Katharyn

I am a passionate linguist with a genuine love of languages. After my A Levels in German, French and Geography I spent a wonderful gap year in Tübingen, Southern Germany, where I fell in love with the language and culture. Having developed a high level of fluency, I completed two years of undergraduate studies there, before returning home and graduating with First Class Honours in German (BA) from the University of Stirling. For the next three years I worked as a bilingual project co-ordinator for a translation company, before taking the plunge into language teaching. I completed my PGCE at the University of Bristol and from 2001 enjoyed seven busy years in two secondary schools in England. I migrated to Western Australia in 2008 where I branched out and completed my CELTA. Since returning to the northern hemisphere in 2018, I have taught four years of German and IELTS teaching in Aberdeen, followed by a year of EAL at Gordonstoun School where I prepared international students for the B2 First for Schools and IELTS exams. Last year I taught CAIE GCSE German in Slovakia and since returning to the UK, I have been teaching German with Lingoda GmbH, the online language school, alongside tutoring German and EAL. I am currently also working part-time as an LSA in Supported Learning at Belfast Metropolitan College. I support tutors in helping young adults with a range of learning needs to gain the necessary qualifications and skills to progress in education.

I am an empathetic and patient teacher, who understands the importance of individualised programmes. I quickly identify students’ needs and personal goals, to determine the best approach for them. As a language learner myself, I know the importance of a safe learning space, free from judgment, and where students can experiment with language, learn from their mistakes and gain the confidence to aim high. I value and enjoy using retrieval practices, such as games and quizzes to engage learners, whilst recycling language and consolidating prior learning. Traditional grammar also plays a vital role in establishing a higher level of accuracy, if this fits with the learner's desired outcome. However, as each learner is unique, actual lessons and approach will be determined on an individual basis and will evolve to suit the learner's needs.

When I'm not working, I love to be outdoors, along a beach, up a hill, or exploring a new city or country.

Indoors, I am a Scrabble and crossword fiend, who enjoys baking and have recently invested in a second-hand sewing machine, as I would love to be able to make my own clothes. In addition, I am an avid fan of German crime dramas on ARD or ZDF.