Anastassia

Hello! I am a native Russian speaker from Kaliningrad, who came to the UK in 1996. I have lived in Yorkshire longer than in Russia. My life is truly split between the two countries and I love and teach all things Russian and English! I am a qualified teacher in both RF and UK. I also hold degrees in English (Kaliningrad), Linguistics (York) and Interpreting (Bradford).

I have a bilingual son, and in 2017 I completed a course in the Methods of Teaching Russian to Bilingual Children (Moscow State University).

In March 2022 I became an author with the release of my book "My Favourite Subject is Russian" - a set of 30 texts aimed to prepare for a GCSE exam.

Tutoring Experience

I have been teaching ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) since 1991 and RFL (Russian as a foreign language) since 2000. I have years of experience working with learners of different abilities, needs and backgrounds.

I worked one-to-one and in classroom settings in independent and language schools (Prince Henry’s Grammar School, Bradford Grammar, Bradford Girls’ Grammar). In recent years I expanded my pool of students internationally through working online.

Tutoring Approach

I consider it a privilege and a mission to be able to teach the Russian language and culture to the Russophiles! I get excited to hear from each new learner! Their curiosity and enthusiasm drive my passion to deliver lessons based on their personal requirements, goals and timescales. In the first session, we get to know each other and agree on a way forward. Each learner is different and I am resourceful and flexible in matching their learning styles and aspirations.

For those who have some previous knowledge of Russian, I offer a diagnostic test to establish the level of language competence. I follow the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and TRKI/TORFL (Test of Russian as a Foreign Language) frameworks and encourage my learners to take the tests in order to obtain an internationally recognised certificate.

We often decide on a core textbook to follow. I stay up-to-date with all the new textbooks and online resources available on the market and read their reviews by the teaching community. Decades of tutoring experience enable me to recommend the best textbook for the learner’s level and the purpose of the study. But sometimes no textbooks are involved and we learn the language through films, documentaries, photos, artwork or internet materials.

The learning experience with me may not be just the paid contact time, but your individual learning plan is supported by appropriate materials and complemented with extra books and articles to read, films and documentaries to watch, and podcasts to listen to. I set enough homework for self-study to keep your learning process ongoing and therefore, fruitful. We will either work towards a set goal (exam or test) or take it easy. It all depends on your needs!

I give tips on best learning strategies and consult on how to prepare for and obtain great results from such exams as Pearson Edexcel GCSE and A-Level, Cambridge IGCSE First Language and TORFL. I act as an independent examiner for the speaking exam.