Zahida Shahab

I have an MPhil in English Literature from the University of Sheffield, in which I explored the civilising process of Jane Austen’s novels. I am also a Chartered London Teacher, and have 21 years of Middle Management experience in London and the Middle East. I have taught English language, English literature, Classical civilisation, Drama and Media studies.  

An avid interest in the power of the written and spoken word has led to leading sessions on school-wide literacy, examining A Level and GCSE work with AQA, EDEXCEL and Oxford AQA, as well as being a team leader for an international GCSE. As a public speaking and debate coach, a number of teams have been led to triumph in such competitions as the London Debate Challenge, the televised Off By Heart Shakespeare, the Oxford Schools Competition, the International Competition for Young Debaters, and the English Speaking Union’s Public Speaking Competition. Preparing students for the LAMDA examinations has also been a highlight, with multiple students gaining Gold and Silver and distinctions, from Years 9 to 12.  

My positions of responsibility have been wide-ranging, covering all key stages in English, as well as Head of Year and Deputy Head of Year roles within the Sixth Form, Media Studies, Gifted and Talented and EAL. The importance of removing barriers to learning, particularly in a world where reading and writing are seen as a challenge rather than a source of enjoyment, is an area that has been passionately advocated, leading to school-wide strategies to promote reading.  

I have keenly nurtured my creative writing through half-termly visits to London, to meet like-minded teachers at different historic landmarks. As part of the National Writing Group, much discussion and sharing takes place on a Saturday morning, with many great writing ideas explored and consequently embedded in classroom practice.  

I enjoy nature walks, whether it is in the South Downs, Richmond Park, or the Lake District. Theatre trips are always looked forward to, whether it is a Studio Ghibli production, or a play by Arthur Miller.  

I firmly believe that teaching is all about making sure students fully realise their potential, and what better way to do this than through the stories we tell each other, where we can discover new worlds, find reassurance and understand better how to make every word matter.