Lydbrook Mandarin Tutors and Lydbrook Mandarin Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a Mandarin native speaker and have been teaching Mandarin in Britain for more than ten years.

I am a very experienced and UK well-qualified Mandarin teacher (QTS). I am very interested in teaching Chinese language. I am teaching Mandarin in all levels and lessons are tailor made.

Teaching Experience:
I have been helping learners for their survival, travelling, GCSE, A-level, University degree or business Mandarin, spoken Mandarin, culture tips and passing HSK, GCSE and A-level etc examination.

I teach children from age three years old. I teach Mandarin in all levels and lessons can be tailor made.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very flexible. Approaches will be adjusted to meet clients' needs.

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Personal Description:
I had been a qualified teacher of English in China for nearly four years before i came to the UK. I can speak good English and Madarin and Contonese. I have been working as a voluntary teacher teaching kids mandarin every Sunday. I have just got a master's degree in language learning and education at the university of york in November 2012. I am currently working as a Chinese tutor.

Teaching Experience:
April 2009-present,
Voluntary worker
Work as a voluntary teacher teaching kids who want to learn Chinese every Sunday
August 2005-March 2009, TAI SHAN NO.1 High School Guang Dong China
English teacher
Worked as a full-time English teacher teaching students aged 16-18 who are going to enter the universities. Gave two or three classes every day on English words, grammar and English cultures etc.

Tutoring Approach:
face-to-face tutoring. Flexible pedagogy is adopted according to students' needs.

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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 am a native Chinese speaker and can speak fluent Cantonese and Mandarin.
I also teach Piano, Trombone, Double Bass and Music Theory up to Grade 8 and Jazz Piano up to Grade 5 as I have all the qualifications in those instruments.
Piano lesson starting from £40 per hours depends on level.

Teaching Experience:
I have 16 years of teaching experience of Music, Maths and Chinese.

Tutoring Approach:
I am patient in teaching and would like to work together with student step by step until they understand all the things.

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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 an experienced native Chinese speaking, highly capable Chinese language teacher.

Fully qualified and certified to teach Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language and able to teach students of all ages and abilities. Specific deep knowledge and ability in teaching A-Level and GCSE students with proven track record in achieving excellent exam results! References on request.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 20 years experience in teaching Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language. My students are all ages including children and adults learners.

Specific deep knowledge and ability in teaching A-Level and GCSE students with proven track record in achieving excellent exam results! References on request.

Tutoring Approach:
Being a qualified and experienced teacher with graduate degree in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, I have developed strategies to keep my students engaged, focusing on practising both writing and speaking. I set up tasks which are tailored to different students in order for them to achieve their potentials and abilities in language. I am very flexible with my time, students are welcome to ask me questions after lesson hours. I try to make sure that learning experience is enjoyable and rewarding.

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Personal Description:
I am a highly motivated, extremely organised self-reliant, conscientious and enthusiastic individual with the drive and ambition to achieve the highest standards possible within both my professional and personal life. I have a strong work ethic, and the ability to work effectively with the minimum of supervision or as part of a team.
I am fluent in English, Chinese Mandarin and Chinese Cantonese and possess excellent written and oral skills in English, Chinese Mandarin.
I am Enhanced DBS certified and can supply supporting documentation on request. (Online New DBS Update Service registered).

Teaching Experience:
Education
• 1997 - 2000: Baoji Weili University, China
Certificate in Secretarial Studies and Administration - Passed
Equivalent to O/A Level of Subjects:
Chinese, Maths, English, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography -Passed

