Laura

I have a very wide range of teaching experience, including ten years working as a secondary French and Spanish teacher. I am a warm and friendly person and always aim to put my students at ease and build their confidence in whatever aspects of study we are covering together. To me, one of the most important things about tutoring is tailoring the session to suit the client’s needs in terms of content, materials and skills, as well as methods used for learning. I think it is really important to have fun too: a happy learner is a good learner! I offer tuition for primary, secondary, degree and adult levels and would love to be able to help you develop your skills in Spanish, French or English (as a second language) – be it as support for your formal school/university studies, including all skills required for 11+/entrance exams for enjoyment, holidays, business...

Having been a languages teacher in secondary school (both state and private) for ten years, with an excellent results` record at GCSE, iGCSE, A Level and International Baccalaureate, I have an in-depth understanding of the exam syllabi and mark criteria and of how to maximise performance in key examinations. I have experience in training new languages teachers and am an Edexcel examiner. I have also taught languages to children in various primary schools over the last ten years.

I have successfully tutored primary (including 11+/entrance exams), secondary, degree and adult level students and relish the opportunity to build a rapport with and to see tangible progress in my students, sharing with them in their successes. Although I believe that nothing beats the face to face tutoring experience, I also offer online tutoring sessions if these are preferable for my clients.

Prior to becoming a school teacher, I have done many different things, from being a runner on films, to working at the BBC, being an interpreter, and working as a guide for Hennessy Cognac in France. I taught English as a foreign language for a year to students ranging in age from 14 to 65, whilst living in Ecuador. My love of foreign cultures also led me to become a Tour Director for an educationally focused company, taking high school American students and their chaperones round Europe, including France and Spain.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact so we can discuss how I might be of service to you or your child.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME & OUR SESSIONS TOGETHER

*Well-structured & planned sessions designed to suit you & meet your learning objectives
*Clear, well-designed teaching resources & materials incl. Powerpoint presentations (as appropriate) & handouts
*Empathetic, friendly, supportive & patient approach
*Ability to adapt teaching style & explanations to suit different types of learners incl. those with learning difficulties e.g. dyslexia
*Enthusiasm & passion for my subjects & relevant cultures
*Engaging, fun & relevant activities/games
*Clear guidance on how to improve & strategies to help
*Regular, detailed feedback on progress
*Exam preparation & revision guidance

Availability: 9am-8.30pm weekdays weekends.

I am fairly flexible and will always endeavour to find a mutually convenient time for us to schedule our sessions.

Willing to travel: Home Only

Experience: *10 years French and Spanish teacher at secondary schools (state and private – Key Stage 3/GCSE/iGCSE/A level/International Baccalaureate)
*BA Hons French and Spanish, Durham University, 2:1
*QTS qualified
*Subject Mentor for Modern Languages PGCE students (St Dunstan’s College)
*Languages teacher (French and Spanish) in various primary schools (state/private)
*Ran/marked 11+ entrance examinations whilst at St Dunstan’s College
*Conducted 11+ entrance interviews (St Dunstan’s College)
*CELTA qualification (St Giles International, Highgate – B pass) and TEFL teaching experience (abroad/UK)
*Private tutor since 2013 (adult, degree, A level, GCSE/iGCSE, Key Stage 3 and primary levels)
*Comenius funded in-service training (French language/methodology for teachers) - Institut Linguistique du Peyrou, Montpellier, France
*PG Certificate Professional Studies in Education / diploma - 120 points towards MA (University of Kingston/Institute of Education)
*Translation and proofreading services offered
*Edexcel examiner
*CRB/DBS checked (enhanced)

SOME OF THE THINGS MY STUDENTS AND/OR THEIR PARENTS HAVE SAID ABOUT ME

“Laura’s lessons are always carefully planned, well-structured, engaging and fun. She provides plenty of handouts and is extremely organised. She is good at providing thoughtful feedback to both pupil and parent. Above all, she is friendly and empathic and provides the perfect balance of gentle pressure to work hard with sensitivity to ability, confidence and energy and mood on the day.” – Mother of Year 10 language student
“As a result of her tutoring my son achieved an A* grade at iGCSE and out of the whole year group was awarded the progress prize for the most improvement in the subject. It was a pleasure to deal with Laura as she provided an extremely professional and friendly service nothing was too much trouble and I would have no hesitation in recommending her.” – Mother of a Year 11 language student
“Theo got an A in his Spanish A level! He was only a few marks off an A star and had improved on his AS grades by retaking one. He has the grades to go to Manchester Uni to do Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies and is a very happy lad. Thanks you for all your efforts to help him earlier in the year - we are sure it helped.” – Mother of A level student following intensive 2 day tuition course
“I have always looked forward to our lessons and I feel I`ve learnt so much more than just the curriculum. I feel so much more relaxed and confident in my abilities. Thanks for all your support.” - Year 11 language student
“I just wanted to thank you for everything. I couldn`t have got a better grade in Spanish thanks to you. I know a lot of teachers never would have put so much effort into their students so I`m very grateful that you did.” – Year 13 student
“Thanks so much for your help… really I couldn`t have done it without your help… You were so patient and attentive” – Degree level language student
“Thank you for teaching me the joy of language." - Year 9 student