO2, and have also coached an IMO gold medallist.
-Worked with UniAdmissions to prep students for Oxbridge Maths, physics and engineering interviews.
-Teaching experiences at top schools: St. Pauls School London, Catholic High School Singapore etc.
-Helped many adults, and university students with job hunting skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer classes to be carried out in small groups, or ideally, one to one.
I try to make the lessons as fun and engaging as possible, as from my experience, that`s the best way to make students want to learn, and remember what they`ve learned.
I use the `5 whys?` approach to prompt student to think by themselves and work towards the answer rather than just relying on the tutor to give them the answers.
If my students show great potential or interest, I am more than willing to introduce more challenging questions and concepts that can be beyond the syllabus (upon request).
I will explain every formula that are introduced briefly so that students first understand how and why they work, which will help them a lot in remembering and when/how to apply them.

Occasionally, A small test will be carried out to judge students` level at the first lesson, I will then have a small chat with them to understand which parts they have least confidence in and know their requirements and aims to ensure we get on track and work towards the correct direction.

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Personal Description:
I'm a lively and friendly person. I was born and raised in Malaysia. I speak fluent English. My first language is Chinese. I have a passion for teaching as the students are always keen on learning. I feel a sense of achievement every time my students learn something new which led me to wanting to teach Mandarin to all age learners.

Teaching Experience:
I once taught a group of 5 students English for five months. I am also currently teaching Mandarin on different teaching websites.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very patient and willing to make friends with my students to create a positive environment where my students are welcome to raise any questions and share their ideas. And knowing that there are different types of learners, I desire to create a positive environment to meet the students' unique needs. I always try to use different resources to help achieve the students' potentials.

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Personal Description:
Hey everyone! This is Jaycee from Hong Kong. I love art and fashion. I relish teaching, playing tennis ,watching movies and making ceramics. I am energetic and passionate in education and I have a sense of humour and like to explore new things.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified and accredited English and Mandarin teacher while my mother tongue is Cantonese as I am a Hong Kongese. Having been teaching in secondary school up to the sixth formers for years, I have rich experience in assisting students in mastering the language and identifying their room for improvement to shoot stars and boost their confidence , as well as finding the meaning of learning languages with inspiration and thought-provoking questions. I have received training in SEN in universities in Melbourne and got experience in teaching SEN students.

Tutoring Approach:
It depends on the needs, level, strengths and background of students to make adjustments on what sort of teaching mode and materials would be appropriate to help them fulfil their potential and excel, reaching or go beyond their target.

Making learning enjoyable and irresistible is the key to enhance the cognitive reception and performance of learners.
Thus, having a tutor is more for getting support and sharpening skills to lay a solid foundation for building your blocks higher.

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Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese speaker who grew up in a Traditional Chinese environment in Taiwan. I've also studied art, lived and worked in the UK for the last 4 years. Therefore, I have a sufficient understanding of both languages and I've been teaching Chinese to adults and kids for more than 3 years. 

I enjoy helping people express themselves through Chinese, and making the learning process delightful and practical. I also have multiple interests including drawing, yoga, planting, swimming, reading, dancing, going to exhibitions and going camping. I am happy to share things I know with you and learn from your interests. 

Teaching Experience:
In the last three years, I've helped students with different needs, backgrounds,  ages, and different Chinese levels. For example, helping a total beginner to build up a basic knowledge of Chinese, helping intermediates to have daily conversations, and helping the advanced learners to speak precisely in daily and business contexts. 

I can teach in the pin yin or Zhuyin system according to students' needs, and both traditional and simplified Chinese. My previous experiences include preparing a family(aged 6 and aged 35) to move to Chinese speaking country, introducing Chinese to teenagers who are interested in Chinese culture and history, and helping people who want to work bilingually in English and Chinese, as well as support people who had learned Chinese long time ago to pick it up again. 

I am passionate about teaching the Chinese language and culture, and I enjoy seeing my students' joy in achieving and improving.

Tutoring Approach:
We will design the course content together based on your interests, needs, and abilities, and develop it according to your goals. The course can be in full Chinese or half Chinese and half English. 


For beginners, I usually start with building up vocabularies, recognising characters, and speaking, then move on to sentence structures and grammar. I encourage my students to speak and communicate confidently even if it's not perfect, and we will correct the word order and grammar from the conversations. 


I enrich the courses with props, books, games, and videos for students of different ages. My approach is to create an enjoyable and relaxed space for you to speak Chinese and learn from mistakes. I will help you cultivate your confidence with my patient and friendly guidance.

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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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