How this budding Hartlepool English teacher is helping fellow students during lockdown

Danielle Egan, 16, a student at Dyke House Academy should have been preparing to sit her GCSE exams over the next few months.

But after the coronavirus pandemic effectively closed schools and stopped those plans, she has been using a variety of online methods to help younger students with their English studies at home.

Danielle, who hopes to become an English teacher, has particularly focused on poetry, examining and giving notes on poems sent to her by students.

She said: “I have helped all year groups as I have a strong passion for English and actually want to have a career as an English teacher.

“So I thought, why not help everyone out?”

“Up to now I have received great feedback, saying I’ve helped out a lot. I am over the moon about this!

“I came up with the ideas on what to do and how to do it myself.”

Danielle is due to study English literature, English language and psychology at Dyke House Sixth Form from September as she looks to take the next step towards becoming a teacher.

She added: “I’ve always had a strong passion for English and I think that’s mainly to do with my English teacher Mrs Young.

“She has helped me become the person I am today and I don’t think any of this would have been possible without the dedication of such an amazing teacher.

“After receiving good feedback from students, this has made me want to be an English teacher even more, more than ever before.

“I am determined to be the best English teacher I can be and I’m also determined to help these students I am helping to reach their potential.”

Dyke House Academy is part of the Northern Education Trust.

Academy principal Adam Palmer said: “We are extremely proud that Danielle has used her time to help others in this way.

“Her attitude towards education has been phenomenal in Year 11.”

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