Deborah Chicheportiche

My name is Deborah, and I’m a French native speaker from Paris with over 17 years of experience teaching in international American and British schools, primarily in the UK. I work with students across KS3, KS4, and KS5, gradually building their language skills and confidence over time. My focus is on preparing students for success in GCSE, IGCSE, A Level, and IB French B (SL, HL, Ab Initio) exams by equipping them with targeted strategies, solid linguistic foundations, and a deep understanding of exam requirements.

I hold two Master's degrees—one in Educational Leadership and another in French as a Foreign Language—and I am a UK Certified Teacher. For over a decade, I served as Head of the Modern Foreign Languages department at ACS International School in London, and I was recently appointed as a French Examiner for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE.

My approach to teaching is structured, personalised, and exam-focused. I’ve maintained a 100% pass rate for IB French B, with my students consistently achieving grades 6 or 7 over the past five years. I adapt my lessons to suit each student’s learning style and objectives, whether they need to boost their grammar, fluency, or exam strategies. I have developed a wide range of tailored resources, including past paper practice and targeted techniques to help students maximise their performance in exams.

Students describe me as patient, supportive, and highly knowledgeable. I build strong rapport and create an encouraging environment where learners feel comfortable taking risks and developing their skills. I make lessons interactive and enjoyable, incorporating language platforms, authentic materials, and step-by-step activities to deepen comprehension and build confidence.

Over the years, I’ve learned that many students struggle not because they lack knowledge, but because they have gaps in key skills or have lost motivation. My role is to identify those gaps, simplify challenging concepts, and help students rebuild their confidence. I guide them to take ownership of their learning through questioning, guided practice, and carefully structured activities that support gradual understanding and promote independent thinking.

Above all, I believe that language learning should be a rewarding and positive experience. I aim to create a space where students feel heard, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential—whether they are preparing for an exam or simply want to enjoy learning French.