Menu ▼

English Maths Entrance Exams Accounting Arabic Art Biology Business Related Cantonese Chemistry Citizenship Classical Civilisation Combined Science Computer Studies / I.T. Craft and Design Drama Earth Science Economics Electronics English English (Foreign Language) Entrance Exams Film Studies French Genealogy Geography German Greek Health / Social Care History History Of Art Italian Japanese Journalism Latin Law Life Science Mandarin Maths Mechanical Engineering Media / Communication Studies Medicine Music PE / Sport Science Philosophy / Critical Thinking Photography Physics Polish Politics Portuguese Psychology Reading & Writing skills Religious Studies Russian Self Defense Sociology Spanish Special Needs Study Skills Turkish Urdu Website design Welsh Up to 11 years (primary) 11+ (secondary) GCSE or Standards A-Level or Highers Further/Higher (university) Adult/Casual learner

Information About Vera:

Personal Description:

I was born in Lebanon where I learned Arabic and French and completed a Bachelor's degree in Law and Master's degree in Public International Law. I also completed a Master's degree in International Law and Human Rights at Birkbeck university before starting my PhD research at the University of Birmingham in 2018 and completing it in 2022.

I have always had a passion for languages and I am fascinated by the beauty of different cultures when explored through our ability to communicate using the languages of the places we visit and the people we meet. When teaching Arabic, although I teach classic to give my students the ability to read and write and keep progressing through at their own pace, I insist on teaching the Lebanese dialect which is understood by all Arabic speakers. Through this, I can immerse my student not only in the language but also in the culture in all its beautiful aspects.

I equally love French and enjoy teaching it. I believe that it should be the starting point for any language lover or any child willing to learn a second language as it provides great grammatical foundations to learn other languages. Also, it is not impossible to master and a learner can, with hard work and dedication be able to appreciate the beautiful French literature and enjoy the amazing French songs from the 70s!

Teaching Experience:

I have over 15 years of experience teaching Arabic and French to groups as well as individuals at different levels: primary, GCSE, A-Level students and professionals in London (Amnesty International, The Guardian & Observer, Societe Generale, JP Morgan ...)

My methods are adapted depending on each students and individual learning needs.

Furthermore, I have experience in translating Arabic to English, English to Arabic, French to Arabic and Arabic to French.

Tutoring Approach:

My different teaching experiences have taught me to manage my time both in following set curriculums and in meeting the needs of the different students that I teach. I can also adapt my teaching style to different age groups and am able to develop students' knowledge of Arabic dialects, idioms and culture.

During a typical lesson, I use a variety of materials and these are adapted according to the age, level, and interests of the students.
If you are looking to pass exams, your learning will be structured focusing on reading, writing, listening, and speaking, all in classic Arabic and meeting curriculum requirements. Even when doing that, I still highlight the differences between what the student is learning and the spoken dialect to give them the confidence to use their language skills in social contexts.

However, my experience is not limited to exam preparation. I have experience teaching children as young as three and adults as old as 73!

When it comes to children, I am a fan of the Montessori philosophy and believe in a child led approach. You would find me using the sand tray to get the child to trace his letters or playing I spy, or getting them to do activity sheets or letter puzzles or arts and crafts as we retell stories, find items, name colors and shapes...

For an adult learner, I could be assigning a segment from the news bulletin for the listening homework or a newspaper article for reading, understanding and translation. Depending on their social needs or professional interests, I have found myself teaching medical and legal Arabic from time to time.

Many of my students are interested in learning the Lebanese dialect for social reasons and with this comes more focus on understanding the culture that has endless fascinating aspects that keep you wanting to learn more. Whilst I am happy to focus on speaking when required, I still make sure my students can read and write for them to be able to progress on their own should they want to.

Briefly, I believe that students have different learning styles and, in a way, or another this is what makes what I do exciting and enjoyable. I strongly believe that everyone can learn anything if it is taught in a method that matches their learning style.

Qualifications:

• I have a Bachelors Degree in General Law (in Arabic & French)
• Masters of Advanced Studies in Public Law (in Arabic & French)
• Masters - International Law and Human Rights
• PhD - Human Rights Law

Further Information:

Availability:	Weekdays (daytime)
Types of Tutoring:	Travels to you / From their home / Online
References Supplied?	Yes
Additional Languages Spoken:	Arabic, French, English