Apolline

I am a twenty-year-old student, bilingual in French and English, born and bred in London. What gets me out of bed in the morning is the fact that I am a passionate about culture, especially Art; this is highlighted by the nature of my History of Art degree drawing links between a variety of disciplines. From philosophy to foreign literature, history, sociology and psychology. I am a firm believer that there is something for in the study of humanities.

At university, I get my non-academic fix from taking part in Cambridge’s Art scene: from life drawing sessions to volunteering at the contemporary art gallery and acting in plays. My ideal afternoon would be spent combining my interests, listening to the French radio while sketching the sculptures in the V&A cast courts.

I am quite familiar with how pressurized the run up to exams can be, having gone to an academic all-girls school. My personal experience with exams is that it is as much a question of playing the system as there is chance involved. I hope to support and reassure my students that their performance on the day by no means defines their full abilities or their future.
I’ve had three experiences of applying for higher education through UCAS: personal statements and I are good friends. I changed my mind from applying for French and Spanish from scratch, to an Art foundation, to Art school and finally Art history!

I wish to share my love for the humanities with students: they are difficult but incredibly rewarding subjects and I hope I can translate this into my teaching. I will help my students improve by encouraging an approach to the subject that extends beyond the curriculum. In the case of French, this would mean listening to podcasts and FIP on the way to school, getting acquainted with what is happening in the francophone world, translating a book or film that the student connects with. My approach to teaching is one of patience and empathy.

Availability: I am available throughout the summer from July until October, but am currently in London on Easter break until the 22nd April. I can also organize tutoring via Skype should this be more suitable for you.

Willing to travel: 5 miles

Experience: I have tutored 8 year olds for two years in 11+ Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning bond papers as well as creative writing. During my gap year in Paris, I was an english tutor/aupair for four French children, aged 5 to 11. I have also been tutored in French and Chinese from the age of 13, so have experience of being on the receiving end.

I found a variety of short grammar exercises and informal conversation to work best for me when I was tutored for French iGCSE. Practising how to articulate my ideas on the spot really helped with listening and oral parts of the exam. In our sessions, I can provide tried and tested revision tips for exams, work through essay plans and speaking only in French both casually and formally. I also believe lessons should be taught in the way best suited to students’ needs. This could mean focusing only on challenging topics, or communicating through mind maps or mock debates