Tutoring Services

Online and in-person language tutor based in Central London offering lessons throughout the UK 

Sheila, proprietor of London Language Tutor, offers English, German and French tuition to young people throughout Central London and the rest of the UK, including affordable, quality online sessions. To find out more, contact Sheila via phone or email.
Contact Sheila

English Language/Literature

My passion for the English language was evident right from when I started school; in my studies, I excelled and studied English at A-Level too. After qualifying with an MA (Masters) in Linguistics from University College London (UCL) in 2007, I knew that I was going to go on to pursue a career which involved English language and literature.  Over the past decade, I’ve tutored children and teenagers in both subject areas. This includes preparation for the 7+, 11+, 13+ and GCSE and A-Level examinations, following a range of different exam boards, including Edexcel, AQA and CIE. 

For younger children, this has meant the development of their creative writing, vocabulary, comprehension skills with a special focus on inference, and many transferable skills such as planning and essay writing. 

For older students, my tailor-made approach means I am very quickly able to gauge the needs of the student after the first session, after which I will go on to implement a plan that works on establishing the areas the student may find challenging - with the aim to create overall confidence in this area. My thorough sessions involve splitting sessions between English language and literature, staying in line with the school curriculum, but also ensuring that the student builds the appropriate analytical skills. Pupils will learn to perform successfully in timed exam situations and develop the discipline of effective time-tabling. 

Over the years,  I’ve managed to help countless students to achieve their target grades and even surpass them. What I find truly rewarding is that, when they begin to enjoy the English language and the study of its literature, they are then able to confidently apply the transferable skills acquired to other subjects, such as History, Religious Studies and Geography,

EFL tuition

Since obtaining a distinction in TESOL from St. Giles International, London in 2009, I have been teaching in small groups, as well as one-to-one sessions, employing an interactive style that covers all elements of speaking, writing, listening and reading skills. Being multilingual, I have managed to accommodate the needs of a range of individuals, taking pride in tailor-making sessions to suit the requirements of the student. I ensure there’s always a strong focus on grammar, structured lesson plans and homework so that the individual can implement what he/she has learned during the lesson. 

As part of my experience, I taught English to two princes from Qatar as a summer assignment, and even helped prepare a young 14-year old student for entrance exams for Eton, which he passed successfully. I've also mentored students for the IELTs and OET examinations.

Business English: Part of EFL involves business English. Not only has this been included in EFL tutorial sessions, I have at times focused on this area for adults in the thriving world of business, who want to either improve their business English or learn the fundamentals. This includes letter-writing, business emails and structuring and delivering meeting proposals or speeches. 

With the inclusion of elements of elocution and clear articulation, I consistently build tailor-made plans and work on meeting the requirements of the individual.

French and German

My love of languages began when I was very young; I would win prizes regularly and was told by school teachers that I had a natural affinity for both French and German. Academically, I excelled in these subjects, which led me to include them in my A- Levels choices. I gained a degree in French and German from King’s College London.

My experience in both languages has been vast, and I have even lived in both France and Germany. Before I fell into teaching, I worked in the European headquarters of an international airline, where my role was to converse, write emails and resolve any issues which arose at the relative offices in France, Germany and the UK. I was the only non-native French and German speaker employed in the European team due to my native-like proficiency in both languages.

Over the past 10 years, I have been tutoring a number of students in French and German from primary all the way to A-Level standards. Privately tutoring students from different schools requires a thorough familiarity in multiple exam boards, which I have acquired over the past decade. I have understood the importance of balancing spoken language with listening skills, reading and writing, with a strong focus on grammar.

My interactive sessions have meant that students who were not initially confident in languages, have all become competent as well as achieving impressive grades. My tailor made sessions mean that I can work closely with the student to ensure that the lessons are devised in such a way that he/she feels confident in every aspect of the language syllabus - reading, listening, speaking and writing.

Public speaking

My love of public speaking began at school when I was debating captain and a key public speaker, regularly delivering talks on controversial matters including politics and education. This passion continued throughout my A-Levels as I thrived on structuring talks for my team. I am also a trained presenter, regularly delivering study skills and motivational sessions across schools in the UK. With public speaking being integral to the English language curriculum, especially as speeches are involved at GCSE level, I have worked with a number of students to increase their confidence in this area. This has meant using key, persuasive techniques, the intonation of words, stress and, of course, the art of rhetoric. 

My experience as a linguist means I am able to ensure students understand and learn the art of a successful talk, the importance of planning as well as how to use language to shape meaning successfully and powerfully. Essentially, debating skills are also woven into my style, so students can learn how to prepare for counterarguments. There is also attention to body language, posture and clear articulation with pauses for effect; overall, it is a step-by-step process until the student is fully confident in public speaking. 

I have also worked alongside adults to help them with public speaking. Being a qualified practitioner of NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), I have been able to help people overcome their fears using a number of mind-programming techniques. With public speaking being regarded as one of the worst fears, I dissect that stereotype, then together build a plan to help the student grow in confidence.

Whether it’s a corporate client who wants to learn how to deliver successful talks during meetings, or an independent client wishing to learn how to speak on a YouTube channel, my lessons are always tailor-made to that individual and their needs.

Entrance exams:

My experience in this area is vast: I’ve been tutoring students in English and verbal reasoning for all common entrance exams including 7+, 11+ and 13+. My lessons include core skills such as the importance of understanding inference in comprehensions, as well as creative writing skills.

My familiarity across the spectrum of schools in London, including both grammar and private school exams, means that I have had a range of students for whom I have tailor-made plans in order to best prepare them for the relevant school. Through a step-by-step process, I work on helping students build the skills and the confidence needed to excel in their exams and beyond.

Interview preparation/personal statements:

It has given me huge pleasure to help students to prepare for interviews, whether this be to satisfy a school’s or a university's admission requirements.

This preparation includes attention to detail. We will look at body language, how to answer key questions, and also how to conduct oneself professionally throughout the process.

I’ve helped a number of students for their personal statements too, including structure, as well as writing with flow and enthusiasm to create an overall strong piece which aims to engage and enthuse the relevant institution.

Reiki Healing/Teacher Training 

Reiki” (ray-key) is Japanese for ‘universal life energy’; it is a form of alternative therapy commonly referred to as energy healing. It emerged in Japan in the late 1800's and involves the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner's palms to their patient. There are many variations of Reiki, but in essence Reiki treatments can help the body emotionally or spiritually. It is a tradition that is open to any belief system. 

This process is one that anyone can enjoy in the normal course of their life and it can also be used alongside other conventional or complementary treatment. As a qualified Reiki Master and Teacher trainer, I offer reiki healing both in person and online, and also teach reiki levels 1-4. My experience as a reiki practitioner is vast and I have not only witnessed significant benefits in my own life, but also in the lives of those I have treated. It’s beneficial to all age groups and I firmly believe that it aids mental, emotional and physical health.

Looking for a professional online or in-person language tutor? Contact Sheila at London Language Tutor.

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