Amanda Holmes
Burntwood
Summary
Capable director of learning with demonstrated success in motivating staff and optimising programme operations across 12-year history of accomplishment in education. Experienced in organising facilities, supplies and educators to handle wide-ranging needs. Highly-organised, resourceful and forward-thinking leader. A people-person with excellent planning abilities. Also, a goal-oriented professional, skilled leader and analytical problem-solver versed in budget planning, staff oversight and educational programme management. Who uses relationship-building talents and diplomatic communication style to forge long-lasting connections and enhance operations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work history
Director of English
Bloxwich Academy
01.2024 - Current
- Designed and implemented a new vision
- Evaluated and amended the curriculum to maximise potential.
- Developed my analytical skills further, with further evaluation and triangulating the current curriculum.
- Oversaw facilities and grounds maintenance, balancing budget and schedules against professional expectations and safety.
- Collaborated with parents and teaching staff on strategies to reduce disruptive behavioural incidents.
- Analysed programme trends to identify areas of improvement and recommended corrective actions.
- Conferred with educators to identify current classroom concerns and diversify instructional strategies.
- Optimised student educational strategies with clear advice on course choices, progression and career options.
- Modernised instructional plans and educational approaches to enhance student learning.
- Enforced fair and equitable disciplinary code to protect students and staff.
- Led and motivated teaching and support staff to continuously improve knowledge and abilities for optimum student education and support.
Second in Department
Bloxwich Academy
01.2020 - 12.2023
- Analysed data from our KS4 results to design and implement strategies to ensure pupils achieved their best results
- Clear and confident communication skills
- Presented presentations on the strategies to improve resutls
- Creation of presentations to support pupils engagement and learning.
- Collaboration with the senior leadership team to design a professional development programme for our first and second year teachers to enhance their teaching practice
- I have delivered professional development sessions to the first and second year teachers alongside those within the department
- I have designed a curriculum that is developmental, allows for spacing and is founded in research to enable pupils to make the best progress
- I have communicated the vision and intention of the curriculum with the team
- I conduct regular monitoring of the team and triangulate the data to ensure it is quality assured before reporting my findings to the current Director of Learning., At Barr Beacon, I developed my organisation skills, time management and creativity
- I developed my skills with communicating with different colleagues within my department as well as communicating with parents about their child's progress
- I also started to develop my curriculum designing skills to find a strategic way of developing pupils' learning
- Adminstration skills and microsoft office skills.
- Set daily priorities and communicated targets, motivating teams to achieve them.
Head of Communications and Teacher of English
Barr's Hill School
09.2018 - 12.2019
- I developed my managerial skills and approaches through communicating effectively with colleagues, staff and pupils
- I was approachable and supportive if my team require help or guidance, but I was also firm when my team are not following deadlines or attending meetings
- Balance and maintain a financial budget.
- Analytical skills to the data provided to strategize for intervention, timetable changes to create the best outcome for the child
- Supported and trained new colleagues to teaching or to a managerial post- I am having regular meetings to develop my team in an area they are passionate about
- Throughout my time, I have been a part of new initiatives within the school and with creating enrichment opportunities for the most vulnerable or disadvantaged pupils.
- Conducted weekly individual evaluations, providing feedback on strengths and weaknesses to ensure student success.
- Applied differentiated teaching methods to meet varied student needs.
- Adapted diverse teaching methods to boost student focus.
- Evaluated student progress by providing short quizzes, examinations and standardised tests.
- Assessed students' progress to create and implement action plans.
- Developed intervention strategies to improve student performance.
Teacher of English
Bloxwich Academy
04.2017 - 07.2018
- I developed strong communication skills be more empathetic, interchangeable and approachable because I had to communicate with a variety of agencies, parents and pupils regarding the Special Educational Needs
- My analytical skills were further enhanced and my ability to share strategies within the whole school to ensure that all pupils made sufficient progress
- Throughout my time as the Acting SENDCO I completed paperwork and assessed what evidence to include within a scheduled deadline
- I created schedules for reviews that would not impede on learning or provide inconvenience to parents
- I understand the importance of following legal precedent and procedures to ensure that the SEND department has followed procedures correctly and that access arrangements are effectively embedded
- I delivered a range of training to new and experienced teachers regarding the support of SEND pupils
- I conducted weekly meetings and to lead a small team of Learning Support Assistants as well as creating accountability procedures to ensure that they were supporting pupils to the best of their ability, which developed my interpersonal, organisation and managerial skills.
- Facilitated group interventions for students with diverse abilities.
- Applied differentiated teaching methods to meet varied student needs.
- Adapted diverse teaching methods to boost student focus.
- Highlighted importance of composition, grammar and sentence construction rules.
- Engaged with students through conversational language, simplifying curriculum into relevant, understandable information.
- Evaluated student progress by providing short quizzes, examinations and standardised tests.
