Katharyn

I am a passionate linguist with a genuine love of languages. After my A Levels in German, French and Geography I spent a gap year in Tübingen, Southern Germany, where I fell in love with the language and culture. Having developed a high level of fluency during my gap year, I went on to complete two years of undergraduate studies in Germany, 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 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 German and EAL in different schools in Scotland and Europe, including IELTS and Cambridge English at Gordonstoun School. Recently, I also taught adult learners online with Lingoda GmbH on a freelance basis for over a year, whilst privately tutoring German and EAL. I now work part-time in Learning and Development at Belfast Metropolitan College, where I also teach German evening classes to beginners and advanced beginners (CEFR A1-A2).

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 mistakes and quickly gain the confidence to aim high. I value and enjoy using retrieval practices, whilst recycling language and consolidating prior learning. Traditional grammar also plays an important role in establishing a high level of accuracy, fluency and self-confidence, if this meets the learner's desired outcome.

When not working, I love to be outdoors, along a beach, up a hill, or exploring a new city or country. Indoors or in poorer weather, I am a Scrabble and crossword fiend who also enjoys baking and experimenting with my sewing machine. Last but not least, I am an avid fan of German dramas on Netflix, ARD and ZDF, especially Krimis!