Ruby

I am currently studying for a PGCE qualification in English Literature, based at Keble College in Oxford. Previously, I graduated with a 2:1 degree in Classics from Girton College, Cambridge University, in June 2019. Before this I attended Waldegrave School for Girls In Teddington (ten A/A* GCSEs) and Esher College (four A levels including English Literature (A), History (A*), Classical Civilisation (A*) and Latin (A*).

I am also interested in the arts and politics, and in my first role at Villiers High School single-handedly organised a whole-school mock mayoral election in parallel with the London based election in May 2021. This inaugural election was widely praised by both students and the senior leadership team. I am also a keen writer and have occasionally provided feature articles for The Guardian, Independent, the TCS and Cherwell.

I consider myself a naturally enthusiastic, confident, and fluent communicator, and am constantly aware of the need for clarity of explanation in the teaching of language. I am confident with various forms of multimedia in my lessons. I understand from friends and former colleagues that your school offers its students an experience and education that is unique, with an appreciation of traditional influences drawing back to antiquity. I enjoy showing the relevance of classical literary motifs in my lessons and believe my solid knowledge of the Iliad and Aeneid can widen the breadth and variety of resources and ideas for schemes of work.

Tutoring Experience

Most recently, in my current PGCE school placement Fitzharrys School Abingdon, I have taught across the age and ability range from Years 7 – 13, and been involved in the school’s normal formative and summative assessment procedures for those classes. I have taught classes studying combined Literature and Language to AS level and English Literature to A2. I believe that language teaching is a particular strength of mine due to my background in classical linguistics and language study.

Whilst working unqualified for 4 months on a maternity contract for Teacher of English, at King's House School Richmond (January 2022 - March 2022), I relished the rigorous pace of a independent day-school environment, combining teaching commitments with additional departmental responsibilities and sports coaching. Whilst employed at as UQT at Villiers High School (2020 - 2022) I relished taking on extra-curricular departmental responsibility, and in addition to designing my own Childhood Poetry and Shakespeare Heroes SoW for shared departmental use, I created internal school end-of-year assessments for years 7 and 8, together with new marking schemes. One of my greatest achievements was founding the Key Stage 5 Academic Society, running weekly lunchtime sessions to sixth formers, which involved the critical discussion of literature, taking students beyond the limitations of the curriculum. I also delivered weekly unseen exam clinics to support A level students during the summer term, for example supporting the Gothic unseen aspect of the qualification. Together with the head of sixth form, I co- ordinated the department’s Oxbridge enrichment programme. This involved the mentoring of over fifteen uppersixth students applying to Oxbridge, providing both first-hand experience of interview technique, question style, and ELAT coaching. All students I supported gained interviews to the institutions, with one student also securing an offer for Law in 2022, the first student in history to obtain a place at Cambridge from Villiers High School.

Tutoring Approach

I enjoy building confidence in learners and allowing them to feel clever and skilled when learning a subject. I enjoy cultivating a dynamic and student led approach within my teaching.