English tuition built around the learner
Learning English as a foreign language requires a different approach from studying English as a school subject. The learner brings a first language that shapes how they hear, produce, and process English, and effective teaching must account for that. I plan every lesson with the individual learner in mind, targeting the specific areas of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, or fluency that will make the most difference to their communication.
For beginners, the focus is on building a functional vocabulary and the basic grammatical structures needed for everyday communication. I use spoken practice, listening exercises, and simple written tasks to develop all four language skills from the outset. Lessons are paced to ensure that new material is consolidated before moving on, and I use repetition and varied practice to embed new language in long-term memory.
Intermediate learners typically have a working vocabulary and reasonable comprehension but struggle with accuracy, fluency, or both. At this stage, I focus on grammatical precision, expanding vocabulary beyond the conversational, and developing the learner's ability to sustain longer stretches of speech and writing. I introduce more complex text types and encourage the learner to engage with authentic English-language materials.
Advanced learners often need support with the subtleties of English that are not covered in standard courses: idiomatic language, register, tone, and the conventions of formal and academic English. I provide this level of refinement, drawing on my experience as a university lecturer and published writer. For learners preparing for academic study in the UK, I also offer specific preparation for the reading and writing demands of higher education.
I have worked with learners from a range of linguistic backgrounds and age groups. Whether the learner is a professional preparing for a presentation in English, a student aiming for university admission, or an adult settling in the UK and needing to communicate with confidence, I design the programme to serve that specific purpose.
