Teacher Profile
Mrs Fiona Short, MA, PGCE
English Language
I hold an MA in English from the University of Cambridge (Pembroke College) and a PGCE in Secondary Education from the University of Oxford. I am a pastor’s wife, home-schooling mother, and a part-time teacher at a local Christian home-education group.
I had the privilege of growing up in a Christian home and at the age of twelve I came to know Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour. I have taught in four different secondary schools in York, London, Bath, and Bristol – two State comprehensives and two selective private schools – where I additionally held positions of pastoral responsibility. I also oversaw the SEN (Special Educational Needs) provision in one of these schools. During the Covid restrictions, I worked for an exam centre as an ‘independent marker’ of IGCSE English Language exams, to help provide teacher assessment levels for home-educated students in lieu of the cancelled public exams.
When my husband and I were blessed with our first son, I took a break from teaching to embrace life as a mother. Since then, we have been blessed with two more sons. I now balance part-time teaching and tutoring, home-educating my own boys, and helping to support my husband’s ministry.
Teaching English as a Christian
Christian English teachers are relatively rare today and, sadly, many school English departments are liberal and unbiblical in their choice of texts. Whilst some texts are very definitely off-limits due to their unwholesome nature (Philippians 4:8), it is essential that our children learn how to read, interpret, and critique texts written by non-Christians, many of which have much to offer when considered carefully. Studying English literature gives students a wonderful opportunity to engage with other viewpoints safely and to develop their sense of discernment. As a Christian teacher, I see one of my roles as helping children navigate the moral and ethical issues that often arise when they encounter fictional characters who are making decisions and responding to challenging situations.
I also believe that it is important to adopt an appropriate method of critical analysis. Since Roland Barthes’ 1967 essay, The Death of the Author, it has become increasingly popular to advocate that a text can be interpreted in whatever way the reader chooses. The postmodern worldview, in which there is no absolute truth, furthered this approach to texts. Yet as Christians, we know that when we read the Scriptures, we cannot simply ignore the fact that there is a divine Author, and we must never take liberties with its interpretation to suit our own purposes. Humans are creative because we have been made in the image of a Creator God. Therefore, it is important that students learn to read secular texts with a respect for the human author and an understanding of the context in which a piece has been written. I have a love for History as well as English, so I enjoy introducing the writers and their lives, setting the historical context of the literature that we study together.
My particular areas of enthusiasm and interest
As a lover of History as well as English, I am often found reading historical fiction in my spare time. Ever since I read the Narnia books and Pilgrim’s Progress as a child, I have been intrigued by allegorical texts. I specialised in medieval literature as part of my degree, where I was able to delve further into this genre. I love bringing these older texts to life for students and am thrilled when they realise that perhaps they can read Chaucer for themselves and really enjoy it!
I offer the following PX Classroom course:
Who is this course for?
Students aged 11 to 14 benefit from this course as preparation for their GCSE studies in both English Language and Literature. It is designed to provide a solid foundation in all the key skills (comprehension, language analysis, writing of fiction & non-fiction texts etc.) but also to broaden knowledge and appreciation of English literature and the power and beauty of our language. I teach language skills through literature and seek to inspire a love of reading and of our rich literary heritage. English teaching should never consist of dry grammar exercises or seemingly endless spelling rules! Whether a child is a reluctant reader or a keen budding author, I seek to make English an enjoyable and stimulating experience for each one.
What is covered in this course?
Over the course of a year, a wide range of non-fiction and fiction texts is considered: a novel, some poetry, short stories, and much more. We learn how to analyse these texts and also how to use the writers’ techniques as models for our own pieces of writing. Students learn to improve the accuracy and clarity of their own writing as they develop their vocabulary and put into practice what they discover about structure, style, and content.
We usually spend either a half term or a full term on a particular topic or text. For example, ‘Introduction to Shakespeare’, ‘Animal Farm’, ‘Creative Writing’, or a collection of texts related to a particular theme, such as ‘Kingship’ or ‘Space’.
Although it is a one-year course, there are three years’ worth of units and materials, so a student can sit in my classroom in Years 7, 8, and 9, without repeating any work. By the end of this three-year cycle, the student should have a thorough grounding in a variety of text-types and skills ready for GCSE. But it is also possible for a student to join at any stage in the three-year cycle, as each year contains stand-alone units.
Do I need to purchase any books?
Students need their own copies of the novels studied, but other texts will be provided. Access to a printer is essential for each week’s materials.
Is homework set and marked?
Yes! Homework is set each week, which should take between one and two hours to complete, depending on the age and ability of the child. Most weeks there will be written work, but there may also be reading or research tasks. Because the course is designed for a range of ages and abilities, there is scope in each week’s tasks for differentiation by outcome. Optional extension tasks are occasionally set and also suggestions for further reading. Some tasks will be self-marked or parent-marked; others will need to be uploaded to Google Classroom for marking and more detailed feedback from the Teacher.
I hope to offer Cambridge IGCSE English Language as a two-year course in the future.
Testimonials
I have always found English quite a daunting subject, but Mrs Short introduces different topics of English quite easily. Whether it’s writing, reading, games, or puzzles, she teaches English thoroughly, and she really shows personal interest, making it easier for me to engage and enjoy the lesson. Mrs Short has a very good teaching style, and it’s really helped me with English.
Mrs Short is a great teacher. She has helped me a lot with writing techniques and building a strong foundation in English. Her understanding of the syllabus is very helpful. She knows exactly what each of her students needs. All her classes are well organised, which makes learning really enjoyable for me. She always takes the time to make sure I understand every topic thoroughly, and her instructions are clear and easy to follow. I’m really grateful to have Mrs Short as my teacher!
Mrs Short helped me harness my skills and expand them into something I never expected was possible. I owe most of my current English knowledge to her and can’t recommend her enough!
Mrs Short gave me an appreciation for literary analysis. Her teaching style is professional but personal, and I felt valued despite the limitations of my dyslexia. She showed incredible patience as she helped me understand English writing techniques, which I’m grateful for. I continue to enjoy textual analysis and creative writing in both a personal and academic context. I’m sure that is partly due to Mrs Short’s excellent teaching.
Mrs Short taught two of my daughters for GCSE English Language and Literature. Her kind, thorough, and diligent approach to teaching is second to none, and both girls attribute their GCSE results to her teaching. Mrs Short also goes above and beyond to support her students through the whole course, including excellent exam preparation and technique.
Mrs Short has been teaching my daughter from Key Stage 2 all the way through to Key Stage 3, and she will soon begin preparing her for her English GCSEs as well. Thanks to Mrs Short’s exceptional teaching, English has become one of my daughter’s favourite subjects. Mrs Short has helped her build a solid foundation in both English Language and Literature, while also nurturing a genuine love for reading and creative writing. Her professionalism, dedication, and rich experience in teaching English truly stand out. She creates a supportive and engaging learning environment, and her passion for teaching is evident in every lesson. I wholeheartedly recommend Mrs Short as an English teacher.