Clara Braithwaite

I grew up in the middle of England and luckily grew up in a very multicultural city. However, no languages other than English were spoken at my home. Our family travelled extensively in Britain but I only went abroad for the first time when I was 11. I immediately understood the importance of learning another language! To not be able to communicate was horrific. Since then, I have continued learning French and am beginning on my Spanish lingual adventure. Therefore, I fully appreciate how daunting speaking another language may be, but also the immense joy when you can hold a conversation with a stranger in foreign language.
I have always enjoyed helping others learn and succeed. Before I became an English teacher, I trained others in using computer applications, I was a training provider for a team with learning difficulties, and I ran my own workshops. English is now the global language of business, and due to the new normal, much business is now likely to be increasingly conducted online. Helping potential students navigate their way through the new and evolving online workspaces will benefit not only individuals, but the global society also.
Variety is the spice of life, so they say. During my teaching career, I have had a greatly varied and intensely satisfying 9 years. I have taught many different people, from in house training of management executives, to adult classes for grandparents and outdoor classes with young children, running around in the fields to learn English through play. I have taught one-to-one classes for university students, and even an entire family of 3 generations.
I have worked in schools, both public and private, for adults, teenagers and youngsters alike. I also helped provided coursebook material for a new start up school in Oxford.
I have taught Business English onsite in the workplace, Cambridge Exam preparation, summer schools and individual classes
When I originally started teaching, I began using the PPP method. As time has passed, I now use this in combination with VAK style and the communicative method. But what are these styles I hear you ask! Don’t worry, they are not as daunting as they sound.
PPP involves the teacher Presenting a topic, which the students then Practice through guided learning, such as filling in exercises or role plays. Then the student will Produce something in English to enhance what they have learned.
VAK means, Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic. So the student looks, listens and uses their body to help remember ideas.
So think of my lessons as a combination of informative tasks, film, song, memory enhancing games and conversation, with the focus on developing your needs and abilities. . I love conversation classes and debates. I try to use games and interactive hands-on classes. The games are often word games, quizzes and competitions.
If you are shy or nervous of using English, don’t worry, I aim to put you at ease. I will help making learning entertaining while also helping you to “fix” the language in your memory.
One thing I have learnt as a teacher is that every class, every student is different. Each student has different skills and methods of learning. I have learnt and am still learning, how to continuously assess my students to bring out their innate capabilities. I believe the relationship between student and teacher is a supportive and constantly developing bond, with the teacher’s role to nurture the student until they achieve their goals
Tell me what you need and I will create the classes you need to help you succeed.
I hope to meet you soon