UNDER THE LID OF 16TH CENTURY TOILET HUMOUR

Meridian teacher David Stevens

A PORTSMOUTH teacher is inspiring his international students by writing a comic book about 16th century lavatories in the city.

61-year-old David Stevens teaches English at the Meridian School of English based at the historic Guildhall offices.

In the 16th century a toilet was called jakes and my book, will look at the comical side and humour of lavatories, he said.

Mr Stevens, added: “I started my role at Meridian over 10 months ago, with a career in teaching English across the world.”

“I have taught English in Georgia and the Crimea, and was a Fleet Street Editor for a jobs magazine and radio journalist.”

“Its important in English teaching that we share ideas and best practices, and encourage personalisation and inter-active lessons with students.”

“The big issue is keeping our students engaged, and formed part of a mini-conference in Portsmouth recently.”

A Dutch delegation of 12 teachers spent a week in the city attending workshops, presentations, watching videos, and sharing best practices with Meridian teachers, said Mr Stevens.

The Meridian School of English was set up in 1979, and offers a wide range of standard and intensive courses for adults and juniors, with Schools in Portsmouth and Plymouth, and part of the Tellus Education Group with offices across the globe.