Professional, Occupational or Skills Training
Certificates in Education
• KCSIE & Legislation 2024 Update Course for Staff & Volunteers
• Administration of Medication
• Adverse Childhood Experiences & Trauma-Informed Practice
• Appropriate Adult
• Asthma Awareness for Educational Settings
• Bereavement and Loss
• Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
• Child-on-Child Sexual Violence, Abuse and Harassment
• County Lines
• Domestic Abuse
• E-Safety (including online safety)
• Educational Visits
• Emergency Response Strategies for Staff (not SLT) & Volunteers
• Equality Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
• Fire Safety Awareness
• Fire Warden / Marshall
• First Aid Basics
• Food Safety & Hygiene Training (Level 2)
• Forced Marriage
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Health & Safety
• Honour Based Abuse (HBA)
• Infection Control in Children and Young People Settings
• Introduction to the Safeguarding Thematics
• Knife Crime & Serious Violence
• Lone Working in Educational Settings
• Managing Slips, Trips & Falls in an Educational Setting
• Misogyny and INCEL Awareness
• Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness
• Policy in Practice
• Prevent Duty for Staff and Volunteers
• Risk Assessment
• Safeguarding & Child Protection for Staff in Regulated Activity
• Safeguarding & Child Protection for Staff not in Regulated Activity
• Safeguarding Legislation
• Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
• Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People
• Working at heights
• HM Government - Prevent awareness Course
• HM Government - Prevent referrals Course
• HM Government - Prevent Channel or Prevent Multi-Agency Panel (PMAP) Course
• The Open University - Understanding Autism
• First Aid
• Certificate of Safeguarding Training
• +ProActive Approaches
• OLT - Level 1 Attachment and Trauma
Certificates in Interpreting
• Certificate in Community Interpreting
• Certificate in Interpreting for the NHS
• Certificate in Mental Health Interpreting
• Certificate in Health and Safety, Security, Confidentiality, Equality & Environment
• Certificate in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults
• Certificate in Legal & Court Interpreting Date
• Certificate of Interpreter Training Course(below) successfully and completed
Interpreting Skills and Strategies, Interpreter Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Practices
Customer Service and Conflict Resolution, Continued Professional Development ,Bespoke Interpreting System
• Certificate in Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Training for Interpreters
• Certificate in Mental Health Awareness Training for Interpreters
• Certificate in Health Interpreting Language Assessment
• Certificate in Telephone Interpreting
• Certificate in Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect - Core V7.3
• Certificate in Safeguarding Training Level 2
• Certificate in Introduction to Public Service Interpreting (CIPSI)
• Certificate in knowledge around the risks of radicalisation and the kinds of support available to those at risk

Work Experience
2025 - Present: Helm Academy
• Assist the classroom teacher in planning and delivering lessons that meet the needs of students with SEN.
• Provide one-on-one and small group support to students, helping them engage with the curriculum.
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom atmosphere that encourages student participation.
• Support the development and implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Monitor and track student progress, providing feedback to teachers and parents as needed.
• Help create resources and materials to enhance the learning experience.
• Collaborate with teachers and other staff to ensure a cohesive approach to student support.
2023 - 2025: Optical assistant - Costco Leeds
• Helping customers find the perfect products tailored to their lifestyle and requirements
• pre-screening examinations
• Ordering and dispensing of glasses and contact lenses
• Providing aftersales support through repairs and adjustments
• Relevant operational and administrative tasks associated with the running of a store
• Support other colleagues within the stores to develop their knowledge and skills
2013 - 2023: Self-employed Interpreter
Pearl Linguistics (2013 -2017) Leeds City Council (2017-2023) Languageline Solutions (2018-2023)
• Accurate and precise interpreting of Chinese Mandarin and Cantonese to English and vice versa.
• Clear and concise communication with medical professionals ranging from consultants and doctors to other
healthcare providers such as nurses, physical/occupational therapists and their support services
• Working with the highest levels of professionalism, integrity and sensitivity at all times, whilst maintaining
appropriate levels of confidentiality.
• Constantly working without direct supervision but helping to facilitate appropriate care for patients in very
traumatic and emotive situations.
2005 - Present : Chinese Language Tutor
• Teaching of the Chinese language in both oral and written format to both adults and children.
• Working to ensure that students are competent and confident in the use of the Chinese language in a broad
range of personal and professional situations.
• Working to an accredited syllabus to ensure that recognised qualifications may be obtained by the students.
2000- 2005: Secretary - Xingyuan Group Co, China
A large Hong Kong based company specialising in hotels, industrial complexes and apartment sales.
• Provide first rate secretarial support to senior management in a busy office environment
• Use a variety of software packages to produce professional correspondence and documentation for a range of
executive clients.
• Devising, developing and maintaining office systems.
• Attending meetings and taking accurate minutes and providing high quality representation of events to very
tight schedules
• Managing and maintaining budgets.
• Liaising with internal and external customers of all levels
• Achieved employee of the year 2003

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to ensure that the adult and the pupil receives the highest standards of teaching possible. It is about working hard and always trying to improve upon previous success. I am always patient with my students and tailor my approach to their individual needs, varying my teaching style to avoid the student becoming bored and making sure they fully engage with the subject.

I always instill in adult and children the belief that they can make a difference to their lives through education and that it could broaden their options and give them the future that they desire.

