My name is Valerie Calder, I was born in France and come from a stunning little village in the Champagne area called Avenay val d'Or.  (where many of the photos on this site were taken!) I started my teaching career when I was 10, teaching English (self taught at home with my mums teach yourself English records) to my school playmates at break time! I grew up with a genuine talent and passion for languages.

After my A Levels I specialised in languages (English, Spanish and German) I studied in Rheims University (France) and did my MA in English, with Spanish as a complimentary subject.

I came to Swindon in 1991 thinking it was for a year, but I found the methods of teaching used in this country much more creative than in France and decided to train over here (PGCE Bath University 1992).

After teaching for 5 years in a local school in Swindon, I started my own language school, Val d'Or Language tuition in 1997. Since then I have been teaching a great number of students from the age of 3 to 75, all with a different reason for wishing to learn a language.

I consider myself as an expert in the art of teaching grammar without pain! My approach to teaching is relaxed but professional.