Bridport French teacher seeking to stimulate minds

Valérie Defendini is a French national living in Bridport who teaches her native language. She’s a qualified teacher and for 25 years has worked with adults privately, as well as Dorset Adult Education, for secondary and primary school children.

Valérie is expanding her sessions to add a new twist after visiting her mother in France.

She said: "I’ve just been to see my mother in Provence. She has Parkinson’s Disease, and I have become more aware of how important it is to have regular intellectual stimulation to keep neurological processes working well, and to improve cognitive function.

“The best way to describe what I do is brain-training with a second language. In an informal setting it’s enjoyable, and most of all, incredibly positive for mental health. We start by looking at what’s in the news and the sheer act of forming an opinion in English and then translating that into spoken French is an excellent mind work-out.”

The classes are tailored to suit individual needs/experiences and can be one-to-one or in small groups.

Born in the South of France, Valerie's Baccalaureate was based on the study of foreign languages: French literature, English, Spanish and Italian and she studied History and Philosophy. She then undertook a four-year Diploma in Business Management along with English and Spanish. Arriving in the UK in 1992, Valérie trained at Bath University and now lives in Bridport where she teaches her native language in one-to-one or group sessions.

Valérie added: “After the lockdowns, I feel we need to dust off and enhance our social skills. Solitary online classes can be a good starting point, but nothing beats eye contact and animated discussion.

“It’s fun, friendships have been made, and I feel it’s immensely valuable to share thoughts, holiday memories, or a love of all things French, in a safe environment. Excellent for confidence building. À bientôt!"

You can see her website for more information here: frenchteacherdorset.co.uk