Claire

Hi, My name is Claire, an experienced private tutor of French and Spanish language.

During the past 20 years I have enjoyed working with children to enhance their French and/or Spanish; I have also worked with adults, both on a one-to-one tutoring basis, as well as running a course of night classes for Protocol Professional & Leeds Grammar School before relocating up here in North Yorkshire. I completed my City & Guilds qualification (7307) for Teaching Adults at this time as well.
I spent a few years working with my languages in Import/Export administration, after completing my BA Honours Degree in French and Spanish at Leeds University, but I have always used my languages in a teaching capacity on a part-time basis, working in language support roles in schools, private tutoring, and even as a freelance translator, from both French and Spanish into English.I have my own transport, and a full CRB/ disclosure, and I recently received my Child Safeguarding training.
I believe that I possess the empathy, sensitivity, and interpersonal skills necessary for a good teaching/working relationship, as well as a 'contagious' enthusiasm for the French and Spanish language.

Tutoring Experience

I currently work in the MFL (modern Foreign Languages) Department of a busy Academy/Secondary School, so I am familiar with secondary classroom teaching, and all the various GCSE exam specifications - French - AQA, Edexcel and WJEC, and Spanish AQA. I feel that every learner is different, with very different learning styles and needs, so a learning session should be based on agreed aims, which can be flexible and adapted as the lessons progress. As individuals learn differently, I proceed at the pace and style of my learners, but certainly with GCSE, I am familiar with a number of the coursebooks followed, so I can consolidate where students have struggled in class.

Tutoring Approach

I believe in supporting individuals with their own personal goals and what they are wanting to achieve in learning a foreign language, as well as helping them to build up their confidence with what I feel is a really brave and challenging undertaking!
At the same time, I feel that everyone has the capacity and capability to speak any language, providing they are supported and taught with a 'stepped' approach, and any misconceptions and areas of difficulty are identified and addressed so that the learner can feel 'back on track'.
My teaching style comes from setting realistic goals, empowering my learners, adjusting to their different levels and learning styles, as well as a fun-based approach. In my experience, this helps make a positive contribution to all learners.