Gillian Birrell, Author at Cluey Learning

Gillian Birrell

BA, Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Gillian Birrell is an English and Humanities teacher who has worked in independent and government schools across Melbourne. She has completed leadership training through the Bastow Institute of Educational Leadership and presented at the Middle Years Conference of the Victorian Association for the Teaching of English. Gillian has also worked as a school debating coordinator, pastoral care teacher and writer of teacher notes for young adult fiction. She has a particular love of the teaching of Shakespeare through drama, as well as developing students’ literacy skills and confidence in the classroom through reading, writing and public speaking.

ADVICE FOR SENIOR STUDENTS

The nuts and bolts of debating: how to select, prepare and deliver a great debate

Don’t let the public nature of debating overwhelm you. We’ve rounded up our top tips to help you prepare and deliver a memorable debate, without the angst.

By Gillian Birrell Monday, 4 November 2019

ENGLISH

7 key steps to crafting a knockout speech

Public speaking is a great fear of many people. Find out how you can take control of speaking in front of your peers, for good.

By Gillian Birrell Monday, 7 October 2019

ENGLISH

Demystifying Shakespeare

With its complex ideas, rich language and universal themes, the works of Shakespeare offer countless opportunities to engage and challenge students. But for these same reasons, Shakespeare can appear ...

By Gillian Birrell Friday, 20 September 2019

ADVICE FOR PARENTS

7 easy ways to encourage your child to practice reading

It’s never too late to encourage your child to read. Here are seven tried and tested strategies to help foster an enjoyment of books and reading.

By Gillian Birrell Monday, 2 September 2019