Claire Thompson

Introduction video, ‘Classes with Claire’

❋Hi, I’m Claire Thompson, your class co-ordinator, guide and tutor❋

❋Teaching experience

I first started teaching Spanish one to one after finishing my degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies at the University of Southampton.

I gave ‘ad hoc’ Spanish classes to friends and family for many years, but the last time I lived in Spain (seven years spent in the Almeria region) absolutely re-kindled my passion for teaching the language I love.

By this point, I had also taken ‘brain friendly learning’ training which really helped me define how I wanted to deliver my classes: relaxed, fun and effective. You can see more about that below.

On returning to England, I gave some classes in Berkshire whilst waiting for a house purchase to go through (agonisingly slow!) in West Sussex, where I currently live.

❋Living in Spain and Latin America

In addition to visiting regularly, I have lived for extended periods of time in:

  • Southern Spain (Arroyo de la Miel, near Malaga - Andalucia)

  • Almeria (Cariatiz, near Sorbas/Mojacar)

  • Menorca (Sto Tomas)

  • Costa Rica (San Jose)

❋Qualifications

I hold a BA (Hons) degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies, alongside:

  • Certificate in Language and Culture (Lengua y cultura) a course for native Spanish speakers from the Universidad Interamericana de Costa Rica

  • Certificate in Language and Culture (Lengua y cultura) from one of Spain’s most distinguished universities, the Universidad de Salamanca

  • Certificate in Popular Spanish Culture from the Centre for Traditional Culture, Salamanca

  • University credit in Spanish writing the Universidad de Salamanca

  • Unfinished PhD in how Spanish teaching affects identity

  • And just so you know I understand how it feels on your side of the fence as a student: I’m also a qualified linguist in French (Inst of Linguists). But my recall in French is dreadful having since learned Spanish!

My Approach

I took a course in Brain Friendly Training as part of my corporate life. It was a happy coincidence: it absolutely underpins the way I teach Spanish.

I judge my success by your progress AND how much you enjoy coming to classes. Because if one of those two elements is missing, you won’t want to come back.

My promise is only to do my very best for you, and to listen to what you want and need.

Results

My objective is to give you the confidence to use the Spanish you know, helping you to learn and remember what we cover in classes - without getting too hung up on academic bits.

Language is for learning, but more importantly for communicating.

I want you to love Spanish as much as I do, and use it proudly.

Fun

Fun - like humour - is a subjective thing, but I do try and keep you involved in your classes.

You won’t be sat staring at a board or reciting verbs (although we may do this for the odd exercise/bit of repitition).

I’m always on the look out for new and creative ways to help make your classes more engaging and enjoyable.