I’m a strong believer that we feel successful in languages when we can SPEAK a language. I always try to include plenty of time listening and speaking in the target language in my lessons. Although explanations in the student’s first language have their place, I try to make my default to work in the target language.

I taught English in Japan for a decade and students fed back on several occasions that they were nervous about the idea of classes in English with a native speaker but ended up enjoying and feeling successful in these classes.

Since returning to the UK, I’ve taught French and Spanish including tutoring GCSE French (NEAB specification) and teaching during my PGCE at schools that taught the NEAB and WJEC (Eduqas) specifications. I’ve taught both languages from KS3 - KS5.

I speak and study a range of languages English, Welsh, French, Spanish, Japanese and Italian but as my Japanese is intermediate at best and my Italian is beginner level, I empathize with students who are still nervous about feeling less proficient communicating with someone who may speak the language better than them.

My own degree was in History/French with my interest in French History meaning I used my language skills extensively in both my subjects. I also have an A grade at Spanish A level and a CELTA qualification as an English as a Foreign Language Teacher.