Sylvia Banova

About Sylvia

I am an experienced language teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience, including more than 20 years in Bulgaria and many years teaching in the UK. I teach English, French and Spanish to adults and students, both online and in person. My approach is practical, supportive and learner-centred. I believe that lessons should give students plenty of opportunities to speak, use the language in realistic situations and build confidence step by step. I adapt my lessons to each learner’s level, goals, interests and learning needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. I use a combination of conversation, structured grammar and vocabulary practice, pronunciation work, listening and reading activities, and authentic or real-life materials. I also use visual resources, interactive activities and carefully planned repetition where helpful, particularly when learners need to consolidate new vocabulary and language structures. I have taught French and Spanish in secondary schools for several years and have extensive experience preparing students for GCSE French and Spanish examinations. For the past few years, I have worked specifically with students preparing for their GCSE exams, developing a structured approach that covers the key skills required for successful examination performance. My students have consistently achieved excellent results, including the highest grades they were aiming for. I have also supported a student preparing for A-level French. My exam preparation combines a clear understanding of the examination requirements with targeted practice in speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary. I identify areas that need improvement, establish a structured programme and work systematically towards the student's target grade. For adults, I can help with general English, everyday communication, Business English and improving confidence in speaking. Whether you are starting a language from scratch, preparing for an examination or looking to improve an existing level, my aim is to make lessons useful, engaging and encouraging, while helping you become a more confident and independent language user.

Languages and levels

• English as a Second Language (ESL)

  • Key Stage 1
  • Key Stage 2
  • Adult learners

• French

  • Key Stage 2
  • Key Stage 3
  • GCSE
  • Adult learners

• Spanish

  • Key Stage 2
  • Key Stage 3
  • GCSE
  • Adult learners