Year(s) and Subject(s) Taught
Year 7 - 13 English.
How long have you been teaching?
3 years.
Why did you become a teacher? Why did you choose teaching as a profession?
Working with young people isn’t something I consider to be just a job, it’s something I am immensely passionate about. Learning new ways to communicate and instil passion for reading and writing is something I am committed to, and although challenging, is incredibly rewarding.
Tell us about your own education journey.
I started my educational journey in an independent girls’ school where my passion for reading began as we were lucky enough to have a beautiful and well-resourced library at our fingertips. I was heavily involved in the team sports that my school provided and it was during those netball tournaments and hockey sessions etc. that some of my fondest school memories were made. I then went on to study English Language at Newcastle University, which allowed me to develop a true appreciation for the English language and the history of how it came to be. My teaching career then started at Durham University where I completed my PGCE. It was here that I became passionate about helping young people learn and flourish into independent thinkers.
What is the most memorable moment in your teaching career so far?
Literacy is crucial to a pupil’s ability to thrive in English. Therefore, I set up a literacy intervention in my previous school to promote higher levels of literacy and reading proficiency. After setting up the group and working with the pupils across two terms, the pupils took a reading proficiency test, and all pupils had made significant progress as a result of the intervention. This was an unforgettable and cherished moment in my teaching career.
What do you like most about teaching?
I enjoy the unpredictable nature of the classroom and the way it is steered by the pupils. A simple discussion can lead to debate, which can then lead to a project; the fluidity of my subject is something I love.
What is the best thing about teaching at your school?
Epsom College promotes a more independent learning approach. This school environment makes for curious pupils that ask questions and challenge ideas. In a subject like English, this is ideal.
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by acts of kindness and courage.
What is the one thing you wish all students would do?
I wish all students would see mistakes as opportunities to grow as opposed to failure. Once this mindset is achieved, I believe school can be a much more enjoyable place.
