I’m Jemima, an experienced, qualified language teacher and examiner with a lifelong passion for Spanish, Latin American culture, and helping students achieve their best at iGCSE.
My Background
I studied Social Anthropology and Spanish at the University of Edinburgh, before completing my PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages (11–18) at the University of Sussex. I spent 15 years living and working in Spain and South America — tutoring, interpreting, and conducting anthropological fieldwork in Colombia and Ecuador — and I now have family in Chile and Argentina. That immersion gave me a truly native-level command of the language, across multiple regional accents and registers, which I bring directly into every session.
Teaching Career
I’ve been teaching Spanish in secondary schools and as a private tutor for over 16 years. During that time I rose to Head of Spanish, leading a department through GCSE and iGCSE programmes and developing curriculum from the ground up. I’ve worked with students across the full ability range — from students who struggle to conjugate a present-tense verb, to those pushing for grade 9 at Higher tier.
I’m also a practising Spanish examiner, which means I understand the iGCSE mark schemes in detail — not from a textbook, but from the inside. I know the specific language choices and structural approaches that earn top marks, and I teach students to use them.
My Approach to iGCSE Tutoring
iGCSE Spanish rewards accuracy, range, and communicative confidence. My sessions focus on all three — but always in a way that’s relevant to the specific exam board and tier the student is sitting. I work with students on Cambridge iGCSE (0530) and Edexcel International GCSE, and I’m fully up to date with both specifications.
I start every tutoring relationship with a diagnostic session to understand exactly where the student is — their grammar gaps, vocabulary range, speaking confidence, and writing technique. From there, I build a personalised programme that addresses weaknesses while consolidating strengths, always with the exam in mind.
Sessions are conducted online via Zoom or Teams, with shared digital resources, real-time feedback, and regular past paper practice as the exam approaches.
Why iGCSE Students and Their Families Choose Me
- Qualified teacher with a formal PGCE — not just a native speaker
- Practising examiner — I know what the mark scheme rewards
- Former Head of Spanish — I’ve led whole-school approaches to GCSE/iGCSE results
- 15+ years in Spanish-speaking countries — genuinely native-level fluency
- International school experience — I understand the specific context of iGCSE students worldwide
- Warm, encouraging teaching style — students build confidence alongside skill
I’m based in the UK and offer sessions worldwide, with flexible scheduling to accommodate different time zones. Get in touch to arrange a free introductory call.