I loved studying for my English degree and found great joy in exploring and analysing novels, plays and poetry to see how the author had created them. I had some inspirational teachers and knew that I wanted to share my enthusiasm for English with others and to be as influential as my own teachers had been.
I went on to complete my PGCE and subsequently taught for 25+ years and enjoyed every one of them. I taught in a challenging comprehensive for boys, where I found myself enthusing students about texts that they thought they would dislike. I went on from that experience to gain many promotions in the teaching profession; these included Head of House, Head of Lower School and Assistant Headteacher at a large mixed comprehensive school. I have also worked in a Further Education setting, teaching a mixture of GCSE, A level and adults who wanted to enter Higher Education. I have experience of students across the age and ability range and find that I can easily relate to and enthuse students from 11-18. I love learning, which has inspired me to study and gain two Masters degrees, one of which is in Education.
I have always been fascinated by the world of assessment, and I am a Senior Examiner for GCSE, A level and IGCSE. I love reading student responses and seeing their interpretations of different texts. The insight that marking gives me helps me support individual students and offer them tailored and targeted feedback to help them in an exam setting. I delight in seeing students take feedback on board and grow in confidence and improve their skills.
I have tutored children at home, supporting both those who need extra help in school and supporting parents who are homeschooling. Their dedication and enthusiasm make this a pleasure.
I work for the Exam Board as their International Trainer for English Literature. This has taken me to places such as Kenya, Pakistan, Dubai, Qatar, China, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka, a great bonus as I love to travel. I also enjoy walking, the theatre and reading.
