Robert

I am an experienced teacher with both an excellent academic background and a strong track record of helping students in secondary and post-secondary education to realise their potential.

Having graduated from the University of Cambridge with double first class honours in history I moved to Paris, where I completed a two-year MA in medieval history and then qualified to teach English language, literature and history to university level. As a result of my academic and professional experience in Paris I speak and write fluent French.

I can also help to prepare university applications and run mock interviews.

I am very approachable and would be delighted to answer any questions that you might have about tutoring. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Tutoring Experience

Before returning to the UK I spent the five years working full-time as a fully-qualified teacher in French secondary schools and universities. I devised and taught a number of different courses on English language and literature, literary translation theory and practice (French to English and English to French) and English and American politics and history.

Throughout this time I gave regular one-on-one supervisions, which allowed me to assess students' progress and help them to identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as strategies for improvement. I also successfully coached students for interviews and helped them to prepare applications for university courses and exchange programmes.

I have been tutoring in the Exeter area for the past eight years and teach evening classes in French at the University of Exeter and with the Alliance française.

Tutoring Approach

I tailor my tutoring to each student's needs, taking the time to help the student to assess their strengths and weaknesses and think about strategies to implement in order to overcome stumbling blocks. I also understand the importance of fostering the student's enthusiasm for the subject and building their confidence through structured and measurable learning. I use a variety of stimulating resources that not only maintain interest but also broaden the student's horizons. Having a multi-disciplinary background, I always try to encourage the student to identify bridges between different subjects.

Specific examination preparation involves the use of past papers to understand what is required in answering essay questions. Work on essay writing and structure helps the student's self-expression more generally, and so will be of benefit across the board.

I also offer French classes to casual learners looking for example to brush up on their grammar or develop their conversation skills.