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My name is Beata. I grew up in Hungary, where I enjoyed going on bike rides during the boiling hot summers and sitting in thermal water outdoor pools during the freezing cold winters, and where my love affair with the English language began. Reading about English grammar is one of my favourite pastimes and I find the etymology of idioms fascinating!

When studying theoretical linguistics, I familiarized myself with sociolinguistics, pragmatics, semantics, and transformational grammar. I have also completed an MA in Applied Linguistics, which was more on classroom material design and developing the ability to evaluate teaching materials.

Throughout my 20 years of teaching, I have mostly taught in schools in London and have taught mixed-nationality classes of all age groups. I am currently teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL) at Whitgift School to international students. My role involves equipping my students with the right skills for the IELTS exam, which is required by British universities.

In the classroom, I enjoy creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere because I believe that it is a prerequisite for learning. I like to make my students feel comfortable and I also aim to make them aware that there is nothing wrong with mistakes, but in fact mistakes are something to celebrate as they provide an opportunity to understand something new. I also like to create opportunities for my students to notice patterns and rules in the language by themselves and guide them on the route of discovery. 

The mixed-nationality classroom environment is the perfect way to find out about different cultures around the world. I really enjoy encouraging my students to develop more of an understanding about their classmates’ cultures, especially through speaking activities.

Did you know that Korean people have two birthdays? Do you know why Japanese people make a cucumber horse and an aubergine cow in August?  Why do people greet a lonely magpie in the UK? And why do Mexican people eat twelve grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve? Why is it not a good idea to take wine to a dinner party in France?

All the above questions have popped up during my lessons over the years and I have always found it heartwarming to see my students get an especially unique insight into another culture with the help of their classmate, newly found friend and possible friend for life.

So here is to a great 2022 Summer school, where you will not only improve your English but also make great friends and deepen your knowledge about other cultures!