Jacqueline Atkinson

I have been teaching since 1998. Having attended the University of Birmingham to gain my honours and teaching qualifications, I have been able to apply all the lessons that I learned there to great effect. Teaching English is about helping the students understand not only how to pass the exams, but to learn the skills they can use to get the best results for themselves in the use of English language: to be effective communicators. I have taught students of all ages and at all levels: Functional Skills, KS3, GCSE, A level, undergraduate and postgraduate.

What approach do I use in my lessons? Since every students presents themselves as a unique learner, I initially look for my starting points. From then a progression plan based on improving skill, confidence and resilience in English Language and Literature. Learning the meaning of and demands of the questions in exams is fundamental to success. Equally important is how to manage the limited amount of time in exams. Beyond these two crucial points, is the need to learn the strategies and techniques used by writers to get their message to the readers. Finally, it is most important to learn how to shape a response to the question. Ultimately, I work with students to help them answer the questions in English Language and Literature effectively, with a level of sophistication that gets them the best grades possible.

The final step to success in English is understanding the texts in English Literature. I help my students learn the story of the text, understand how the writer shapes our reaction and our feelings when reading a text, play, or a set of poems, in the same way that we react to characters and stories in films and video games .

There is so much to learn. I fully understand the pressure on students with regard to the study of English Language and Literature. By focusing on the key routes to success in this subject, it is possible to distil the content and make the whole comprehensible.

It has been one of the greatest journeys of my life to work with the range of students I have had the privilege to meet in the 10 years of tutoring and 26 years of in schools and in college. I look forward to meeting new students and creating new journeys.

I look forward to meeting new students and creating new pathways to success in English Language and Literature.