About Me
Hello! I am Kenia. I have been a language teacher for over 20 years in primary and secondary schools in France, USA and Japan and running my own language courses in Ireland and in the UK.
I am also a home educator and Languages with Kenia started as a way to motivate my own children to embrace their heritage language. Now they are completely bilingual in English and Spanish and actively continue to learn other languages. I grew up bilingual myself, speaking Spanish and English as a young child. I learnt French as a young teenager. Japanese I learnt as a young adult.
I have a postgraduate diploma in interpreting and translation (Spanish-English retour). I also have a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and in French and a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certification. I have also lived in France where I taught English in a secondary school and in the USA where I taught English as a Second Language and Spanish as a heritage language in primary schools. As part of my role as a language instructor in the USA, I also acted as an interpreter and translator for the school community. I studied Japanese as part of my Linguistics degree and also while living in Japan, where I spent three years teaching English in senior high schools. I also worked in the financial section of the Japanese Embassy in London for two years.
My approach to language teaching is to provide students with language that is relevant to their lives and goals. Whether they are beginner or advanced, I cover topics that get them excited about learning languages and about other cultures. In every session, my students will be able to practise speaking, listening, reading and writing. At the GCSE/IGCSE level, I have helped students prepare for examinations with major exam boards Edexcel, AQA and Cambridge. I have a 100% pass rate with 80% of my students earning a score of 7 and above. SEN students are always welcome. I have an enhanced DBS certificate.
How I can help
Languages for all ages.
Individual lessons
for children, teens and adults
Small groups and family lessons
GCSE / IGCSE
Please contact me for current fees for all lessons and for availability for individual and family lessons. You can view the group lesson schedule in the next section.
* All group sessions are taught live weekly on Zoom.
* A short review video is provided after each session along with materials to practise between sessions.
* Less is more! Small class sizes to ensure all students get an opportunity to practise their language skills and to provide a supportive and friendly atmosphere.
Sessions available for the academic year 2026 - 2027
(Sessions will run from September 1st 2026 - July 24th 2027)
French KS3 intermediate (ages 11+), Wednesdays 10:05 - 10:50am
Suitable for students who have studied French continuously either through lessons or self-study for at least 1 year and are already familiar with the basics of French. It is not suitable for complete beginners.
Japanese KS2 for beginners and improvers (ages 7-10),
Thursdays 10:45 - 11:15am
This class is suitable for improvers and beginners who have a little bit of knowledge of Japanese through lessons or self-study.
Japanese KS2 for improvers (ages 7-10), Tuesdays 9:30 - 10am
Suitable for students who have some experience of Japanese whether through lessons or self-study and are familiar with the basics. Not suitable for complete beginners.
Japanese KS3 for beginners and improvers (ages 11+), Wednesdays 11-11:45am
This class is suitable for improvers and beginners who have some knowledge of Japanese through lessons or self-study.
Japanese KS3 for improvers (ages 11+), Tuesdays 10:05 - 10:50am
Suitable for students who have studied Japanese, either through lessons or self-study for at least 1 year. Being able to read hiragana and familiarity with katakana is useful but not essential. It is not suitable for complete beginners.
Japanese KS3/KS4 intermediate (ages 13+), Tuesdays 11 - 12
Suitable for students who have studied Japanese either through lessons or self-study for at least 1year. Being able to read most hiragana and some katakana would be useful for this class. Being familiar with kanji would useful not essential.
Spanish IGCSE Year 2 (ages 12+), Tuesdays 3:45 - 4:45pm
Suitable for students who have completed 1 year of IGCSE level. This course is suitable for students who would like to take the Spanish Edexcel IGCSE in 2027. However, it is also suitable for students who are considering other types of qualifications such as DELE, SIELE or the Leaving Certificate (Ireland). It is not suitable for beginners.
Spanish KS2 for improvers (ages 7-10), Wednesdays 9:30 - 10am
Suitable for students who have some experience of Spanish whether through lessons or self-study and are already familiar with the basics.
Spanish KS3 beginners and improvers (ages 11+), Wednesdays 2:30 - 3:15pm This class is suitable for improvers and for beginners who have some knowledge of Spanish through lessons or self-study.
Spanish KS3 intermediate (ages 11+), Thursdays 9:45 - 10:30am
Suitable for students who have studied Spanish continuously either through lessons or self-study for at least 1 year and are already familiar with the basics. It is not suitable for complete beginners.
Spanish KS2 for beginners and improvers (ages 7-10) Tuesdays 12:15 - 12:45
This class is suitable for improvers and for beginners who have a little bit of knowledge of Spanish through lessons or self-study.
