Sara

A creative and adaptable French and English tutor.

I have a Ph.D. and Masters in French literature and a first-class undergraduate degree in French. I have spent the last 15 years working as a language teacher and literature researcher in both the private and public sectors in France and England. I’ve taught students of all backgrounds, ages and levels of expertise on a one-to-one basis, in small and large groups, in person and via Skype/Zoom.

I currently offer lessons in French, English literature, English as a foreign language and Creative Writing. I work with students to identify their needs and develop a dynamic personalised learning programme that will help them to achieve their goals. I have experience teaching grammar and complex linguistic concepts in a way that makes them accessible. My lessons are fun and interactive – I want to share my love of language and literature and help students to enjoy learning, whatever their skill-set and motivation.

Willing to travel: 5 miles

Experience: French
I am a fluent French speaker, having spent more than 5 years living and teaching in France. Whether students want support preparing for school exams or to brush up on their French before going on holiday or moving abroad, I can help. I have tutored students from Key Stage 3, through GCSE, to A level, as well as beginner to advanced adult learners. I am familiar with different GCSE exam board requirements for speaking, reading, writing and listening and have a range of grammar resources to help underpin students’ learning. I’m also happy to offer conversation classes or to help prepare students for living and working in a French speaking country.

English as a foreign language
I’ve taught English as a foreign language in a number of settings over the last 14 years: at the University of Lyon II, the University of Bordeaux, at Cetradel English language business school in Bordeaux, as a teacher at ABC languages in Cambridge and as a private self-employed tutor. I’ve worked with students from beginner to C1 (near fluency) from countries all around the world in large group settings and in one-to-one style tutorials. I’m happy to work with students to hone their English skills for use in professional settings, for day-to-day life in the UK, or to prepare for language qualifications.

English Literature
Having completed my PhD in French literature and published various articles about contemporary literary texts, I have a wealth of transferable skills and expertise when it comes to studying literature. I am keen to share my passion for literature with students and offer English literature tuition to students at key stage three, GCSE and A level.

Creative Writing
As well as working as a tutor I am also a writer with several published works of poetry and prose. I understand the struggles of coming to the blank page and getting ideas onto paper. Participating in creative writing workshops as a student has been such a motivating factor for me: I always come away with a headful of ideas and drafts of poems and stories. I would love to share what I have learned with students in the form of advice, feedback and practical activities that have helped me develop my own writing practice. Whether they are beginners or have been writing for some time, I would love to help students develop their voice, style and storytelling!

DBS Check: Yes