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Personal Description:
I am a Malaysian who can speak English, Chinese, Cantonese and Malay Language. I have completed my undergraduate degree in Food Science and Nutrition before working as a home tutor for 1 year. Currently, I study Msc in Nutritional Science at University of Nottingham.

Teaching Experience:
1 year teaching experience starting from Sept 2015 to Sept 2016 where I used to teach Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Mandarin.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a friendly tutor and patient in teaching. I guide my student patiently and slowly if they find it hard to understand the topic.

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Personal Description:
Qualification:(ICA)International Certificate Of Accreditation In Teaching Chinese As A Foreign Language.
I am kind and patient person. I love children and I have passion to teach people Chinese ( Mandarin). Native speak mandarin; excellent written and verbal; Always encourage and always find new way to help children or adults to quickly understand and grasp the Chinese meaning.

I live in UK for more than 13 years, I have family and 2 children.

Teaching Experience:
so far, I work at Milton Keynes Chinese School and private lesson. Also I have many years of experience at school in China, teaching students privately and in school classes ranging from beginner to upper-intermediate/advanced. Experience of working with young children of different cultural backgrounds and designing lessons to suit individual needs. I completed the International Mandarin Teaching qualifications.

Tutoring Approach:
For one on one lesson or online
Age :3 years old - adult
Level: Beginner-Senior

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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 very passionate about languages and cultures. I am fluent in both Mandarin and English and have been teaching Mandarin for the last 10 years. My other big passions are travelling and learning all sorts of things new. I am looking forward to sharing my love of the Chinese language with you.

Teaching Experience:
I cover all four elements of language teaching syllabus, including listening, speaking, reading and writing.

I am keen to figure out why students learn Mandarin and how they learn as a person. Based on their individual goals and their learning styles, I will come up with customized study plans for them to follow in order to achieve their goals.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very passionate about helping students discover their own ways of learning and developing their own techniques. I believe in consistency in learning. A little bit everyday is proven effective in the long term for both academic and language learnings.

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Personal Description:
Fully qualified teacher of Mandarin (all levels).

I prepare students for GCSE and A-level exams, as well as conduct and assess these exams for schools. I also provide teaching services for higher education establishments, government departments, and corporate entities.
I assist students with all levels of the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK), and all my students have a very high success rate.

Teaching Experience:
I have been professionally teaching Mandarin for 15 years +.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a passionate teacher and like to keep my lessons interactive and fun.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I am a native speaker from Shanghai, China. I am a qualified experienced Mandarin teacher for speakers of other languages with 10 years' experience. I love teaching Mandarin, my passion are to make Mandarin learning fun easy and effective and explore Chinese culture, food and travel.

I I am very patient, fun, creative and easy-going. I like cooking, traveling, movies, listening to music, different cultures, learning dance and instruments, riding bikes, interior design, gardening, going to the theatre…

Teaching Experience:
I have 10 years teaching experience of Mandarin for the speakers of other languages. I have worked in Chinese Language schools, bilingual kindergardens and a private tutor in China, Australia and the UK.

My students are from all over the world from 2 to 65 years old.

I love teaching Chinese to help students to achieve Chinese language aim, learn more about China, Chinese cultures, Chinese, help students to adapt to life in China and explore fascinating cultures from the wise human being.

It is a truly rewarding job to see students improve, get confident in using Chinese and adapt to China's life well.

I am offering

Beginner level
Intermediate level
Advanced level
Business Mandarin
Travel mandarin
Survival mandarin
Tailored mandarin
Listening and Speaking
Writing
Pronunciation Correction
HSK
Chinese Culture
Chinese Characters

Tutoring Approach:
I use a task-based method and a variety of teaching methods that depend on your Chinese language goal and your learning styles, we can discuss what learning styles best suit you. I will try my best to teach and guide you, develop your interest and be self-motivated, reach Chinese language goal. If you want to improve your speaking and listening, I will use 80%-100% Mandarin and encourage you speak Mandarin as much as possible during the class.



I am offering group classes, 1 on 2 classes and 1 on 1 classes. Feel free to contact me :) Cheers

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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 from Malaysia, currently studying in Kings College London taking MSc Microbiome in Health and Disease.
I have experience in teaching, and I am passionate about sharing knowledge to students, and encouraging students to learn.
I believe that education takes us to places, even to territories that are yet to be ventured. Even though I have left the formal education field to pursue my interests, I believe that I can serve in the field by tutoring students in need.

