Tracey White - PTL English, Language & Performing Arts

What is your background in education?

I grew up and was educated in Berwick upon Tweed and left school at 16 years old to work. It was many years later that I embarked on an Access Course at The University of Derby in order to further my education. It was on this course that I developed my love of both English Literature and Creative Writing and this led to my degree in English Studies. After completing my PGCE, I started teaching at Derby College the full range of English subjects: English Language, Literature, Language and Literature combined and GCSE, progressing from Head of English to Team Manager of English, Languages and Sociology. I worked at Truro and Penwith College for three years, teaching A Level English Literature and International Baccalaureate students alongside examining for the Literature specification, before teaching the subject at Callywith College.  

What inspired you to pursue a career in education?

I have always taught in some capacity, whether it was in a sporting environment or a formal classroom and have always loved reading, analysing and trying to work out ‘the meaning’ of words. My studies at university fuelled my curiosity even more and when I taught Tunisian students as part of a summer school I knew I wanted to share this ‘love of English’ with others in a post-16 environment. English is such a diverse subject and by teaching the full range from GCSE to A Level, it has been rewarding to see students progress and develop new skills.  

What does your role involve?

I am the Programme Team Leader for English, Languages & Performing Arts at Callywith. I was also responsible for the implementation and delivery of all A Level English courses offered at the college - Language, Literature and Language and Literature combined, preparing, adapting and creating resources to ensure that a high standard of provision is available to all students.

Why do you think Cornwall needs Callywith College?

I live in North East Cornwall, and have first-hand experience of the journey that some of my students currently make to come to Truro and Penwith college and how tiring this can be, when they have college work to complete. Callywith is an amazing opportunity to allow all students accessibility to an outstanding education and to give them a sense of pride that this college is on their own doorstep. On a personal note, it is also wonderful to give something back to the area I live in.

What about working with Callywith College do you enjoy the most?

I am lucky to work alongside so many talented colleagues who are instrumental in making sure that we maintain the high standards we set for ourselves when Callywith first opened and are prepared to go ‘above and beyond’ in supporting our students and enabling them to receive the best possible education. We have a beautiful campus with wonderful facilities, and we strive to create a vibrant but hard-working atmosphere that we hope students will enjoy.

What one thing about you might surprise people?

I restore and upcycle furniture, pots, anything really! I like the idea of giving a new lease of life to something that no one else wants.  

When you’re not working, what is your favourite thing to do?

Gardening and walking on the moors.

What advice would you give students considering applying for Callywith College?

First and foremost, know that your tutors want the best for you and will always be willing to help you in any way they can whether this be in the classroom or for extra support. Secondly, your studies will be more difficult and more demanding than at GCSE, but you will have time to complete work at college and I would use this time wisely, especially in creative subjects, to make full use of the college facilities. Finally, enjoy your time at Callywith, make new friends and fully participate in the many opportunities that will come your way.