Subjects

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Personal Message

Do not be misled by the name... I am Greek Cypriot on my mother's side (is "Eleftheria Assemaki" Greek enough for you? :P)! It was my grandmother that began to help me learn Greek at the age of 11 years old, although I had been toying with the idea of "learning to read the pretty writing" since I was about 8 or 9 when my mother decided to go back to Greek school. My mother's most memorable moment of those early learning curves is when I "shamed" her (her words not mine) for forgetting the third to last Greek letter (Φ "Χ" Ψ Ω)! But none of us are perfect and I was frustrated with the language not knowing then what I know now - something that I use to make sure all my students get off to an easy start in learning how to read this ancient alphabet. Greek is extremely structured and once you know the rules, you're off! I am extremely passionate about this language in all forms and many have told me in lessons that they can see it. Thus, that is something I hope to pass onto you, my next student!

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach Modern Greek from beginner to GCSE. I also can teach beginner Classical (Ancient) Greek (for those with a general interest) but unfortunately only grammar and vocabulary, not set texts for exams.

Tell me about your qualifications.
The only applicable ones here would be: GCSE Modern Greek (A*), GCSE Classical Greek (A), AS Modern Greek (A), [currently studying for A2, predicted A grade]

What kind of experience do you have?
Four years ago I taught during the summer at the local Greek school run by the local Greek Orthodox Church. I have privately tutored from home and at students' homes for just over three years. Students have come and gone but with each one I have discovered many more ways to improve my methods. I have had a lot of bad Greek teachers in the past so I know what not to do. Simplicity is key and also keeping it interesting. I make my own materials mostly and I include a lot of colour to highlight grammar and gender of nouns, their endings in particular as that is most important in Greek! I use a lot of pictures and always keep the information relevant and bite-size.

How much do you charge?
I charge £20 an hour individually (1-2-1), £30 an hour for a group (2+ or family), and all travel expenses need to be covered (usually those will be confirmed after the first lesson).

Where do you teach?
I teach from my home if the student is willing to come to me. I have a white board here and make full use of it when needed. I also make use of our computer here with the CD-ROMs that I use to teach with.

I can teach you at your home if need be. The nearest train station to me is "Belvedere" - but to get to me from there it's either a long walk up a steep hill or the 401 bus up the hill to Nuxley Village before the roundabout then a short walk to my house. The other nearest station is "Bexleyheath". From there you need to take the 422 bus towards North Greenwich to the stop called "Bedonwell Rd/Dryhill Rd". After that it's just a short walk to my house.

When are you available?
I'm available to teach during the day and evening all throughout the week but for now Friday is usually the only day I cannot teach.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
Any age as long as the student is willing and enthusiastic!

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
GCSE Modern Greek, although I would recommend a year of study before hand to get to grips with reading and writing (not that it takes a year!), basic grammar and speaking skills first.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
No.

Tell me about some of your current students.
Three years ago I began teaching a 14 year old girl who lived and went to school in Greece for a short while during her childhood. She was very easy to teach and had a lot of enthusiasm in the beginning. That September I began teaching her the new 2009 GCSE syllabus. She didn't find much difficulty in understanding the grammar the way I teach it. As I write my own grammar worksheets I use the simplest language to explain different grammatical aspects, leaving no questions unanswered. I refrain from using technical terms unless absolutely unavoidable. I often encourage full usage of the oral exercises in my chosen textbooks to get the most out of lessons. We're learning to speak Greek after all.

I have also taught two adult students and had nothing but success with them. Most notably their reading... One of them managed to be able to read Greek very well just after only one hour!

I have recently started to teach my youngest student ever. She is 7 years old and we are on the 6th lesson. After 2 lessons she was already reading and writing with ease! Whenever she wants to say something to me and knows it in Greek - she says it! She is certainly picking up the language fast and I shall keep updating this entry as she progresses!

Do you have a personal message for students?
If you think Greek is hard or at least looks it... I assure you, it's really not. I can prove it!