Group fees for 2026 - 2027:
£5.75 / €6.75 per 30-minute session
£8.75 / €10.25 per 45-minute session
£10.25 / €11.75 per 60-minute session
£12.75 / €15.25 per 60-minute GCSE-level session
Not sure which group is right for your child?
You are welcome to try a session for 50% off the regular price!
Guidelines for students attending my language sessions
I ask students to please follow these guidelines to ensure that the sessions run smoothly and that everyone has a pleasant experience when attending my sessions.
Microphones and cameras
Please keep microphones off during the lesson. However, if the student is struggling with the mute button they may keep their microphone on as long as they are following the lesson in a quiet room without distractions.
Cameras, can be kept on or off during the lesson. I only ask that they switched on at the start of class to verify student's identity and for safeguarding purposes
Taking turns speaking and using the chat function
I ask students to please wait for their turn to speak and to raise their hand (physically or with the hand icon in the chat) if they would like to speak during the lesson. This is so we can hear all participants clearly and give everyone a chance to speak. It is ok to make comments but please keep these brief and related to the lesson so everyone can benefit from the allocated time.
The chat function on Zoom is a very useful tool for communicating with me and other class participants and I encourage students to use it. However, it is not to be used to share inappropriate comments or memes. It is also not be used for chatting about topics outside of the lesson.
Finally, have fun and enjoy your lesson! Thank you for following these guidelines!
Terms and Conditions
Please read the following term and conditions before joining my sessions. By attending my sessions or by allowing your child or young person to attend my language lessons, you agree to abide to the terms and conditions listed below. Thank you.
Fees and attendance policy for group sessions
Fees are collected monthly in advance at the end of each month. I regret that I cannot give refunds for sessions missed by the students who attend group sessions. However, I will issue a credit for the following block of sessions in the unlikely event I have to cancel a session. I send a short weekly video and materials for review after each session for the benefit of all students and in case a student is absent. Thank you for your understanding.
*If you decide to stop attending the group sessions please give four weeks' notice in writing. If you cancel before the end of the block you will not be entitled to a refund for the remaining sessions.
Homework and progress reports for group sessions
After every session I send an email with activities and a short review video to help the students practise at home. Homework is not compulsory but I would recommend students spend time in between sessions reviewing to help them progress faster. You can keep track of your child’s progress and what we cover in class by looking at the weekly email. I am happy to answer short questions over email regarding the class. If you require a longer written progress report this can be provided for an additional charge.
Cameras and recording for group lessons
Live sessions are not recorded to protect students' privacy and identities. You are not allowed under any circumstance to record the lessons. I send a review video after each lesson. Review videos are only for class participants and may not be shared with others outside of the class.
Cameras must be switched on at the start of the session so I can verify attendance and identity of the students. After, I have done this you are welcome to keep your camera on or switch it off if you prefer.
Policy for IGCSE/GCSE groups sessions
The cost for group sessions includes teaching time, preparation time and a weekly homework assignment which will be marked in class with me. Mock exams and extra assignments will can be provided at additional cost. Parents are responsible for finding an exam centre and booking the exam.
Fees, attendance and cancellation policy for one-to-one sessions
Fees are collected monthly in advance at the end of each month. If you decide to stop attending your sessions please give four weeks' notice in writing.
1. Students must give at least 24 hours' notice if they are unable to attend their scheduled session. If the student has given enough notice, then they are entitled to make up the session at a mutually convenient time. If the student wishes to make up the session, the session must be made up within 15 days from the date of the missed session.
2. Students will only be able to make up one session per calendar month. That is to say that if a student is absent more than once in one month, they will only be allowed to make up one session per month.
3. If the student fails to attend their session without any notice at all, they must still pay for the session without the option to make it up.
Homework and progress reports policy for one-to-one sessions
Homework will be given according to the student's ability and to help them progress. The homework will be checked/marked at the start of the lesson with the student. I will be sending an email after every session with homework and a short review video. I would recommend students spend time in between sessions reviewing to help them progress. It is the student's and parent's responsibility to keep track of their student's progress by looking at the weekly email. If the student requires extra marked work, assessments, mock exams or a written progress report these will incur an additional charge.
Cameras and recording for one to one lessons
I send a review video after each lesson which students may review. Review videos are only for class participants and may not be shared with others outside of the class.
Cameras must be switched on at the start of the session so I can verify attendance and identity of the students. After, I have done this you are welcome to keep your camera on or switch it off if you prefer.
IGCSE/GCSE policy for one-to-one sessions
The cost for both 1-1 includes teaching time, preparation time and a weekly homework assignment which will be marked in class with me. If the student requires mock exams or extra assignments this can be provided at an additional cost. Parents are responsible for finding an exam centre and booking the exam.
Celebrating students' work!
After every session, I always set a weekly challenge to continue learning beyond the lesson. In this section I like to feature some of the amazing work created by my students. Well done everyone!
