Katharyn

I am a passionate linguist with a genuine love of languages and travel. After my A Levels in German, French and Geography I spent a wonderful gap year in Tuebingen, 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, completing my PGCE at the University of Bristol. After completion in 2001, I enjoyed seven busy years in two schools in England, followed by a decade in Western Australia, where I branched out and obtained my CELTA. Since returning to the northern hemisphere in 2018, I have completed four years of German and IELTS teaching in Aberdeen. From summer 2022 to August 2023, I was the designated EAL specialist at Gordonstoun, Moray where I prepared international students for the B2 First for Schools and IELTS exams. Recently I have returned to the UK from living and teaching in Slovakia, and am now working as a freelance Teacher of German with Lingoda, the online language school.

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 of 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 practice, as well as games and quizzes to engage learners, whilst recycling language and consolidating learning. Traditional grammar also plays a vital role in establishing a high level of accuracy, if this fits with the learners desired outcome. However, as each student is unique, the actual lessons and my approach will be determined on an individual basis and will evolve to suit the learner's needs.

I am a freelance Teacher of German, delivering online lessons (both private and small group) to learners from CEFR A1 through to C1.

When I'm not working, I love to be outdoors, along a beach (when I am home in the UK), up a hill, or exploring a new city or country.

I am also a Scrabble and crossword fiend, who loves to bake.

If the weather is inclement, I love watching German crime dramas on ARD or ZDF.