Joanna Shepley Clarke

Joanna was privately educated in England and studied for her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in English Literature and Language at Durham University. She gained a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate of Teaching) at Manchester University and later a Masters in Education from Manchester Metropolitan University. Her thesis focused on the reading habits of teenagers and how to encourage reluctant readers.

Further qualifications Joanna has gained include the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leaders (NPQSL); here the research topic was secondary school curriculum design and how to create cross-curricular learning opportunities.

Joanna’s secondary school (ages 11-18) English teaching career spans many years. She is a very experienced teacher with extensive subject knowledge and up-to-date experience in current pedagogical teaching & learning approaches.

After completing her teacher training, she taught English in UK top tier private schools- selective and non-selective. Joanna also has 15 years’ international teaching experience in British curriculum schools including Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. She is currently teaching in Slovakia and will later this year be relocating to England. Her career also includes many years in leadership positions- as Head of English, Director of Studies and Deputy Head Academic.

Her teaching experience includes preparing students for IBDP and A level English language and literature examinations and I/GCSEs. She has coached students through the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), CAS projects, IBDP Extended Essays and coursework assignments. She has been an A level examination marker and coursework assessor. Joanna has also coached students applying to Oxbridge and for UK 11+ examinations.

Joanna is currently a PBL (Project Based Learning) lead and is skilled in designing cross-curricular schemes of work and inquiry-based projects that inspire and engage young people to connect their learning and explore areas of personal interest.

For many years, Joanna has also very successfully tutored students 1-to-1; she is very experienced in tutoring on-line, supporting students to develop their English reading, writing and speaking/listening skills and in ensuring their success in external examinations. Joanna has excellent digital literacy skills and incorporates into lessons a range of platforms and technological approaches. She has a wide experience of working with young people with SEND (special educational needs) and is very skilled at tailoring lessons to fit individual needs, interests and learning styles. Feedback is always detailed and personalised with clear targets that ensure all students make excellent progress.