Welcome to our six new School Direct students who started with us at the start of this term. 

Leah Patterson talks to us about her journey into teaching. 

‘I was a student here at Brooke Weston for seven years and thank the English department for inspiring me to pursue a career in teaching English.

‘I graduated this year with a first-class honours degree in English Language from Aston University in Birmingham. My degree allowed me to explore both the theoretical and technical side of the English Language, particularly in terms of grammar, English across the globe and English in different contexts. I also studied the Corby accent for my dissertation and looked at how gender differences are portrayed through the accent use of adolescent speakers. I loved my degree and I cannot wait to share my passion for English with the students in the classroom.

‘Since finishing my degree, I have had more time to read books that aren’t just academic literature. I have re-found my love of reading and would encourage anyone to pick up a book and just escape. My favourites are ‘Before I go to Sleep’ by S. J. Watson and ‘Noughts and Crosses’ by Malorie Blackman.

‘I am excited to be back at Brooke Weston and look forward to teaching and getting to know the students and staff.’