Frequently asked questions
Why should I get an online tutor when there are so many apps out there?
Learning languages can be daunting, especially in larger groups, and apps may only help you develop vocabulary and set phrases. With a private tutor, you get personalised attention, custom-tailored lessons, and immediate feedback, which will accelerate your learning. When you work with a private tutor, you can improve all language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing, and even grammar). I can motivate you, offer you some cultural insights, and prepare you for specific goals, such as upcoming exams, travel, or maybe just wanting to feel more confident with a business client. Having this one-on-one guidance is especially helpful when you are struggling or aiming for a higher level of proficiency.
What payment methods do you accept?
I am based in the UK and accept direct bank transfers and PayPal. If you work in a different currency, such as Euros, I can accept transfers on my Euros account.
How much does it cost?
The pricing varies depending on whether the lesson is in person or online, and on whether it is aimed at exams classes or adults. We offer a variety of options to fit your needs and budget. Get in touch with me.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel a one-to-one lesson if you give 48 hours' notice. If you don't cancel it at least 48 hours in advance, the lesson is due in full. If you cancel at least 48 hours in advance, I can try to reschedule the lesson or waive the charge.
If I have to cancel the lesson, I will give as much notice as possible, and no charge will be due. I will try to rearrange as well, where possible.
How can I contact you?
You can reach us by phone, email, Instagram/ Facebook Messages, or through the contact form link. We are always happy to answer your questions.
What are your typical hours of availability?
I am usually available during the daytime in the week, between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm. I may have some availability on evenings and weekends, so do get in touch!
What are your qualifications as a French tutor?
I am a native French speaker and have grown up learning the language in real depth, up to the age of 18. This includes thorough teaching of grammar. When I studied English linguistics at the Université de Strasbourg, one module was French Linguistics, reinforcing my understanding of the language. I emigrated to the UK, where I studied a PGCE in French at Warwick University. I then spent a decade teaching French and German in a variety of schools in the UK, to ages ranging between 4 and 18. I also spent just over two years teaching the French curriculum for students in CP in a local French school, teaching them how to read in French, as well as some grammar aspects. For over 13 years, I have regularly offered private tuition on the side, not only for adults and exam classes, but also for French nationals who were preparing for an exam early or needed levelling up before moving back to France.
What can I expect a typical lesson to look like?
A typical class for adults and professionals consists of some conversation and role play, and comprehension activities. Those will support you with becoming more confident in speaking the French language. We will be expanding vocabulary, and sometimes cover a small grammar point to improve your thoroughness with the language. I use a wide range of resources, such as small texts, materials I create, small videos, a textbook, and some online games. I always offer some exercises to complete during the week, as well as some notes I take in the lessons. I usually discuss with you what your goals are, and I devise a Scheme of Learning to get us to your goals.
For native and bilingual children, I support them to re-enter the French curriculum by offering them a focus on either reading, comprehension, grammar, or all three. If they are preparing for an exam early with little support in school for French, I assess their weaknesses and help fill in the gaps to ensure they improve on them and avoid exam pitfalls.
A typical French class for school children, home-schooled children and GCSE/ A-Level students learning it as a foreign language includes a variety of activities depending on their age, be it games and songs or grammar and vocabulary building activities and games, small videos and audio extracts. It can involve exam and role-play question practice, or an intensive grammar and vocabulary building to prepare or level up.
All lessons can be followed by homework to be completed, and are followed by notes taken during the class of important topics and ideas covered.