Helen

I am an experienced and passionate tutor specialising in French, German, and Spanish, with over 20 years of teaching in both independent and state schools. My expertise includes preparing students for GCSE and A-level exams, conducting speaking assessments, and supporting English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners of all ages in academies and universities across the UK and abroad.
At Hulme Grammar School, Oldham, I gained valuable experience in preparing students for the Verbal Reasoning component of the 11+ entrance exams. My work with the British Council and Salford University included teaching English for Academic Purposes to Chinese students specialising in Business English, while my time in Portugal focused on preparing students of all ages for Cambridge exams, including IELTS, FCE, CAE, and CPE.
During the pandemic, I successfully adapted to online teaching, maintaining high engagement levels through video conferencing platforms. I now offer classes both online and in person.
As a keen musician, I incorporate rhyme and song into lessons to help embed language patterns, and I enjoy teaching students of all ages. I also developed the primary French course at Hulme Grammar’s prep school and have extensive experience teaching summer camp courses in Spain and Portugal.
I hold a BA (Hons) in French and German from the University of Bangor and a PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages from Jordanhill College of Education, Glasgow. I also have a DELTA qualification for teaching English to speakers of other languages.
With a deep commitment to language education and a proven track record in diverse settings, I strive to inspire and support my students in achieving their language learning goals.


Education:
BA (Honours) French and German, University of Bangor, North Wales.
PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in Modern Foreign Languages, Jordanhill College of Education, Glasgow
DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

Willing to travel: 15 miles

Experience:
Hulme Grammar School, Oldham, UK. – French, German and Spanish Teacher (18 years):
-Prepared students for GCSE and A-Level exams, including conducting speaking assessments.
-Developed and taught the primary French course for the prep school.
-Trained students for the Verbal Reasoning component of the 11+ entrance exams.
-Adept at video conferencing platforms such as Google Meet; I used these to sustain high levels of student engagement and learning continuity during COVID-19 disruptions.
Provided one-to-one EAL tuition to Chinese students through SUMAN Education International, enabling them to successfully transition and access the GCSE curriculum offered at our school

Padgate Academy, Warrington, UK. French,German and Spanish Teacher (4 years):
-Prepared students for GCSE, including conducting speaking assessments.
-Coordinated the Comenius Project and Spanish Exchange, fostering student engagement in Spanish through cultural immersion and building resilience and adaptability

British Council, Lisbon, Portugal – EFL teacher (3 years):
-Prepared students for Cambridge exams (IELTS, FCE, CAE, CPE).
-Taught English for Academic Purposes to university students.
-Salford University, UK – EFL Tutor (2 years)
-Specialised in Business English courses for Chinese students.
-Delivered academic English classes to international students.

Summer Academies in Spain(3 years):
-Taught intensive language courses for children and adults.
-Led and developed engaging summer camp courses such as "English Through Crafts and Singing," fostering language engagement.

DBS Check: Yes