Mary Winn

I have a first-class degree in English Language in Literature from Oxford, and achieved a distinction in my Medieval Studies MA, where I specialised in Old English literature. I have extensive experience of working in education, most recently as a Sixth Form Librarian. In this role, I led 1:1s with students of all backgrounds who needed study skill support, and I taught cohorts who were completing an Extended Project Qualification.

The content of my lessons depends on the areas you need support with. If you're struggling with a particular aspect of your English course (eg. understanding Shakespearean language or writing a strong introduction to an essay) then we'll zoom in on these specific issues. I use examples and useful and well-known structures like PEA and PETAZL to facilitate this. I can also provide editorial support - I'm very happy to spend a session looking over an essay for you, and offering some suggestions and advice. If there's a problem with comprehension - for example, if your child is having difficulties with their reading - I have experience of KS3 reading intervention and will gladly offer support.

Last year, I undertook a teaching placement in a local secondary school and was told by my colleagues that I was a natural. I am able to provide students with incisive exposition, and am excellent at breaking down complex concepts for all abilities and age ranges. In English, some of the most common stumbling blocks for students include analysing poetry, essay writing and studying texts from unfamiliar time periods. I use chunking (in other words, I divide these big intimidating tasks into smaller, more digestible segments!) and keep students' engagement and attention by giving them interactive activities to complete to make sure that the knowledge I'm teaching has really stuck with them. Quick and simple revision, like a mini quiz, is a really important tool that I use across sessions to ensure that learning is taking place. I also love to include moments of fun. When studying fantasy with a Year 7 class, for example, I showed them a very short excerpt from a family friendly anime that featured a dragon being slayed. I really enjoy any opportunity to bring the subject to life, because so many of us remember English at school as dry and boring. I have experience in planning and scheduling lessons and have studied contemporary pedagogy.

I want to bring every student that I work with a sense of their own dignity and self-worth. I do this by using positive reinforcement and a trauma-informed approach, which centres empathy and inclusion. I am experienced in working with neurodivergent, LGBTQ+ and low-income students, and people from a diverse array of ethnic minorities. I am friendly and warm, and my lifelong love for my subject shines through in all of my lessons. I know how stressful it is when you just can't get something in class, and I'm here for you!

In my free time, I am writing a non-fiction book about folklore and local Northumbrian history, and I play an array of instruments, including, most recently, the banjo. I love sci-fi and have been practising yoga for almost a decade.