Leighton Buzzard ‘English Live’ teacher named Hero of 2020 by The Week Junior

A Leighton Buzzard teacher whose online lessons attracted thousands of viewers has been named a ‘Hero of 2020’ by The Week Junior.
By Jo Gravett
Published 12th Jan 2021, 17:42 BST
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The children’s magazine awarded the accolade to Holly King-Mand, 37, who started her ‘English Live’ classes on YouTube to help pupils and parents during the first lockdown.

Now the nation has to stay at home once more, Holly is fronting her English Live lessons again, with fans all over the world, including in Canada, Cyprus and Dubai.

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Reflecting on 2020, Holly said: “The biggest highlights have been the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award and The Week Junior. There were pictures of Captain Tom and Marcus Rashford... and little old me in the middle!

Holly’s article. Her dream is to teach lessons for CBBC or BBC Bitesize.Holly’s article. Her dream is to teach lessons for CBBC or BBC Bitesize.
Holly’s article. Her dream is to teach lessons for CBBC or BBC Bitesize.

“Now we are in lockdown again, I thought I can’t not do lessons for everyone, so I started back up. It’s been really overwhelming. I’ve got regulars who come to the workshops and classes, and people have recommended me to parents and friends.”

Since the first lockdown ended, Holly has been able to establish an online business, offering courses and workshops, with the latter including topics such as ‘Shakespearean Christmas Puns’, ‘Write Like a Journalist’ and ‘Gothic Writing’.

But that’s not the only exciting news. She revealed she is due to give birth to her third child around Easter time.

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Holly, who has been ‘humbled by the response’, said: “I received a box of brownies from one family who said, ‘It’s amazing what you are doing being pregnant, and with small children. Have a cup of tea and sit down!’ And Bertie, our dog, is as popular as ever. I can just about lift him up halfway and he can peep over [into the camera]!”

A cartoon image of Holly was featured on the cover.A cartoon image of Holly was featured on the cover.
A cartoon image of Holly was featured on the cover.

Holly would like to thank students and parents for their support, her mum for helping with the ‘shout outs’, and the Bee’s Knees Business Club.

English Live [held during lockdown] takes place at 11am on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays via YouTube.

Holly’s weekly live and interactive lessons are on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (6.45pm) and Saturday mornings (9.45am). If you are unable to watch live, recordings are available. Details from Facebook - ‘English with Holly’.

Workshops and courses: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/english-with-holly-30546682394

Website: www.hollysclassroom.com

Related topics:Leighton BuzzardYouTube