A warm 'hello' to you!

I am a highly experienced, fully qualified UK school teacher based in Birmingham, UK, with a full (enhanced) DRB Certificate.  In addition to my work as an official SATs examiner/marker, I am currently involved in the creation of test questions for both 11+ and SATs for a number of published schemes.  My world has been one of education and I have grabbed every educational opportunity available to me wherever possible - an ethic that many of the parents and students I work with share.

Originally from north Birmingham, I've been a resident of South Birmingham for 17 years where I've made my home with my family, working in the local community as a school teacher and tutor. My work has also included the role of school governor, working for 7 years creating and introducing measures to support School Improvement Plans.  

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​In 2007, I was part of a team researching the role of Visual Literacy in national schools and I was invited to present the findings of 2 years of research at Birmingham City University.  This research led to the direct implementation of Visual Literacy concepts into the English curriculum in schools nationwide.  These ideas have since been extended into every area of the National Curriculum.  I have been an active teacher and English Subject Lead through the National Literacy Strategy, Primary National Strategy and all current government drives and English teaching requirements.  In addition, I have extensive knowledge of the Mathematics curriculum, having taught through the National Numeracy Strategy, Primary National Strategy and through the curriculum reforms and most recent spotlight on maths mastery.  

My previous career in the NHS as a qualified Anatomical Pathology Technician, building on university level Biomedical Sciences work, was the precursor to roles as Head of Science in teaching.  These leadership roles involved the implementation of more interactive knowledge and enquiry-based Science curricula that provided students with memorable links and helpful ways of thinking through scientific problems and ideas. 

My Qualifications (directly related to teaching/tutoring):
*  First Class degree (with Honours) in Primary Education with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) - English Specialism
*  Post Graduate Diploma in Education. 
*  20+ years of teaching experience, from 3-11 years. Nearly 10 years working with Year 6s focusing on SATs teaching and preparation.  

*  TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certified for teaching both in the UK and internationally.

*  Grammar School educated (Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls) with full knowledge of the testing requirements for Grammar School entry in Birmingham at 11+

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