Hannah

My language learning journey started in the same way it does for most of us - at secondary school. I fell in love with the French language at an early age and went on to complete an honours degree in French Studies at the University of Birmingham. During my year abroad, I lived and studied in Montréal, where I took classes in French, Italian and Spanish at McGill University.

After returning to the UK, I completed my degree and went on to gain formal qualifications in Spanish (GCSE and A Level). I also qualified as a teacher of English as a foreign language, gaining my CELTA in 2002. Over the last 20 years, I have gained a wealth of experience as a teacher of languages in a range of settings including one-to-one teaching, secondary schools in Wiltshire and later in North London, private language school, and in company.

I take regular trips to both France and Spain in order to immerse myself in the language and culture and keep my skills and outlook fresh.

I am passionate about teaching languages and helping learners build their confidence and reach their language learning goals, whether it be for school, exam preparation, work or pleasure, and aim to do so in a purposeful and structured yet fun way.

During lessons I use a range of teaching methods to help students to improve, such as online resources, worksheets, conversation practice, video and song. My approach is to tailor my teaching methods and the programme of study to each individual's learning needs and preferences.

Tutoring Experience

Over the past 20 years, I have taught English as a foreign language to young learners in summer schools and also to adults for general and business purposes in Wiltshire and in North London. I delivered a course in English for business purposes at an Italian legal firm in central London. I also taught English GCSE for two years at an Outstanding school in North London.

I have ten years' cumulative experience of teaching French and Spanish in secondary schools in Wiltshire and North London and have taught both subjects up to A Level. As well as my work in schools, I have been working as a private tutor since 2012, during which time I have mainly tutored French and Spanish GCSE and A Level students, as well as some adult learners. I also worked for two and a half years as a language teaching expert for an educational technology company in London.

I have also worked as an examiner for over 10 years, marking GCSE French writing and speaking papers for Edexcel as well as GSCE Spanish writing papers for AQA. So, if you are preparing for exams, this is something I am in a good position to help you with.

Tutoring Approach

I believe a positive working relationship between student and teacher is essential for maximising potential. During lessons I use a range of teaching methods to help students to improve, such as online resources, worksheets, conversation practice, video and song. My approach is to tailor my teaching methods and the programme of study to each individual's learning needs and preferences.