Tutoring in Bath

I specialise in a number of different methods which can suit your needs. Whether you are an adult wanting to learn a new language, or if you need a little extra help with your GCSE's we can work together to achieve your language learning goals. Below is a more detailed breakdown of what I can offer.

Tutoring children from 5 years

I use several methods for children, made by French and Spanish linguists, which have audio, video, grammar and writing activities following a natural learning progression.

We also do songs, play cards, colour, draw and learn while having fun.

'Thank you so much for the Spanish lessons you gave my daughter. She has learnt so much in such a fun way she didn't realise how much language she was picking up. What a wonderful positive introduction to learning a language. Vocabulary has to be learnt, but when done in a physical format with a made-up play, she loved it. Thank you again.'

Fran (Elena's mum from Crowmarsh-Gifford school)

'I've been learning Spanish with Marie since I was five and I have lots of fun. I could speak some Spanish when I went on holiday in Spain and people understood me! I enjoy doing the books together and look forward to our lessons'

Xander 8years old

Tutoring for exams

GCSE, IGCSE, A Level, European Baccalaureate etc.

Don’t leave it the last minute, with regular lessons, you will quickly see your level improve and you will get the confidence you need for your exams.

During the sessions you will consolidate your school knowledge with a deeper understanding of the grammar of your chosen language, which means that instead of knowing a few set sentences, you will acquire tools to build up an infinite number of sentences of your choice. This will increase your communicative confidence. One to one tuition allows you to practice what you cannot do so easily in class: oral presentation, conversation, pronunciation, understanding the points you need to work on and addressing those needs in a relaxing learning environment. The session is yours and it will be tailored for you.

If you are preparing for your A Level, bring the topics you want to study especially and we will study those in depths, with all the other requirements of the exam.

'Last year I went to the European School in Culham where I had to learn French to a very high standard. I needed help quickly due to poor teaching in the past as I needed to pass my baccalaureate and so I turned towards tutoring. I am very glad I picked Marie as she is incredibly helpful and a highly skilled tutor. Being of French nationality, and having a good standard of English means that Marie will always be able to help you whatever the problem is. As well as being a very good teacher she is also a genuinely lovely person and very easy to get on with. If it wasn’t for Marie I wouldn’t have done as well as I did in my French exam. I couldn’t recommend her more highly and I urge anyone to be taught by Marie as it will really improve their performance substantially.' Jonathan Wood, 17

'Marie has been my Spanish tutor for the past 4 years. I have always enjoyed Spanish but having Marie as a personal tutor has given me the opportunity to practice both my written and oral skills on a weekly basis. I have been seeing Marie through my GCSE's, A-S and A Level years and I am sure that my grades have improved as a result and certainly my confidence prior to exams has grown. I would recommend Marie to anyone studying Spanish as she has always tailored our lessons to suit me and concentrated on areas where I felt I needed improvement, which has not always been possible in my school lessons.'

Sophie, A-Level Student at St Helen and St Katharine, Abingdon

Tutoring for adults

Whether you want to learn French, Spanish or Hindi for pleasure or for your work or studies, the lessons will be adapted to your needs. Traditional methodologies can be used alongside less conventional ones but both ensure that progress is consistent and measurable. A variety of material is used to complement the teaching.

'As one gets on in life, it becomes more difficult to learn a new language, but with gentle persistence, Marie takes you at your own pace through the intricacies of the French language. Gradually, school-based fears of “getting it wrong” are replaced by the pleasure of learning in a relaxed and homely environment. Using a wide range of methods and speaking only in French, Marie guides the adult learner step by step. Progressing through grammar, vocabulary and interesting topics, the progressive structure of the lessons opens a window into French history, people, culture, entertainment and geography. Mysteries and intriguing people bring suspense and humour into the well acted oral material, and parallel exercises promote an in-depth understanding of the learning points. Marie will generously answer queries between lessons, accept material by email, suggest books and CD’s, and make full use of the internet to widen the topics being studied. I would recommend Marie to all hesitant adults who yearn to speak French with accuracy, confidence and with an authentic French accent.' Annette Goulden, retired Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

'I have known Marie for ten years in her capacity as a private tutor of the French language. She was recommended to me by Oxford Brookes University and over this period she has successfully tutored me on a structured French language course which I undertook in support of my post-graduate studies. This has been followed by regular weekly conversational French tutorials which are ongoing. Having also studied under several tutors at the Institut Français in London, I can sincerely say that, in my opinion, she is superior in her teaching to all of those tutors I encountered there. I consider the fact that she is a French national to be a great advantage to students.'

J. A. Brown, Company Director, retired

Marie helped me brush up my 20 year old GCSE in French in specific preparation for a job interview for a French company. Her understanding of what was required, her patience and her ability to quickly assess my skill level enabled me to make very rapid progress. Marie was very thorough in providing written examples and sound recording of key parts of the lessons to allow focused practice between lessons. I can whole heartedly recommend her as a language tutor.

Tom