Caroline

I obtained my PGCE in 2017, in both Spanish and English. Prior to that I had taught adult education classes for Spanish adult learners as well as tutored numerous students individually. I have a lot of experience teaching all ages from 4 years up, although my main experience is with secondary school age and adults.

I have taught English Language and Literature in schools and colleges around Surrey (both GCSE and A Level) and I have also taught both GCSE Spanish and A level at secondary schools.

I find language of all kinds fascinating, and enjoy helping people either speak Spanish, or help students understand the English language.

Tutoring Experience

ENGLISH

2024 UPDATE: I am currently offering an online 5 week course for GCSE students, that may be of interest (online, but interactive). Max of 6 students to prepare for English Language GCSE. This begins March 6th 2024.

I have a degree in English Language and Literature, and subsequently taught English as part of my PGCE and in secondary schools. I have also taught TEFL in Spain. My experience mostly centres around GCSE and A level, in helping students make sense of how to analyze language and literature, build confidence and improve their written skills. I also help learners understand what is meant by creative writing, and how to write a good piece.

SPANISH:

I am a PGCE qualified Spanish teacher. I spent over 8 years living in Spain during which time I formalised my Spanish knowledge by completing a 2 year masters in the language (University of Barcelona).

I have subsequently taught many students for GCSE Spanish as well as adult learners, both on an individual basis, and as part of an adult education evening class. I have also taught A level Spanish at Farnborough Sixth Form College (Edexcel), and GCSE Spanish at a local school in Guildford (AQA).

I have had a keen interest in not only the language but also its culture (Latin America included) from the time I was at school and studied some of the plays of Garcia Lorca, the great Spanish poet and playright. Where students have an interest in this side of language learning, I can provide materials of interest, and have taught culture classes in groups for adult learners.

I enjoy taking on new students and helping them reach their goal, be that to speak a basic amount of Spanish for when they go on holiday, or as preparation for moving abroad and a job, or if they wish to work towards an exam. I have taught students as young as 4, as well as teenagers, but I strongly believe you are never too old to learn something, and very much enjoying teaching adults who are motivated to learn a new language.

In my classes I take a methodical approach and introduce all elements of language practice, from reading, writing, speaking and listening, from day 1 to ensure that you progress in a natural and structured way.

Tutoring Approach

For Spanish classes I can offer you a simple and enjoyable way of understanding the language, from a second language learner's position. I use a variety of materials, including a comedy video series for language learners, and songs as well as books and online resources.

I use a structured approach based on books, I also use a a lot of materials I have found online, including songs, videos, and interactive exercises. I adapt to the student's goals in terms of the materials and approach adopted. There is obviously a need to learn grammar, to understand how the language fits together, but from day one, I focus on getting students to speak.

I particularly enjoy sharing the wide variety of culturally interesting materials available when appropriate - such as clips from cinema, the news, music, or books, I believe it motivates the students to see real language in use, and helps them learn new vocabulary and language skills in a more interesting way.

English:
I work with students to analyse work they are doing at school, exam questions as well as building up knowledge of language and strategies used. I also help students discover how to improve their creative writing skills, often using images to help build descriptive skills. I help students understand what techniques authors use when they write something, and how to effectively comment on it. For A level, it depends on which one they are taking, but generally I try to build on critical thinking, and help understand how to analyse texts, and write a well structured essay.