Teaching Experience:
BIOLOGY TEACHER (01/2016 - 08/2021)
Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Worked with Science department Head as special adviser on curriculum development for Biology programme.
Maintained positive, supportive relationships and communication channels with parents and caregivers.
Delivered lab lessons, utilising lab equipment and experiments to further student learning.
Effectively managed classroom behaviour through deescalation and redirection techniques.
Provided interactive and digital learning sessions during COVID in compliance with quality learning standards.
Supervised safe lab work, closely monitoring students adherence to all health and safety policies.
Assessed student performance, behaviour and social development and devised improvement strategies for struggling children.
Established and enforced clear class objectives and requirements to promote consistent education for all students.

TRANSLATOR/INTERPRETER (11/2014 - 12/2015)
Yu Gong Decoration Sdn. Bhd., Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Translated various documents within tight deadlines, including legal and technical content.
Proofread completed translations to catch and fix punctuation, grammatical and translation errors.
Conducted in-depth research or consulted with specialists to obtain information on technical information translation or scientific phrases.
Translated original text, ensuring perfect spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Offered quick verbal translations of documents for use by legal and business professionals.

Tutoring Approach:
Firstly I will try to understand the student's level of understanding in a particular topic.
I will also compare with the education syllabus to grasp the requirements for the student to pass with certain grade.

Once those are ascertained, I will make use of available teaching materials (such as videos, educational books) to teach the student, and even make use of drawings to illustrate my points.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I'm Dongni. UK Global Talent Visa holder for children's book authorship and illustration. Award- winning, four-time monograph published, children's picture book author and illustrator.

Teaching Experience:
I taught Chinese for both children and adults in an aritist way.
In the past 5 years:
I ran art workshops in both China and UK.
I designed art course for both adults and children.

Tutoring Approach:
I love helping students to achieve what they want in an relaxing way. So let me know what is your purpose to learn Chinese. I will make a personalized plan for you!
INTO: Art, live music, sport (swimming, Pilates, Yoga, hiking, playing basketball), museum, gallery, cooking, etc
These can be our topics in class.
Bonus:
If you choose me, you will get opportunities to read my books.
If you are into art, after language class, we can sketch together and you will get an extra art tutorial.
If you like cooking, I can share my secret Chinese recipes.

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Personal Description:
I offer professional, flexible Chinese tuition tailored to every learner, from complete beginners to advanced students.

As a native Mandarin and English speaker, I am able to explain concepts clearly and bridge language gaps effectively, making learning smoother and more intuitive. With a patient and supportive teaching style, I focus on building confidence, clear understanding, and steady progress at a pace that suits you.

Lessons are fully personalised to match your goals-whether you want to improve conversational skills, strengthen reading and writing, or prepare for exams.

I also provide structured support for formal qualifications, including GCSE & A-Level Chinese, YCT and HSK exams, helping students develop the language skills, exam technique, and confidence needed to succeed.

Classes are available both online and in person, offering maximum flexibility to fit around your schedule and learning preferences.

Teaching Experience:
I hold a degree in English from Huabei Teachers College (China) where I also gained my Secondary Education Teaching Qualification.

I spent 8 years teaching in my native China before rellocating to the UK. I currently teach in a local Primary School in the South of England alongside working as a private Mandarin tutor. In total, I have over 18 years of teaching experience.

In 2023, I was named the outstanding Chinese Teacher of the Year by the UK Association for the Promotion of Chinese Education.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is patient, supportive, and highly personalised. I believe that every learner has their own pace, strengths, and goals, so I tailor each lesson to match your individual needs-whether you're a complete beginner, a heritage speaker, or preparing for formal exams.

As a native Mandarin and English speaker, I focus on making Chinese accessible and intuitive. I explain concepts clearly, bridge language gaps effectively, and use practical examples to help you understand not just what to say, but why it works. Building confidence is at the heart of my approach: I create a friendly, encouraging environment where you feel comfortable practising, asking questions, and making progress step by step.

For exam-focused students, I provide structured guidance on vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking, along with targeted exam techniques and practice papers. My goal is to help you feel fully prepared and capable on exam day.

With over 18 years of teaching experience-and recognition as the Outstanding Chinese Teacher of the Year 2023 by the UK Association for the Promotion of Chinese Education-I bring both expertise and passion to every lesson. Whether online or in person, I aim to make learning Chinese enjoyable, effective, and tailored to you.

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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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