Thomas

I moved to Liverpool from East Yorkshire 9 years ago. I have 3 children in their 30's who all went to university in the north-west of England. As well as my degree in French, with subsidiary German, from the University of Birmingham, I also have a Masters degree in Education.I have taught Modern Languages for 36 years in comprehensive schools in Birmingham and East Yorkshire.
I have taught French up to GCSE and 'A' level throughout my career and regularly taught German up to GCSE level.
Since moving to Liverpool I have taught English in a TEFL college and done Supply in local secondary schools.for a number of years

Tutoring Experience

I have been a Head of Modern Languages Department for over 20 years and also been involved in teacher-training in secondary schools. I took early retirement from full-time teaching, having taught a full timetable of French with some German throughout my 36-year career. I have recent experience of GCSE and 'A' level specifications through my tutoring work as well as some Supply work in schools
In the last 9 years I have tutored students of all ages (11yrs to 75 yrs)I and, thus, have lots of recent experience of the AQA GCSE courses in French and German and also have had a very successful record of teaching AS and A2 French. I am still keen to pass on my expertise in the one-to-one format, as opposed to general class-teaching.

Tutoring Approach

Confidence is the key to success in foreign language learning. I aim to build an understanding of the patterns of language so that the learner can see how the language works. Once you have an idea of these structures, with this you can produce correct language of your own and this helps to develop
your confidence. I focus on the language that you need to know for your own personal needs - whether it be GCSE, 'A' level or just how to get by in the country.
Using authentic materials such as newspapers and websites is one element of my approach so that the learner can see/hear language being used for real communication as well as get used to picking out the key points rather than being confused by unnecessary details.
At 'A' level I am particularly keen on literary and other topics - for example, French cinema.