English

Welcome to the English Department

Ms Snowdon

Curriculum Leader for English

I have been teaching English since 2006 and began my career in the North East of England. Upon moving across to the North West, after a prolonged maternity leave on the beautiful isle of Jersey, I was lucky enough to find myself joining the English department at Penwortham Girls’ High School. I love teaching English because it provides an opportunity to explore life’s possibilities through a plethora of different texts. My passion is reading as I love the idea that we can immerse ourselves in another world, if only for a fraction of time. My favourite book is Daphne Du Maurier’s ‘Rebecca’ – it was the first novel that I ever read that truly gripped me.

Miss Starkie

Assistant Curriculum Leader for English

I first came to Penwortham Girls’ School as a trainee teacher in 2017 and I was instantly impressed with the enthusiasm and engagement shown by the students. For me, one of the greatest joys of teaching English is seeing how one piece of literature can be interpreted in so many different ways and at this school I am consistently awed by the insightful and original reactions the students share when reading a text – it truly makes teaching here so enjoyable! My favourite book is Joseph Heller’s ‘Catch-22’, the way it manages to shift between being hilarious one second and heart-breaking the next is incredible.

Miss Garlick

Teacher of English

I am excited to say that I will be starting my teaching career right here at Penwortham Girls’ High School, having completed my training here in 2016. I have learnt so much already, and I am so excited to hit the ground running with help from the fantastic team. As well as English, Drama is my passion. My favourite play is Willy Russell’s Educating Rita, and my favourite musical has to be Evita. I love how powerful drama can be, and am looking forward to sharing this passion with my pupils!

Mrs Ibrahim

Teacher of English

I find teaching to be an incredibly special vocation and I feel privileged to be able to teach such talented and committed students here at Penwortham Girls’ High School. I absolutely love teaching my subject; I studied, both, English Language and English Literature at degree level as I couldn’t pick between the two! I also completed a master’s degree in inclusive education as I believe we all deserve to thrive with the opportunities education can bring. Considering language as an art form, English Language teaches us how to become articulate and expressive individuals using that art, and English Literature teaches us how to interrogate that art. From the different characters to the different cultural contexts encapsulated within the artful use of language, the two disciplines allow us to explore, discuss and reflect on the past, present and future of the world around us. I firmly believe that no matter what and who you want to be in life, the subject of English will play an imperative role. English is definitely a subject that profits us all with empowering life-skills and, in turn, paves the way for life-long self-confidence and success.

Mrs Marsh

Teacher of English

I am delighted to be part of the English faculty here at Penwortham Girls. I love teaching and feel that it is a privilege to be in such a trusted position to guide, enthuse and inspire young women. Over the past 24 years I have worked in a number of comprehensive schools here in Lancashire and the Midlands and have been fortunate to teach a subject that I  am truly passionate about.

I love all things literary. My happy places are curled up with a good book, a brew and a piece of cake or wandering around a book shop. As an avid reader, I believe in the power of reading and the fundamental ideas that  “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr Seuss and that  ‘Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” – Margaret Fuller.

Miss Suleman

Teacher of English

I have always had a passion for English, English literature in particular. I love the possibilities of English literature as you can read a book about any topic from any era. In this way you can appreciate the common themes of texts and cultures across time. I love teaching English as literature is a medium through which pupils can develop their thinking and opinions. I have always enjoyed reading a variety of books however the dystopian genre is definitely one of my favourites.

Mrs Taylor

Teacher of English

I qualified as an English teacher in 1999 and have never looked back. Over the years, I have thoroughly enjoyed nurturing pupils and helping them achieve their full potential in English. It’s fantastic to witness a pupil’s confidence grow and flourish over time. Teaching English is my passion; it never fails to amaze me how many different interpretations of stories pupils have. Life as an English teacher is certainly never dull!  Reading has always been my favourite pastime and I have a particular love of the Bronte sisters’ work. The atmospheric and powerful descriptions of the heather-strewn moors and the semi-autobiographical depictions of tough family life never fail to engage me.

Mrs Woodhouse

Senior Assistant Headteacher and Teacher of English

I love teaching and particularly that magic moments when “the penny drops” for a student. I believe that we never stop learning new things and I frequently learn new ideas and techniques from students!  Like Miss Thackeray, I began teaching in Blackpool, way back in 1999 and I have been at Penwortham Girls’ High since 2004. My passion outside school is theatre and my favourite productions have been “Matilda” in the West End (everyone has to go and see this spectacular show for the amazing set design; clever and witty songs and incredibly energetic performances) and a brilliant Midsummer Nights’ Dream in Manchester’s Royal Exchange – an outrageous production set at a music festivals.

Curriculum Information

  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award
  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award