Lately, you hear it everywhere: “What’s the point of learning languages?” With the likes of Google Translate in our pockets (and even major universities announcing they’ll stop teaching modern foreign languages), it’s easy to think languages are no longer necessary. And yes, a translating app can help you work out what something means or say a short sentence. That has its place. But when you really learn a language, you don’t just translate words — you access culture, tradit

I recently used a BBC article in French  — which I assume is taken from this BBC CrowdScience podcast  — during a French lesson. I often work with authentic materials like this for translation, comprehension practice and discussion, as they bring real-life language and ideas into the classroom. This particular piece explored why some people find maths easy while others struggle — but the message applies far beyond maths. It’s really about how anxiety affects working memory ,

Learning a new language is an adventure, complete with moments of joy and perplexity. One common hurdle for Spanish learners is mastering...

Learning a new language is an exciting adventure, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. One common hurdle for French learners...

If you've ever felt like your brain is too full to take in one more thing—whether during a maths lesson, listening to a warp-speed answer...

This is a follow up to the last blog, Unlocking Success: The benefits of tutoring and how to maximise its impact , where we talked about...

Tutoring can be a powerful tool in a student's educational journey, providing personalised support and targeted instruction that can...

Exams are on the horizon, and whether you're a student getting ready to sit them or a parent offering support, now is the time to get...

Accuracy in writing is essential for all types of tasks, particularly summaries and translations. I recommend you review your text at...

Exams aren’t just for teenagers—adult learners, this is for you too! Starting early can make all the difference.

Expanding your Mastery of Verbs: the next French and Spanish verbs to study In our previous blog, we covered the top 10 essential verbs...

When starting to learn a new language, mastering verbs is key to unlocking basic communication. Without verbs, forming sentences and...

Travelling to France or Spain offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, and one of the best ways to enhance...

As exam season rolls around, talking to your teenagers about their studies can be a tricky balancing act. I can say things to students I...

Are you looking to certify your language skills for work, study, or personal growth? If so, you might have encountered the Common...

Embarking on my Italian learning journey with Duolingo has been enlightening as a teacher of other languages. While the platform offers...

Preparing for a speaking exam in a foreign language can seem daunting, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can approach it...

One of my young tutees who comes for English support has written this delightful letter to Santa. It filled me with Christmas cheer and...

Tip One Take every opportunity to use your language skills. It sounds obvious but it's easier said than done, but once you've put your...

It can be a helpful tool but one which needs managing carefully. Read on! As a very new teacher during the fairly early days of internet...