Everything you need to know before booking your first lesson.
Getting Started
Absolutely, and it's something Marina genuinely enjoys. Many of her most rewarding experiences have been taking students from zero knowledge to real fluency. She'll start from the very beginning — including the Cyrillic alphabet — and build everything up in a structured, patient and encouraging way. No prior knowledge is needed whatsoever.
The first lesson is really about getting to know you — your current level, your goals, how you learn best and what you'd like to achieve. Marina uses this to shape a personalised approach for all future sessions. For absolute beginners it will also serve as a gentle and encouraging introduction to the Russian language.
Yes — Marina has been teaching children from the age of 7 and adapts her lessons completely to suit younger learners. Lessons for children tend to involve more games, songs and visual activities to keep things engaging and enjoyable. She is equally comfortable teaching adults at all stages of life.
Progress depends on your starting point, how much time you can dedicate between lessons, and your goals. That said, Marina's students consistently report noticeable improvement more quickly than they expected. She focuses on building independent learning habits as well as supporting you directly in lessons, which accelerates progress considerably.
Lesson Format & Practicalities
Both. Marina offers fully flexible one-to-one lessons online or face-to-face in Bromley, South-East London. Online lessons take place via Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet — whichever you prefer. In-person lessons are available for students who can reach Bromley directly.
Marina is happy to use whichever works best for you. The options are Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. All three are free to use for students and allow for screen sharing, document review and natural conversation. If you're not sure which to choose, Zoom is generally the simplest to get started with.
Standard lessons are 1 hour, though 2-hour consecutive sessions are also available at a reduced rate. For most students, one lesson per week is a good rhythm — it allows enough time to practise between sessions without losing momentum. Marina can advise on the right frequency depending on your goals and timeline.
Marina sources all learning materials herself — grammar exercises, reading passages, audio and video content, articles and cultural resources. You don't need to purchase any specific textbooks to get started. If you are following a GCSE or A-level curriculum, she will work with whatever materials your school is using alongside her own supplementary resources.
Exams & Specific Goals
Yes — this is one of Marina's particular strengths. Her track record at GCSE and A-level is outstanding: every student has achieved an A* or A grade. She is thoroughly familiar with both the content and the exam technique required, and tailors each lesson accordingly. In 2025, all eight of her GCSE students achieved A* results.
Absolutely. The oral examination often causes the most anxiety, and Marina is exceptionally good at helping students prepare for it. She builds both the language skills and the confidence needed to perform well under exam conditions. Oral preparation is built into her exam-focused lessons throughout the course, not just bolted on at the end.
Yes. Marina has delivered Russian lessons to professionals at organisations including Clifford Chance and understands the specific demands of business communication in Russian. Lessons for professionals focus on the vocabulary, structures and cultural understanding needed for meetings, correspondence, presentations and client interactions.
Of course. Many of Marina's students are adult learners studying for pleasure, travel, cultural interest or personal enrichment — not an exam. She tailors every lesson to the individual's goals, whatever they are. Learning Russian for the joy of it is a completely valid reason to start lessons.
Pricing & Booking
Marina's rates are £45 per hour or £80 for two consecutive hours. For A-Level Russian, the rate is £100 for two consecutive hours — a specialist rate that reflects the advanced content, multiple components and exam complexity that A-Level Russian involves. All other lesson types are charged at the standard rates.