Information About Lyndsey - Uttoxeter teacher

Personal Description:

I am a professional Modern Languages teacher and examiner. I currently teach at top girls grammar school - Strathearn School. I also have experience teaching adults and in other settings such as evening classes at Belfast Metropolitan College (formerly BIFHE). I grew up and studied in Belfast, at Grosvenor Grammar School and then Queen's University for 5 years where I completed a BA Honours Degree (2:1) in French, German and Cultural Studies and then a Postgraduate Certificate in Education 2 years later, to teach French and German. I have spent time living and working in France and Germany to perfect my language skills. I have built lifelong friendships with individuals I have met through my travels and studies. I visit France/Germany at least once a year and love to be immersed in the language and culture there. Before completing a PGCE, I worked in business, using my languages where possible and always tutored part-time along the way. My first full-time teaching post was at historic Portora Royal School in Enniskillen where I taught for a very fulfilling and happy 5 1/2 years. I was devoted to my teaching career and was a Head of Year 8 at the school for nearly 3 years. I then relocated back to Belfast to take a job at Queen's University as a Language Support Officer, promoting MFL across the different academic schools and developing subject specific language courses. I missed teaching terribly so I left this post and returned to teaching at the renowned all girls grammar school, Victoria College, Belfast where I worked for 2 1/2 years. I am a warm and approachable person and very dedicated to any students/pupils who I am working with. I enjoy teaching/tutoring and am passionate about language, culture and travel. I enjoy motivating people and seeing them achieve their personal goals.

Teaching Experience:

I have delivered private tuition of French and German to individuals and groups for around 15 years and I have been teaching French, German and English in top grammar schools in Northern Ireland for 12 years. I have also examined for the local exam board CCEA and for AQA, therefore I have expert knowledge of the exam specification and what is required for top grades at GCSE and A Level. I also enjoy more informal teaching and love to deliver conversation classes. I have taught individuals who are learning French or German as a fun hobby, some who are relocating to a new life in a francophone country or those who need language skills for their career or course of study. I have a total of 12 years teaching experience in Portora Royal School, Enniskillen, Victoria College, Belfast and Strathearn School. I taught French to GCSE and A2 Level, German to GCSE and AS Level, English at Key Stage 3 and Learning for Life and Work and Home Economics at Key Stage 3 and 4. I have also taught French and German to adults, as a part-time Tutor, at BIFHE (now Belfast Metropolitan College). I have a TEFL certificate (Distinction) and have tutored ESOL and Essential Skills (Literacy) privately and as a volunteer Tutor at North Down Training and NDAI. I have done substitute teaching in primary schools, teaching key stage 1 and 2. I run private language summer courses for GCSE and AS Level French and German. I also worked as a Home Tutor for the Home Tuition service at SEELB, teaching general subjects to Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils who could not attend school. I have also completed a Special Needs Teaching course alongside my PGCE which involved a placement in an SEN school where I taught French and general subjects.

Teaching Approach:

I teach online lessons via Zoom. My approach is student centred and I am enthusiastic and flexible. Most of all, I try to be practical and helpful and my aim is to harness the individual's confidence and ability so that they can work to their own potential. I try to motivate my student by working in a way that suits them, I understand people learn in different ways and I adapt my style to suit the needs of the individual. I find out what the student's learning goals are and structure the session to best meet those goals. I encourage students to use technology to enhance their learning and can signpost them to further reading/websites/past papers and resources. I have an awareness of SEN and the best teaching strategies for adults, children and young people with learning difficulties.