Fantastic bilingual story! Written and illustrated by student in Spanish KS2.
Beautiful butterfly
with description by student
in Spanish KS2!
Fantastic advert created by student in French KS3 class!
Fabulous Hinamatsuri display
by student from the Japanese
KS2 class!
Amazing orimagi ogre
created by student in
Japanese KS3 class!
Summer Camps 2026!
My popular language summer camps are back again!
These summer camps are perfect for both children who want to try a new language and for those who want to keep up their languages over the summer holidays. These are fun relaxed sessions with lots of useful vocabulary and phrases to learn. SEN students are very welcome. I have an enhanced DBS. These are not webinars, they are small interactive group sessions and spaces are very limited, so book now at languageswithkenia@outlook.com
What to expect from my summer camps:
*All groups will meet live on Zoom.
* Small groups (maximum 8 students). I believe that students learn languages better in small groups where they can practise in a safe and friendly environment with lots of support.
*Fun and relaxed sessions with no pressure. Children can interact in a way that feels comfortable to them and having cameras on is optional.
* A review video will be provided on the final day of camp along with notes to help your child practise what they have learnt throughout the whole camp.
Japanese language summer camps:
'My Neighbour Totoro' for ages 7-11
When: Tuesday 4th - Thursday 6th August, 9.30am - 10am
Cost: £17.25 / €20.25 per student for 3 sessions (£5.75 / €6.75 per 30-minute session)
In this very popular course, we will be learning Japanese language and culture through the beautiful Studio Ghibli film 'My Neighbour Totoro'. We will be learning lots of essential vocabulary and how to build basic sentences including how to introduce yourself and others and talking about your family in Japanese. This course is suitable for beginners and improvers. Watching the film is not essential to join the course.
'Chihiro's Journey' for ages 11-14
When: Tuesday 4th - Thursday 6th August, 10.15am - 11am
Cost: £26.25 / €30.75 per student for 3 sessions (£8.75 / €10.25 per 45-minute session)
In this course we will be learning Japanese language and culture through the story of the popular Studio Ghibli film ‘Spirited Away’. We will be learning lots of essential vocabulary and we will practise making Japanese sentences including how to introduce yourself and others, and how to talk about your family and your home in Japanese. This course is suitable for beginners and improvers. Watching the film is not essential to join the course.
Hiragana camp! for ages 10+
When: Tuesday 4th - Thursday 6th August 11.15am - 12pm
Cost: £26.25 / €30.75 per student for 3 sessions (£8.75 / €10.25 per 45-minute session)
This camp will focus on reading and writing hiragana, which is one of the three writing systems used in Japanese. Students will learn the basic hiragana characters while learning lots of Japanese vocabulary. Suitable for complete beginners and students who would like to review and gain more confidence in Japanese hiragana reading and writing.
Spanish language summer camps:
An axolotl's life (ages 7-10)
When: Tuesday 11th - Thursday 13th August, 9.30am - 10am
Cost: £17.25 / €20.25 per student for 3 sessions (£5.75 / €6.75 per 30-minute session)
Have you ever seen an axolotl before? Did you know that they are native to Mexico? These small, salamander-like creatures make their home in Xochimilco, a borough of Mexico City. Xochimilco is famous for its floating gardens and colourful boats. In this camp we will be learning lots of Spanish by learning about the life of an axolotl in Xochimilco. Suitable for beginners and improvers.
Summer in Mexico City (ages 11-16)
When: Tuesday 11th - Thursday 13th August, 10.15 - 11am
Cost: £26.25 / €30.75 per student for 3 sessions (£8.75 / €10.25 per 45-minute session)
Did you know that Mexico has the most native Spanish-speakers in the world? Learn Spanish while taking a virtual tour of the amazing capital of Mexico. In this course you will learn lots of essential vocabulary for travel including introducing yourself and others, transport and getting around town. Suitable for beginners and improvers.
French language summer camps:
Travelling the world with Tintin (ages 7-11)
When: Tuesday 18th - Thursday 20th August, 9.30 - 10am
Cost: £17.25 / €20.25 per student for 3 sessions (£5.75 / €6.75 per 30-minute session)
Tintin, the intrepid young Belgian reporter and his canine pal Milou will be the focus of this exciting course. In this course we will be learning essential French vocabulary including how to introduce yourself and French for travelling. Suitable for beginners and improvers.
International French (ages 11-16)
When: Tuesday 18th - Thursday 20th August, 10.15 - 11am
Cost: £26.25 / €30.75 per student for 3 sessions (£8.75 / €10.25 per 45-minute session)
Did you know that French is spoken by approximately 321 million people around the world? In this course we will be discovering 3 other French-speaking countries and learning lots of essential French along the way. Suitable for beginners and improvers.