ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ

Alumni

Jody Burton

Librarian and Author

My time at ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ challenged me academically and helped me to continue to learn new skills.

Memories of ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ

As a south east Londoner living in Catford, ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ has always been a place for meeting up and socialising, with the park, markets, cinema, shops, and restaurants. I loved studying at the ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ campus and the history surrounding it, from being beside the Thames, visiting the Painted Hall, to the music from Trinity Laban wafting through the air when attending lectures.

I had completed my Caribbean Studies and French degree in the 1990s, and my Certificate in English Language Teaching in 2004, so really appreciated the experience of returning to part-time study.

The lectures were informative, and lecturers were experts in their field. I found the University a really supportive environment that encouraged group, individual study, and self-assessment. My fellow students came from different professions and walks of life which added to an interesting dynamic. The course met all my expectations, and I would recommend studying here.

Life after ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ

This photo was taken in front of “The British Library” art installation by Yinka Shonibare, which celebrates the achievements of first and second generation immigrants. “Education is key” has been an important mantra throughout my life, from my early memories of visiting my local library as a child to studying and working in Education. This photo embodies my passion for education & art in both my personal and professional life. It illustrates being a bibliophile, educator, librarian, art lover, and author.

After I completed my PGCE, I continued teaching then moved into working in college libraries, and currently work in a public London library. I strongly believe in and am a product of lifelong learning and being curious. From 2016-2019 I hosted a Black Arts Group via Meetup, and in June 2021, after three years in the making, I became a published author. My book ‘’ (with co-author Avril Nanton) celebrates and recognizes local and global black history. It also features key figures from ÐÓ°ÉappÏÂÔØ: John Blanke, a trumpeter to kings Henry VII and VIII, and Fela Kuti, the Nigerian musician who studied at Trinity Laban Conservatoire.

If you'd like to connect with me on Instagram, you can follow me at and .

  • Jody Burton
  • PGCE (Lifelong Learning), 2011

More from Alumni