Cristalina Fernandes: BA Honours
Tracey Marquis: Bed. Honours

I Rise Education is the brainchild of two passionate, dedicated English teachers who believe wholeheartedly that all children, regardless of race, gender or class, can be successful in school. However, they recognise that too many children are failing in an education system that too often fails to enthuse, motivate or interest its pupils, particularly those of African Caribbean heritage.

Cristalina Fernandes and Tracey Marquis have worked together for over twelve years. As joint heads of department they successfully transformed the delivery of English at their former school, where the intake consisted of students from over 72 countries and where 55 languages were spoken. Together they worked on producing schemes of work and resources that ensured the achievement of all their students. They selected relevant literature and developed differentiated resources that allowed every student, from gifted and talented to beginners in English to participate, learn and achieve. Between them they have many success stories  where, through their hard work, belief and high expectations, students who were not expected  by some to achieve, including  many who started school without speaking English, achieved A*-C GCSE English grades. The department was heralded as a leading department in the borough for raising the attainment of students working below the national average. They have both gone on to continue this success and have consistently ensured the academic, personal and social achievement of their students.