Leigh

School:

Fulford School, York

University:

UCL

BA (Hons) History

Northumbria

MA Educational Leadership and PGCE Secondary Education

Teaching and tutoring experience:

I am an experienced English and Humanities teacher with eight years of classroom experience across primary, lower secondary and GCSE/A Level, and I currently serve as Lead Coordinator of English, Humanities and Integrated Learning at a London school, where I lead a team of eight and use data to drive student progress. Earlier in my career I trained through Teach First and completed a PGCE in History at UCL, followed by an MA in Educational Leadership. I also taught in Hong Kong, where I prepared students for 11+, 13+ and boarding school entrance exams.

Alongside my teaching, I tutor 11+ and 13+ English and Verbal Reasoning, supporting students with exam preparation and interview skills. I also tutor GCSE English and R.E., covering AQA English Literature and Language, IGCSE and Edexcel. As an experienced AQA GCSE examiner for English Literature, English Language and R.E., I have a first-hand understanding of mark schemes and what examiners reward, which allows me to give students precise, practical guidance that helps them achieve their best results.

Teaching style and philosophy:

I am a results-focused teacher with a long track record of success, and my approach is built on understanding each student before planning anything. I begin by speaking with parents to identify areas of need, then carry out an initial assessment to understand the student’s strengths and gaps in more detail. I plan lessons around this, with skills and targets agreed in advance with parents so that everyone is working towards the same goals.

My lessons are fast-paced to keep students interested and focused, with each session built around developing those agreed skills. I am used to working with SEN, EAL and high-ability students, and I adapt my teaching so that each learner gets the support or challenge they need to make positive progress. I am a kind, nurturing and driven teacher, and I have a wealth of experience working with students from all over the world and of all needs.

Additional information:

Outside the classroom, I live in London and make the most of it to feed my love of English and the humanities, regularly visiting museums and exhibitions, going to the theatre and attending a book club. This enthusiasm for literature and culture carries into my teaching and helps me bring texts and topics to life for students.

In my current role as Lead Coordinator of English, Humanities and Integrated Learning, I am driving literacy across the school, including developing a literacy training programme for all staff. I also run wellbeing initiatives for students, which has given me a strong understanding of how stressful exams can be. Drawing on the skills from the coaching course I have completed, I coach students to manage exam pressure and build the confidence they need to perform at their best.