Rachel holds key to future success

Carr Hill High School pupil Rachel Battison has qualified as a music teacher – while still at school herself.

Her success means that she can now teach the keyboard in a group or a one-to-one basis.

The 16-year-old has been playing the keyboard since she was seven.

She started having lessons while she was at Newton Bluecoat CE Primary School.

Her tutor Kevin Smith, of Kev’s Chords, and a former Carr Hill pupil himself, still goes into the school.

Rachel worked her way through grades one to eight before she was able to take the teaching diploma.

It took 12 months and involved teaching a young student for 10 weeks, completing a portfolio and doing a practical and two-hour theory exam.

She passed both examinations with distinction.

Although she has no plans to become a full-time teacher, Rachel she says she will continue to tutor in her spare time.

She has sent her CV off to Blackpool Music Academy so they have Rachel on record for any future posts.

The teenager also played violin while in primary school for a short time, but decided to properly focus on keyboard.

She said: “I plan to offer tutoring while I am at college and university instead of getting a job in a shop or a bar.

“Tutoring will enable me to earn some extra money while doing something I enjoy.”

Andrew Waller, head at the Royal Avenue, Kirkham school, said: “This is a great achievement and an example of how something that starts as a hobby can turn into more.

“I commend Rachel for her hard work and dedication.”