- Recommended effective additional learning resources, aiding continued student confidence and abilities.
- Monitored difficulties in students to provide extra coaching and assistance.
- Developed intervention strategies to improve student performance.
- Taught spelling, pronunciation and sentence structure to form basic foundation of language.
- Targeted practice and revision to develop students' abilities in speaking and writing.
Teacher
Staffordshire University Academy
04.2016 - 04.2017
- In charge- Key Stage 4 and, of English
- I conducted formal lesson observations, work scrutiny and communicated effectively and sensitively with colleagues regarding the outcomes of my feedback
- I developed my interpersonal communication and how to assess what type of management style I needed for each colleague
- Also, how to analyse whole cohorts of data and find strategies to ensure that we would achieve the intended progress 8 score and to ensure that all pupils achieved their best
- I developed strong time management, organisational and computer skills to ensure that I did not miss a crucial deadline and that I remained calm under pressure.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Worked collaboratively with other teachers to review data and develop instructional strategies to address student learning objectives.
- Prioritised strategies to develop responsible, independent learners.
- Created lesson plans and scheduled each day to promote maximum student learning and enrichment.
Teacher of English, Fresh,Co-ordinator
Barr Beacon School
07.2012 - 04.2016
- Boosted student success by maximising individual learning, balancing group and individual instruction models to accommodate different academic levels.
- Promoted physical, mental and social development by implementing classroom games and outdoor recreational activities.
- Completed training courses to keep up-to-date with new teaching methods and developments in the field.
- Set up lesson materials, bulletin board displays and demonstrations.
- Designed innovative teaching techniques that earned positive feedback by school management.
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
- Planned and organised classrooms that consistently facilitated positive learning experience.
- Collected, analysed and tracked data on student progress.
- Administered assessments to determine each student's specific educational and social needs.
- Developed programme to work with students and increase interest in higher learning.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Worked collaboratively with other teachers to review data and develop instructional strategies to address student learning objectives.
Teacher
Hillcrest High School
01.2012 - 07.2012
- I had the responsibility of teaching 12 hours of Key Stage 3 lessons of mixed ability
- I also had 5 hours of Key Stage 4 and preparing pupils for their GCSE examination in English
- I had to learn the specifications in order to plan and teach appropriate lessons to enable these pupils to achieve a qualification in English
- I had to plan, teach and mark work within a set timeframe in order to demonstrate progress
- My communication skills were developed further because I had different pupils, colleagues and parents to communicate information regarding pupils' progress.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Worked collaboratively with other teachers to review data and develop instructional strategies to address student learning objectives.
- Prioritised strategies to develop responsible, independent learners.
- Developed programme to work with students and increase interest in higher learning.
- Planned lessons according to national standards to cover all requirements and prepare for standardised tests.
- Set up lesson materials, bulletin board displays and demonstrations.
- Collected, analysed and tracked data on student progress.
- Created lesson plans and scheduled each day to promote maximum student engagement.
Teacher
Ridgewood High School
09.2011 - 12.2011
- I taught a 12-hour teaching timetable
- I developed my communication skills with other teaching colleagues and my time management skills were enhanced in order to meet the school's procedures
- I had the responsibility of teaching and planning a range of lessons in order to meet the needs of the pupils.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Preserved the confidentiality of student records and information at all times.
- Worked collaboratively with other teachers to review data and develop instructional strategies to address student learning objectives.
- Prioritised strategies to develop responsible, independent learners.
- Planned and organised classrooms that consistently facilitated positive learning experience.
- Created lesson plans and scheduled each day to promote maximum student learning and enrichment.
- Completed training courses to keep up-to-date with new teaching methods and developments in the field.
Instructing Teacher of English
Barr Beacon Language College
03.2011 - 07.2011
- I had responsibility of teaching 8 hours of Key Stage 3 lessons of mixed ability
- I had the same responsibilities as the teacher for planning interesting lessons, marking pupils' work and showing levels of progression.
- Evaluated student progress by providing short quizzes, examinations and standardised tests.
- Created vibrant learning atmosphere through interactive exercises and discussions.
- Applied differentiated teaching methods to meet varied student needs.
- Prepared comprehensive feedback and revision plans for students.
- Managed challenging behaviour with firm and fair style.
- Engaged with students through conversational language, simplifying curriculum into relevant, understandable information.
Sales Assistant
Pennyfarthings
08.2010 - 08.2011
- In charge of Cash floats, organising stock checks, stock take, customer service, refunds if necessary.
- Greeted customers and offered assistance with selecting merchandise, finding accessories and completing purchases.
- Provided service with a smile, offering courteous, helpful advice to best meet customer needs.
- Accepted and processed cash, cheque, card and mobile payments using POS systems.
- Operated cash registers with accuracy and processed cash and card transactions.
- Provided excellent sales services by offering bespoke product advice to meet exact customers needs.
- Received and processed product returns.
