Jacques

Hello! My name is Jacques. I am a passionate and dedicated French tutor with a strong academic and professional background in teaching languages. As a native French speaker, I bring an authentic understanding of the language and culture, which I love to share with my students.

I have a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and I have been working as Head of Languages at a secondary school in Southwark since 2018. Prior to this, I was a teacher and Lead Practitioner at a school in North London from 2013 to 2017.

I specialize in teaching French up to A Level and am committed to helping students not only succeed academically but also develop a genuine appreciation for the French language and culture.

Whether you’re looking to improve your conversational skills, prepare for exams, or learn French for personal enrichment, I’m here to support you on your journey with a tailored and engaging approach.

Tutoring Experience

With over six years of experience as Head of Languages, I’ve led the development and delivery of the French curriculum at a dynamic secondary school in London. I’ve taught French to students of all ages and abilities, from beginner level to A Level, and have helped many students achieve top grades in their exams. For example, the French results which have been managed by myself at my current work place have been excellent over the years (see below):

GCSE results:
2021: 92% 4-9 grades
2022: 86% 4-9 grades
2023: 100% 4-9 grades
2024: 78% 4-9 grades

A Level results:
2021: 100% A*-C
2022: 86% A*-C
2023: 100% A*-C
2024: 100% A*-C

On average, in my last four years, I have achieved 36% 7-9 results at GCSE, which is above the national average for secondary schools. This is because I am experienced, caring and have the belief and commitment that every student I teach should achieve their full potential.

In addition to my role in teaching, I’ve worked extensively on curriculum design, teacher training, and departmental leadership, ensuring that every student receives the best possible education in languages.

I am trained to prepare students for GCSE and A Level exams, with a focus on exam strategies, grammar, and language fluency. My experience also includes teaching French in a variety of contexts, including adult tutoring, small group lessons, and large class settings.

Tutoring Approach

My teaching approach is student-centered, adaptable, and results-driven. I believe in creating a supportive and interactive learning environment that encourages students to take risks, make mistakes, and grow in their confidence and language skills. I tailor lessons to meet each student’s unique learning style and goals, whether it's improving spoken fluency, deepening their understanding of grammar, or preparing for upcoming exams.

I use a combination of communicative techniques, authentic materials, and digital resources to ensure that lessons are engaging and relevant. I also place a strong emphasis on building cultural awareness, as understanding the culture behind the language is key to mastering it.

For exam preparation, I focus on developing students' exam technique, time management skills, and language accuracy, ensuring they feel fully equipped for their assessments. I strive to make learning French enjoyable and fulfilling, empowering students to achieve their personal language goals with confidence.