Pierce Clisham

My lessons are designed to be enjoyable, supportive and tailored to each student’s individual goals. Having studied Chinese for around eight years and achieved an A* at both GCSE and A Level, I understand what it takes to make real progress and achieve top grades. I also know that learning a language can sometimes feel difficult or overwhelming, especially in the early stages, which is why I want my lessons to be a place where students feel comfortable making mistakes, asking questions and improving.

I believe that practice makes perfect, particularly when learning a language. My 90-minute lessons focus on two of the four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, with around 45 minutes dedicated to each. In the following lesson, we will focus on the other two skills, ensuring that students develop a well-rounded ability in Chinese.

For school and GCSE/A Level students, I will follow their syllabus and adapt lessons around their current classwork. We can focus on topics they are studying, prepare for upcoming exams, or spend extra time on areas they find challenging. I can also help with vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, speaking and exam technique.

Most importantly, I want students to feel that they are constantly improving. I’ll explain things clearly, encourage them throughout the process and adapt my teaching to what works best for them. My own teachers played a huge role in my Chinese journey, and I hope to provide that same encouragement and motivation to my students, helping them develop a genuine love for Chinese.