October has been wonderfully busy!
Where We’ve Been
I finally met an online contact in person after years of knowing her online – we braved a chilly Sunday morning outside York Minster, and it reminded me yet again that while digital connections are brilliant, nothing quite beats face-to-face conversation.
I have met several of my international students online and plan to meet more – could you be one of them?
On the teaching front, I’ve been developing comprehensive lesson materials around citizenship and civic engagement using BBC Learning English content, creating everything from PowerPoint presentations to detailed teacher notes for both group and one-to-one online instruction.
It’s been a month of creating, connecting, and reminding myself why I love this work – watching students progress and building genuine relationships along the way.
Website News
This month has been active across both LinkedIn and Twitter/X. On LinkedIn, I shared the importance of meeting online connections in person after finally catching up with Sophie Lechner outside York Minster – a reminder that while digital networking opens doors globally, face-to-face conversations create irreplaceable depth and connection.
I highlighted Jenny’s success story, a teacher from Nigeria who needed Band 7.5 to register for teaching in Australia. After several attempts with the same results, we focused on time management, fluency, and clear strategies for each exam section. The result? Band 7.5 and a new teaching position in Australia – proof that IELTS isn’t just for students but often the final step for professionals wanting to use their skills abroad.
I also tackled persistent IELTS myths that hold test-takers back: the misconception that complex vocabulary scores higher (accuracy beats complexity every time), that British English is preferred over American (both are equally accepted), that memorized Speaking answers work (examiners spot rehearsed responses immediately), that writing more guarantees better scores (quality trumps quantity), and that you need to agree with the examiner’s opinion (there are no “right” opinions – it’s about how well you express YOUR viewpoint).
Additionally, I wrote about how IELTS can accelerate Australian migration for native English speakers, explaining that achieving Band 7.0 adds 10 points to visa applications while Band 8.0 adds 20 points – enough to make a real difference for teachers, engineers, healthcare workers, and other professionals.
Over on Twitter/X, I’ve been curating vocabulary-rich articles for IELTS preparation across diverse topic areas: container gardening (aesthetic appeal, versatility, drought-tolerant, low-maintenance), health and wellness (body clocks, cortisol, microcelebrations, mindfulness, ritual), sustainable travel and European sleeper trains, family dynamics and underparenting (boundaries, teachable moment, empathy, autonomy, repair relationships), stress management, technology and consumer behavior (market monopolization, platform decay, regulatory capture, consolidation, lock-in), and friendship through Dunbar’s Number (reciprocal relationship, social capital, ebb and flow). Each post connects students with contextually rich, real-world vocabulary perfect for Speaking and Writing tasks.
Where Our Students Come From
Here are some of the places our students came from this month…
London, England (yes, we teach native speakers too!); Taiwan; Hong Kong; Shanghai, China; Manila, Hanoi, the Philippines, Johannesburg, South Africa; Zimbabwe
Student Spotlight: Jennifer’s Journey to Australia
This month, I’m celebrating Jennifer from Nigeria, who achieved her dream of teaching in Australia after reaching Band 7.5 on the IELTS Academic test.
After taking the test twice and receiving the same score each time, Jennifer decided to try a different approach. We worked together on time management, fluency, and targeted strategies for each section of the exam. The breakthrough came when she stopped trying to use complex vocabulary and instead focused on accuracy and clear communication.
Here’s what Jennifer had to say about her experience:
“Hi, my name is Jenny, and I’m from Nigeria.
I needed to take the IELTS exam to pursue my dreams abroad. After sitting for the test several times and receiving the same score, I was fortunate to meet Andy, whom I call ‘THE EXPERT.’
He taught me unique skills and provided the strategies necessary to tackle each skill. His time management skills are essential for anyone preparing for the test. Suddenly, IELTS became manageable, and I was able to achieve a band score of 7.5 on the academic test.
Not only did he equip me with strategies for all four skills, but his understanding of the journey and his motivation were a bonus that propelled me towards success.
Thank you, Andy, for your passion and dedication to helping people achieve their dreams!”
Jennifer’s story reminds us that IELTS success isn’t just about English proficiency – it’s about understanding what the test actually measures and preparing strategically. With the right approach, even a few focused sessions can make the difference between a stuck score and a life-changing result.
Congratulations, Jennifer, on your new teaching position in Australia! 🎓✈️
Is Jennifer’s dream your dream? Would you like to achieve his level of success in 2025? We can help!
Take a look at our coaching options and get in touch!
When Can You Book An IELTS Lesson?
Our lessons are currently taking place from 9.00 am to 6.30 pm London time.
Using our online booking system, you can choose a time for our lessons that suits your busy schedule.
Please contact us early – don’t leave it too late. It takes time to master new skills and contacting us a few days before your exam is leaving it too late!
We are also in high demand – and our schedule can sometimes be filled weeks in advance.
If you would like to meet to discuss how we can help, contact us via our contact form or through our free demo lesson page.
That’s all for October!