Sandrine S.

I am a native French speaker and QTS-qualified teacher with 22 years’ teaching experience in the UK, including KS2, KS3, GCSE and A-Level French. I have also worked as Head of Modern Foreign Languages and EAL Coordinator.

I support school students, adult learners and EAL learners with French and English language development. My lessons focus on confidence, clear grammar, speaking fluency, exam preparation and real communication. I also hold a TEFL qualification, which supports my work with learners developing English as an additional language.

As someone who learned English as a second language, I understand the challenges of building confidence, accuracy and fluency in another language. My approach is calm, structured and supportive, tailored to each learner’s needs.

Outside teaching, I enjoy reading, walking and swimming.

Throughout my teaching career, I have worked with a wide range of learners in mainstream school settings, including students with additional needs and students developing English as an additional language. I have taught French across KS2, KS3, GCSE and A-Level, planning and delivering well-structured lessons with clear objectives, engaging activities, regular assessment and support adapted to each learner’s level, confidence and goals.

My classroom experience has included managing classes, maintaining positive behaviour, building respectful relationships with students and creating a calm, purposeful learning environment. I have also worked as a form tutor, supporting pupils’ pastoral development, attendance, organisation, wellbeing and communication with families when needed.

As Head of Modern Foreign Languages and EAL Coordinator, I have held responsibilities for curriculum planning, student progress, assessment, intervention and supporting language development across the school. I have also contributed to wider school life by organising activities and educational trips, helping students experience language learning beyond the classroom.

Alongside school teaching, I have tutored GCSE students, A-Level students, adult French learners and EAL learners through one-to-one and online lessons.

I teach French to KS2, KS3, GCSE and A-Level students, as well as adult learners and beginners who want to improve their confidence, grammar and communication skills. I also support EAL learners who are developing their English language skills. My lessons are tailored to each learner’s level, goals and interests, whether they need exam preparation, speaking practice, grammar support or practical language for real-life situations.

Each lesson is structured with a clear objective, a short review of previous learning (retrieval) clear explanation, guided practice and opportunities for independent use of the language. I use visual support, role play, interactive activities, questioning, vocabulary practice, sentence building and targeted grammar work. For exam students, I focus on speaking, writing, listening, reading and exam technique. For adult learners, I use practical topics such as travel, shopping, directions, restaurants and everyday conversation.

As a tutor, I am calm, patient, encouraging and purposeful. I believe language learners need trust, motivation, praise and positive feedback in order to progress. I create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes, asking questions and practising without embarrassment. Where appropriate, I use progress trackers so students and families can clearly see what has been covered, what has improved and what the next steps are.