I remember my bewildered mother looking at me enraged. Another argument? Nope. So I shrugged my shoulders. I’m pretty sure English hated me. And that was fine. It was mutual. My time was better spent on week long trail rides with friends or out-running angry dogs, farmers or bulls that found us trespassing on their territory (sometimes shortcuts come at a price).
I mean if I want to know something – Google; If I want entertainment – movies. Really, what was the point of reading?
But then some bogus triple-A tranches gave way and our life began to spiral.
When the Global Financial Crisis hit we lost all certainty, all stability, and eventually we lost our home. So to pick-up the pieces, my dad picked-up a new job, we packed-up our things and moved-off to the middle of nowhere – Central Queensland. No friends. Nowhere to go. But worst of all – No working TV and No internet.
And so, out of sheer boredom, I picked up a book. And then another, and another…
It was then that I realised: stories are key to understanding ourselves, others, and the world.
My Fails in English turned into High Distictions and after graduating highschool, I studied the Liberal Arts, where I was mentored by brilliant minds from institutions like Regent, Duke, Cambridge, and Oxford. They showed me books are more than grades – It is about meaning.
As a result, a deep disillusion began to set in. Why did I not know all this before? Why hadn’t anyone shared this with me when I was younger?
So I began teaching to give to others what I wish I had learned earlier.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
At J.P. Irwin Academy, we take students beyond formulas and templates. We teach them how to think, write, and express themselves with impact.
Deep Theoretical FoundationsEvery lesson is built on a foundation of logic, literary theory, and critical thinking—ensuring that students develop a deep and lasting understanding of writing and analysis.
A Personalised ApproachNo two students are the same. That’s why I emphasise individual guidance, tailored feedback, and structured learning paths.
The Power of StorytellingStorytelling is at the heart of how we learn, remember, and persuade. I integrate narrative techniques into teaching so students can:
To provide personalized instruction and in-depth feedback, we limit enrolment. Spaces fill quickly—once we reach capacity, enrolment closes.