Leanne has a passion for Literature

University of Teesside graduate Leanne Lancaster wants to pass on her enthusiasm for Literature, as she will soon start training to become a secondary English teacher. Leanne, 21, from Ormesby, Middlesbrough, gained her BA (Hons) degree in English in July.

She came to the University with two good ‘A’ levels in English Literature & Language and Media Studies from Prior Pursglove College. Leanne said: “I’ve always loved English, and was constantly reading from a very young age. I knew that I would like to teach English, so chose it at degree level. I opted for Teesside as it was my local University.”

Leanne’s favourite degree subjects included African-American Writing and Gender and Difference. “I enjoyed learning about gender issues both in history and in modern times, and reading contemporary African-American literature, they are now one of my favourite genre of books. I was introduced to a range of new authors thanks to the degree, including Zora Neale Hurston, Ralph Ellison, Graham Swift, and many more”, added Leanne.

While at University, Leanne took part in the National Department for Education & Employment Mentoring Scheme, working with pupils in Ormesby Comprehensive, Middlesbrough. Through the Scheme scores of UK University students work on a one-to-one basis with secondary school pupils, to raise self-esteem and show that higher education is within their grasp.

Leanne said: “Being a Mentor has given me such a personal insight into school life, there are more things within a school than just the classrooms. One of my mentees moved 77 places up in her GCSE set, to see her gaining an award for this progress was so good. She also recorded her attitude changes in her log book, showing her academic progress and growing self-worth.”

When Leanne starts her teacher training in the autumn, her main teaching placements will also take place at Ormesby School. Earlier this year Leanne and a fellow mentor, Juanita Husbands, were specially selected to take part in a national mentoring conference in Portsmouth. At the conference they both gave presentations describing their positive experiences as student mentors over the last two years.

After qualifying as a Secondary English teacher in summer 2002, Leanne aims to teach locally. Leanne is the first in her family to graduate from University and the daughter of Marie and Paul Lancaster.

For more information on the BA (Hons) degree in English please call 01642 384019, or check the University of Teesside’s web site at www.tees.ac.uk

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