Meet Hilary

I am a fully qualified modern languages teacher, with experience of teaching in both primary and secondary schools in the U.K.

 

In the course of a European Studies degree, I undertook periods of study at the University of Grenoble, France and the University of Salamanca, Spain.

 

For the past eighteen years, I have been tutoring children and adults in French and Spanish. I have a passion for language learning and love teaching all ages and levels from complete beginners to more advanced students.

How it works

As a school student, you may really want to get that good grade, but know that right now you struggle with the motivation and realise that there may be some areas that could really do with some specific support from a teacher who you can get on well with and who has the time to give you a highly personalised, targeted programme. You might also want more feedback from your school work, with specific strategies and tips that you can immediately put into practice, so that you can quickly see your results improve. Naturally, this can improve your confidence and help set you on the path to great results.

 

So how do we achieve this?  First, I discuss with you the learning outcomes that you specifically want. Second, I plan lessons just for you and your learning outcomes. For some students this might involve identifying gaps in grammar knowledge or honing any of the four skill areas (i.e. listening, speaking, reading and writing) in preparation for exams. For every student, I can help you to build your confidence, motivation and bring enjoyment to language learning (yes, even a bit of that!)

 

As an adult, perhaps you've had a private yearning to learn a language, but wondered whether you could succeed, or even had earlier experiences in school or evening classes that weren't enjoyable and just seemed too much like 'hard work'. Or maybe you'd just like to do something a little bit different that gives you a bit more 'mental' stimulation? Alternatively, for you, it could be that you'd like to join in a bit of fun with others of like minds and learning a language sounds like it could be fun to do in a group. Perhaps it's all of the above!

 

So how do we achieve this?  Well, if you are wanting individual lessons I would first discuss with you what you specifically want.  I would then plan lessons just for you. We would regularly review together how the lessons are going and whether you might want changes to make the lessons even better.  If you are interested in learning in a small group, you can either gather together a group of friends or, where possible, I can assist in trying to bring a group of like-minded individuals together. In either case,   I can help to build your confidence in understanding and speaking the language through a range of activities that are both practical and fun.

Resources

I like to use a variety of resources. For adults, I usually recommend a course book, supplemented by CD/audio files and other free online activities, which not only provides a structured approach to language learning but also easily allows you to consolidate your learning in your own time if you wish. I also use flip charts and visual learning aids, as well as listening/video clips of native speakers during lessons, which helps you to adjust to the speed of the spoken language. Using a broad range of teaching materials enables thorough preparation for realistic usage of the language.

 

When tutoring students of GCSE French or Spanish, I use a variety of internet resources/websites, as well as giving plenty of practice using past exam papers from the relevant exam board.

French

Some typical types of students include...

 

GCSE Students looking to improve:

  • oral and listening skills that meet the new revised exam specification. To achieve top grades, this specification requires a higher degree of fluency and the ability to answer questions more spontaneously than previously.
  • knowledge and accuracy of grammar skills and their ability to apply these skills in the oral and writing aspects of the exams.
  • their ability and confidence generally in exam situations.

 

A Level Students transitioning from GCSE to the more challenging requirements of A Level. Typically, this may involve deeper knowledge and understanding of grammar and broadening of vocabulary.

A Level Students looking for oral practice to improve pronunciation and to practise application of more complex grammatical structures and vocabulary.

 

Adults wishing to enjoy some interactions with 'locals' in typical social situations e.g. in cafés and restaurants; shops and markets; asking for directions and tourist information; buying tickets and travelling by bus, train and metro; reserving accommodation.

Adults wishing to obtain or refresh their skills in conversational French across a broader range of topics.

Adults wishing to learn with friends, partners, or wishing to meet new friends and enjoy learning together over a coffee.

Spanish

Some typical types of students include...

 

GCSE Students looking to improve:

  • oral and listening skills that meet the new revised exam specification. To achieve top grades, this specification requires a higher degree of fluency and the ability to answer questions more spontaneously than previously.
  • knowledge and accuracy of grammar skills and their ability to apply these skills in the oral and writing aspects of the exams.
  • their ability and confidence generally in exam situations.

 

Adults wishing to enjoy some interactions with 'locals' in typical social situations e.g. in cafés and restaurants; shops and markets; asking for directions and tourist information; buying tickets and travelling by bus, train and metro; reserving accommodation.

Adults wishing to obtain or refresh their skills in conversational Spanish across a broader range of topics.

Adults wishing to learn with friends, partners, or wishing to meet new friends and enjoy learning together over a coffee.

hilarylanguages.co.uk

FRENCH AND SPANISH TUTORING