Davina

As Head of English, leading my department to outstanding results, and current Associate Assistant Headteacher, I find myself inventing new, robust strategies to support my students and ensure success at all levels. With my experience as an examiner, marking English GCSE papers at exam board level, as well as having over 10 years experience in the classroom, I believe I have the knowledge and understanding of how to get the best out of every child.

My leadership role within school focuses on improving attainment and results, organising exams and targeting intervention. My experience not only allows me to support students academically, but also enables me to support young people through the strenuous exam periods throughout their school career.

Tutoring Experience

The school I am currently teaching at is in Leamington Spa, and works with a range of pupils of varying abilities, including students with EAL or SEN. I currently teach the new AQA (9-1) specification for English Language and English Literature and have attended many courses and training sessions that make me extremely knowledgeable of the changes taking place in education at the moment. In addition to this, I’ve undertaken training as an examiner which has given me a crucial insight into what is expected of students to achieve well at each level.

As part of my role as a secondary school teacher, I am extremely experienced in developing and adapting schemes of work and resources to meet the needs of every student I work with.

I have the pleasure of teaching a variety of ability groups, which allows me to improve and adapt my teaching, ensuring I am keeping it fresh and current. I have a proven track record at all ability levels which is something I’m very proud of. At present, my KS3 classes range in ability, from students working at GCSE level, to those with English as an additional language which requires frequent differentiation to ensure I meet the needs of every student. At GCSE level, I currently have the experience of teaching a high achieving year 11 class (who I’ve taken through from year 9), ranging from level 9-7, with the majority of these students already exceeding their minimum target grade.

Tutoring Approach

I believe encouraging children, and responding to their needs, is the most important element in successful teaching. My patient approach enables every student to feel comfortable in tackling complicated and difficult topics. One of my key strengths is building a rapport with students, getting to know them, and therefore creating memorable scenarios for them that are interesting, and more likely to stay with them for their exam. My experience of working with teenagers on a daily basis has informed me on how to get the best of them, even those who initially seem disengaged.

My genuine interest in the child’s success is another key strength of mine, as I believe the best results come from teaching that is consistent, passionate and enthusiastic. If I believe a child is struggling with a particular text or skill, I will communicate with them, working out a way to ensure I incorporate this into my teaching in a way that is best suited to them.