Meet our Tutor - Fatima Melo Moore

Meet our Portuguese tutor, Fatima. Fatima is a native Portuguese tutor, who has more than 35 year of teaching experience at all levels. Fatima says "My interest in languages started in the 70's, when I was very young and my father worked as a director in a record company. He used to give me vinyl records of famous artists, singing in English. I always listened to them and wanted to know the meaning of such lovely songs, then I started studying and translating the lyrics of the songs."

In the 80's Fatima graduated university with degrees in teaching Portuguese, teaching English and translation.

Through the 90's Fatima taught Portuguese at the Adult Education Colleges in Bromley and Croydon. Fatima also completed postgraduate language teaching courses at Goldsmith's College, University of London.

In 2003, Fatima fulfilled a life-long dream by travelling to Brazil and owning a languages school. Fatima says "I have had my Languages School in Brazil for 10 years, working as a Portuguese tutor, English tutor and languages manager and it was a very enjoyable experience."

Following this, Fatima returned to England and started working for Kent Adult Education and has taught here for 7 years. "I was very welcomed and now I feel at home, working for this committed educational organisation."

Here's more from Fatima...

KAE: Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

Fatima: My father, Flavio Melo, is my big inspiration, for showing me that anything is possible, with dedication, perseverance and passion for your work.

KAE: Why do you enjoy teaching?

Fatima: I love teaching because it is very gratifying, especially when I hear my students speaking Portuguese, gradually losing their English accent, speaking confidently and fluently. It is fantastic to be a part of this brilliant achievement in their lives.

KAE: What is your approach to teaching?

Fatima: I use the communicative approach to teaching. I allow the learners to develop their skills in their own style and pace, supporting and motivating them, to achieve their objectives and ambitions, towards their journey to speak the Portuguese language.

KAE: What makes your classes different?

Fatima: My classes are different because I enjoy interacting with my students, having fun together during the course and guiding them to progress and to obtain their best results.

KAE: What do your courses involve?

Fatima: My courses involve the participation of the learners in role plays, pair work, groupwork, quizzes, brainstorms and games. This is to keep them motivated, to communicate in Portuguese and to have fun during the learning process.