Our tutors - Lydia Metaxa

Lydia, French and German - University of Oxford

Hello! My name is Lydia, and I am heading into my fourth year at Oriel College, Oxford, studying Modern Languages (French and German). Over the past three years, I have fallen in love with the multidisciplinary nature of my degree which allows me to study medieval linguistics and German philosophy side by side. As a result of the double Distinction I attained in my first year exams, I hold an academic scholarship, and have also achieved college awards for the high standard of my work. I am a diligent student and committed member of my college JCR, having served as Facilities Officer in my second year to improve new students’ experience of collegiate life. While at school, I was awarded A*s at A Level in French, German, and Latin, as well as full marks in an Extended Project Qualification on the influence of Roman satire on 17th and 18th century French literature, and achieved 11 GCSEs at grade 9. 

During my year abroad, I have spent time studying a combination of Law, Linguistics, and Philosophy in Munich and Montpellier. Beyond significantly improving my knowledge of French and German, this furthered my interest in language acquisition, which makes me excited to apply my skills to supporting future tutees. Over the past 5 years, I have gained experience working with students aged 8-16 at school and in my local area, targeting language conversation, exam technique, and essay-writing. It has felt very rewarding to receive positive feedback from students and parents alike, as well as hear about success in exams and university applications. 

When I take on a student, I am eager to tailor my approach to suit their specific needs in a way that is mindful of where they excel and where they encounter difficulty. Something that makes me so passionate about teaching languages is that it is highly adaptable, meaning that, no matter where your interests lie, there will be a way to combine the two. Students have fed back to me that they find retaining grammar rules and vocabulary far easier when we have applied it to a topic that matters to them. My main concern is working to foster a positive environment that boosts confidence and encourages students to seek out opportunities to further their language skills, beyond the textbook. Whether it be tackling new topics, homework, or exam technique, I am eager to provide engaging sessions that both support the student's understanding of the subject and belief in their own abilities.