Languages have always been a passion for me and I now for the last 13 years have been enjoying teaching others to speak and write in languages that are useful all around the world, such as Italian, French and German. After graduating in French and German with Business Studies at Leeds Polytechnic, I then lived and worked in Strasbourg for four years. Later, I learnt Italian as I love to visit Italy and it seemed only natural for me to learn the language. After Strasbourg I went to London and worked for 20 years in international sales in various industries using my languages.
Regardless of whether your initial aim is to tick that box and just get a 9 in GCSE, an A* at A Level or a 6 or 7 at IB, languages are incredibly useful and have served me well throughout my career. In learning and subsequently using them, I have been able to communicate with clients and colleagues easily making the social aspects of work more enjoyable as well as the professional aspects. In today’s increasingly interconnected and interdependent society, proficiency in other languages can be a vital skill that provides the opportunity to engage with the world in a more immediate and meaningful way—whether it be locally or thousands of miles away—while better preparing you to compete and succeed in the global economy.
My one-hour lessons are mostly on a one-to-one basis, adapted to the level of the individual child but I have found that some young people learn better in a small group, outside of the school setting in a more informal environment, so I am able to offer this option too. It can add an extra dimension to students’ engagement and progress. I teach French at all levels from Common Entrance, GCSE, IGCSE to A Level, International Baccalaureate and university level. I also teach Italian and German to GCSE/IGCSE level or equivalent requirements. I use a combination of traditional textbooks as well as my own written additional material. In preparing for school exams, I focus on past papers and give written, listening and oral exam practice, so the student can be assured that what they learn is at the appropriate level, which, in turn, increases confidence in their ability. My lessons are relaxed but interactive, fast-paced and fun. If required, more structured homework can be given, which can account for 20% of overall learning. My aim is to help every student achieve his or her potential by giving encouragement, understanding and individual attention where needed. I strive to raise my students’ ability by infusing them with enthusiasm for the subject and, hopefully, give them self-confidence and self-motivation.
I live in Raynes Park (where most of my clients are based), but can teach anywhere using Skype and Facetime.
References are available on request or see testimonials on my website www.helenjoseph.co.uk/testimonials Please do contact me on helenjoseph23@icloud.com
020 8947 8956 or 07958 569533 www.helenjoseph.co.uk
