Nicola

I love writing, learning and helping others to learn. My passion lies in books, history and teaching.
I first fell in love with history in the same way most other children do: through Horrible Histories, which I still believe is a great resource for helping young people become invested in learning about the past. With the main focus during my GCSE and A Levels being on modern history, I decided to do a degree in Ancient and Medieval History at the University of Birmingham, after which I completed a Masters of Research in Ancient Near Eastern Studies. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at University and it helped me improve my academic writing and presentation skills.
When I finished University I decided to take a year out and worked in a boarding school in Australia for 6 months. It was a fantastic experience and confirmed my belief that I wanted to have a career in teaching. Returning from Australia I completed a PGCE in History at Canterbury Christ Church University. After gaining a distinction I began working at Sir Joseph Williamson`s Mathematical School in Rochester, Kent. In the department I created new worksheets, lessons and whole modules, organised school trips and speakers to visit the school, as well as mentoring a trainee teacher. Teaching is challenging but incredibly rewarding.
My other passion is creative writing. During my spare time I plan and write young adult fantasy novels and have a handful of works published on the Amazon Kindle. My longest piece of completed work so far was 100,000 words long. Creative writing helped improve my determination and motivation to complete projects, as well as improve my writing and reading skills as a whole.
With the challenges the pandemic has posed us, I want to help students of all ages get back on track and improve their skills, as well as spread a love for learning!

Willing to travel: 20 miles

Experience: I have spent the past two years teaching at an all boy`s grammar school in Kent, specialising in teaching history ages 11-16 (including AQA GCSE). During the pandemic I taught lessons online to all ages. Topics within history I teach include ancient history, women`s history, Medieval England, the world wars, the Cold War, immigration and empire and Nazi Germany.
I am also a Holocaust ambassador, having visited Auschwitz I and Auschwitz Birkenau, organised descendants of Holocaust survivors to give talks at the school and attended special University College London training on teaching the Holocaust.
As well as teaching in England I have had some experiences teaching abroad, including a 6 month work experience in Australia.
While I do not teach English I have extensive experience with creative writing. Most recently, I have qualified as a Youth Mental Health First Aider.