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I am a passionate linguist with a genuine love of languages. After my A Levels in German, French and Geography I spent a wonderful gap year in Tübingen, Southern Germany, where I fell in love with the language and culture. Having developed a high level of fluency, I completed two years of undergraduate studies there, before returning home and graduating with First Class Honours in German (BA) from the University of Stirling. For the next three years I worked as a bilingual project co-ordinator for a translation company, before taking the plunge into language teaching. I completed my PGCE at the University of Bristol and from 2001 enjoyed seven busy years in two secondary schools in England. I migrated to Western Australia in 2008 where I branched out and completed my CELTA. Since returning to the northern hemisphere in 2018, I have taught four years of German and IELTS teaching in Aberdeen, followed by a year of EAL at Gordonstoun School where I prepared international students for the B2 First for Schools and IELTS exams. Last year I taught CAIE GCSE German in Slovakia. Since returning to the UK, I have been teaching German online with Lingoda GmbH on a freelance basis, whilst tutoring German and EAL. In term-time I am a Part-Time Lecturer for courses in Supported Learning at Belfast Metropolitan College, where I also teach German evening classes to beginners and advanced beginners (CEFR A1-A2).

I am an empathetic and patient teacher, who understands the importance of individualised programmes. I quickly identify students’ needs and personal goals, to determine the best approach for them. As a language learner myself, I know the importance of a safe learning space, free from judgment, and where students can experiment with language, learn from their mistakes and quickly gain the confidence to aim high. I value and enjoy using retrieval practices, such as games and quizzes to engage learners, whilst recycling language and consolidating prior learning. Traditional grammar also plays an important role in establishing a higher level of accuracy, fluency and self-confidence, if this meets the learner's desired outcome. However, each learner is unique, and actual lessons will vary and be planned on an individual basis.

When not working, I love to be outdoors, along a beach, up a hill, or exploring a new city or country. Indoors and in poorer weather, I am a Scrabble and crossword fiend. I also enjoy baking and have recently invested in a second-hand sewing machine, as I would love to be able to make my own clothes, but only dabble for now. And finally, I am an avid fan of German dramas on Netflix, ARD and ZDF, especially crime!