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Michael Slavinsky
Michael Slavinsky
Managing Director
Michael heads up Languages For All, and oversees the Hounslow pilot hub.
Previously he taught French at Oasis Academy South Bank where he was also Head of Sixth Form. Before that, he was Education Director at The Brilliant Club, a charity working to widen participation at highly selective universities.
Michael speaks Russian, French and Hebrew to a decent standard, and pretends to speak Spanish too.
Hounslow Hub
Hounslow Hub
In partnership with Royal Holloway University of London
Chloe Sides
Chloe Sides
LFA Hounslow Hub Lead
A-Level Spanish
A-Level Spanish
What languages do you speak and to what level?
I studied French, Spanish and Russian at the University of St Andrews
Why are you excited to teach this A-level course?
I am incredibly excited to teach A-level through the languages for all programme because I believe that it is a very special opportunity to nurture a love of languages in Hounslow, London and beyond. I also would have LOVED to meet other linguists as an A-level student. I strongly believe that the Spanish A-level course is the perfect mix of language, culture, history, geography, politics and fun. My personal favourite topic is Patrimonio Cultural because it allows teachers and students to dive into the Spanish speaking world. I’ve adored teaching it to my 6th form students and can’t wait to meet Class of 2026!
Where did you study and learn the language that you're going to teach for A-level?
I started my Spanish learning journey (like many of you) at school in Year 7. I grew up in a rural town in Northern Ireland where not many people valued studying a language, however, I had an incredibly engaging teacher who shared her passion for languages every lesson and encouraged me to take ownership of my love of language. I then studied both Spanish and French at GCSE and A level on her advice and decided to pick up a third language (ab initio) at University. This led me to the wonderful language faculty at the University of St Andrews. My love of Spanish continued to deepen alongside my study of French and Russian.
I recommend students to study modern languages because...
Language learning opens up an endless vault of possibilities. The limits of your language are the limits of your world.
Language learning makes you a more kind, empathetic and interesting person.
Language learning is the perfect problem solving challenge - even a native speaker does not know EVERY word / grammar rule in their language and that is truly exciting!
Anything else your students can know about you?
I continue to enjoy learning languages but find it more and more difficult as I get older and have less free time. I would love to have a conversational level in Portuguese as I travel to Portugal often and love the people and culture. I am also slowly learning phrases in Polish (thanks to my native speaker students) and German (thanks to the great language learning app Busuu).
Phoebe Murphy
Phoebe Murphy
A-Level Spanish
A-Level Spanish
What languages do you speak and to what level?
French and Spanish to university level.
Why are you excited to teach this A-level course?
To get to know pupils from different schools and teach a really interesting course to students passionate about learning languages.
Where did you study and learn the language that you're going to teach for A-level?
I studied French and Spanish at the University of Edinburgh. During my year abroad, I worked in an NGO in Lima, Peru for about 6 months and I also studied at Université Paris-Est Créteil for a semester.
I recommend students to study modern languages because...
It is the best tool for connecting with and understanding other people and cultures. I have met so many amazing and fascinating people through studying and speaking different languages and from them, have learnt so much.
Studying modern languages gives you a greater understanding of your own cultural experiences and also, develops your ability to appreciate other cultures. I think it is essential that as a society, we are compassionate and open-minded individuals and, studying modern languages nurtures those competencies.
Clara Normand
Clara Normand
A-Level French
A-Level French
What languages do you speak and to what level?
I am French but have learnt English at school and have studied it at university alongside German (B2). I am also currently learning Italian!
Why are you excited to teach this A-level course?
I’m so excited to teach this A Level course because I love seeing students flourish, watching them grow in confidence, discover who they are, and realise just how much languages can empower them and expand their horizons. I’m also very excited about the course content itself, especially the opportunity to explore deeper, more delicate topics that spark curiosity and meaningful conversations. Teaching A-level French as a teaching assistant is what made me want to be a teacher and I can't wait to start teaching it again!
Where did you study and learn the language that you're going to teach for A-level?
French is my mother tongue but after having studied English and German at A levels back in France, I carried on studying languages at university. I did a bachelor's degree in English literature, history and translation (with German as second language), in Troyes where I grew up. I then had the opportunity to move to London to work as a language assistant in a boy's school which was perfect to solidify my English. I ended up loving it so much that I decided to stay here and teach French in the UK! I also spent a lot of time in Germany and Switzerland growing up which made want to learn it, I still go back several times a year to practice!
I recommend students to study modern languages because...
It unlocks endless opportunities and possibilities they may not even realise exist yet. It will enable you to connect with people you might never have met otherwise and opens doors to experiences and opportunities you never imagined. Beyond that, it is one of those rare subjects that profoundly shapes you as an individual, intellectually, mentally, and personally. It will leave a lasting impact far beyond the classroom.
Rébecca Triboulet
Rébecca Triboulet
A-Level French
A-Level French
What languages do you speak and to what level?
I am a French native speaker and I can get by in Spanish. I have also just taken up German!
Why are you excited to teach this A-level course?
I am very excited to teach this A-level course because I believe its unique format will be a game-changer for languages students.
Where did you study and learn the language that you're going to teach for A-level?
I am French and was schooled in France where I studied English and Italian until I was 18. I moved to London as an au pair and after deciding to stay in the UK I went to Birkbeck, University of London, to do a French Studies degree. I loved this course as it enabled me to study not only French literature but also cinema and culture from other European languages. Although Spanish was not part of my degree, I was awarded a scholarship via Birkbeck to spend some time in Valladolid, Spain.
I recommend students to study modern languages because...
...they come with so much culture! I think learning a language is like learning a new way to see the world. I also find being able to communicate in a language other than my mother tongue really empowering.
Ianthe Greenwood
Ianthe Greenwood
A-Level French
A-Level French
What languages do you speak and to what level?
I am fluent in French and German. I also learned Latin at school and I'm learning Italian and Spanish on Duolingo.
Why are you excited to teach this A-level course?
I love teaching French A level as the course is really varied and offers insights into French and French-speaking society, politics, culture and arts. It's so many subjects rolled into one and therefore is a brilliant complement to any subject. I love accompanying students as they progress beyond the immediate and quite limited world of GCSE French to articulating complex ideas and analysing authentic materials. My favourite topic is the film dossier because I love introducing students to the ''language'' of cinema and La Haine is such an iconic and timeless film. The Languages for All course is an exciting chance to study with the best and brightest linguists from across Hounslow and to gain unique experiences through the Global Languages Ambassador Award.
Where did you study and learn the language that you're going to teach for A-level?
I started French in Y7 (having point blank refused to join the French club at primary school...) and it took a while to click as my classmates were ahead of me. I liked French lessons, but I found the topics quite bland, so sixth form was where I really felt things took off with French. I had a really inspirational teacher and I enjoyed getting my teeth into some more interesting topics and learning more about francophone culture. I also loved the opportunities to explore French beyond the curriculum and to visit my French exchange partner in Paris. After A levels, I spent a gap year in France living with local families and teaching in local primary schools, which was a true immersion in the French language and culture! During university, I spent a summer studying in Paris and did an internship with an NGO in Haiti. I really appreciated this chance to gain an insight into an often overlooked part of the French-speaking world, and wrote my final year dissertation on the portrayal of the Haitian revolution in francophone literature.
I recommend students to study modern languages because...
...languages are a passport to understanding a culture and a society. Being able to speak to people in their own language creates a special connection, which we need more than ever in such divided and intolerant times. It's truly magical when you're able to speak and understand without having to first translate in your head!
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