I have a BSc (Hons) 2. i from Bath University and a Certificate in English as a foreign language (CELTA) from Cambridge University

About the class

I have a BSc (Hons) 2.i from Bath University and a Certificate in English as a foreign language (CELTA) from Cambridge University. For fifteen years I lived and worked in a top UK public school, where I helped run a boarding house for 50 boys and was Pastoral Tutor to groups of 13 – 15 year olds. During this time, I also educated my own three children at home, when they were between the ages of 7 and 11. They are now all successful adults in the creative and business worlds. I've taught English as a Foreign language in Europe, and at Millfield School, where I worked with groups of students ranging in age from 15 – 18. As well as being a teacher, I’m also a writer. In 2007, I won the Blinking Eye Short Story Prize, judged by Hilary Mantel, who described my work as ‘lyrical and beautiful’ and ‘masterly’. My first collection of short stories, Adrift, was published soon afterwards. I really supporting children in reading, writing and in acquiring the grammatical skills and vocabulary to enable them to communicate effectively and confidently. I particularly like helping to develop creative writing skills through the use of short exercises. Creative writing can be incredibly helpful to a child's psychological development and strengthening self awareness and confidence, as well as the ability to relate to others with empathy.
I'd like to think my strengths as a teacher lie in my ability to relate to people of all ages, especially to children, whom i really enjoy working with, in understand the challenges and rewards inherent in the learning process and giving consistent support and encouragement. I’m still a learner myself. I’ve been studying Modern Greek for several years, and am now working towards advanced level. I believe this helps me to empathise with how my students can feel when they approach a subject which they may find daunting.