As part of the department’s outreach programme, I am one of the many lecturers involved in school visits. These are intended to help introduce level 3 students to the study of English Literature at degree level. They also allow lecturers to work with teachers and students to develop innovative ways of meeting assessment objectives for A Level and IB English Literature.

There is more to a school visit than this, however. Personally, they allow me to develop my own practice, especially my understanding of the experience and knowledge our first year students bring with them to University. They also help me increase my own understanding of the texts we discuss. This year, for example, through engaging with the AQA A2 module on the Gothic I have been revisiting a number of texts I thought I knew inside out. Through close reading these texts with A level students, I have found new issues to think through, new problems to discuss.

This year I have visited The Holt School, St. Dominic’s in Harrow and OCVC in Banbury, and this month I am going to see Bartholomew School in Eynsham. I am also looking forward to return visits to Westcliff High School For Girls, and Seven Kings High School. I am always happy to visit a new school, so if any are interested , please get in touch!