- Resolved customer complaints and process issues with proactive problem-solving skills.
- Listened to customer needs and preferences to provide targeted advice, increasing sales opportunities.
- Updated product labelling and pricing to reflect discounts and offers.
- Enhanced visual merchandising by maintaining replenishment and presenting items according to style guides.
- Completed purchases with cash, credit and debit payment methods, providing customer receipts for reference.
- Maintained knowledge of products and features to provide recommendations to customers.
- Assisted customers with product selection and sales, recommending items to increase transaction value.
- Maintained impeccably high standards store presentation and hygiene through cleaning.
- Guaranteed high levels of customer satisfaction through product knowledge and attentive service.
- Shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing, organised displays to engage customers.
- Fostered positive relationships with customers to enhance loyalty and retention.
- Collaborated with sales managers to meet target quotas.
- Managed till operations by promptly and precisely scanning items, processing payments and issuing receipts.
- Monitored and reported suspicious activity to security officer to avoid theft.
Waitress and Bar Attendant
Cheshire Polo Club
06.2010 - 07.2010
- Waitress and bar attendant at high numbered events
- Formal dining skills required for set up, customer service.
- Regularly communicated with kitchen and bar staff to maintain smooth front of house operations, minimising potential service delays.
- Checked in with customers during meals to check orders were received correctly and met guests' expectations.
- Attended tables regularly to check customer needs were met, promptly processing additional food and drink orders.
- Provided friendly, courteous service, maximising positive customer satisfaction ratings.
- Served meals and drinks with professionalism and skill, maintaining high presentation and quality standards.
- Arranged tables and set up linens and silverware in preparation for guests.
- Greeted and escorted guests to tables.
- Provided menu and offered recommendations to complement dining experience.
- Maintained excellent level of service in busy and demanding restaurant environment.
- Attended to customer's needs proactively for first-class waiting service.
- Followed safe serving requirements, monitoring guest behaviour and discontinuing service to inebriated customers.
- Created friendly, welcoming atmosphere to encourage positive guest experiences, prolonging visits to increase profitability.
- Provided efficient food and drinks service for high levels of customer satisfaction.
Bar Attendant and supporting Team Leader
Chester Student Union Bar
09.2008 - 06.2010
- Duties included rotas, stock take, organisation of small team, staff training on bar, serving customers, clean down, maintenance of cellar changes and customer service complaints.
Bar Attendant
Pelsall Social Club
07.2007 - 08.2008
- Duties included all primary duties required of a bar person.
- Collected cash payments, processing and providing correct change and receipts using Point Of Sale (POS) systems.
- Engaged with guests to create positive rapport, encouraging loyalty and repeat visits.
- Verified guest ID prior to serving liquor.
- Performed bar closing duties, thoroughly cleaning, sanitising and replenishing stock.
- Refused drinks service to guests without appropriate proof of age.
- Prepared mixed drinks and poured wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages within target service timeframes.
- Changed beer kegs safely and efficiently, consistently following health and hygiene guidelines.
- Followed safe serving requirements, monitoring guest behaviour and discontinuing service to inebriated customers.
- Maintained bar stocks, replenishing daily as necessary.
- Greeted customers by name, remembering drinks selections and special requests to provide attentive, personalised service.
- Maintained knowledge of drinks promotions, pricing and menu changes, offering customers up-to-date, reliable advice.
- Created friendly, welcoming atmosphere to encourage positive guest experiences, prolonging visits to increase profitability.
- Thoroughly cleaned bar areas, delivering positive first impressions to guests and maintaining impeccable hygiene standards.
- Prepared for closing by cleaning bar area and announcing last orders.
- Memorised orders in loud and busy environments to maintain speedy service at peak times.
- Applied expertise to pour, mix and serve wide variety of drinks in line with customer's expectations.
- Detected drug or excessive alcohol abuse and took appropriate action for customer safety.
- Set up bar area and kept ingredients and utensils fully stocked to maintain optimal service level.
Waitress
The Broadway Two for One
03.2005 - 07.2007
- Duties included providing excellent and efficient service to a high turnover of customers.
- Delivered checks, collected cash or credit card payments and provided receipt to customers.
- Served meals and drinks with professionalism and skill, maintaining high presentation and quality standards.
- Attended tables regularly to check customer needs were met, promptly processing additional food and drink orders.
- Arranged tables and set up linens and silverware in preparation for guests.
- Performed bar closing duties, thoroughly cleaning, sanitising and replenishing stock.
- Greeted and escorted guests to tables.
- Warmly greeted guests upon arrival to create welcoming atmosphere.
- Created friendly, welcoming atmosphere to encourage positive guest experiences, prolonging visits to increase profitability.
- Checked in with customers during meals to check orders were received correctly and met guests' expectations.
- Provided friendly, courteous service, maximising positive customer satisfaction ratings.
- Provided menu and offered recommendations to complement dining experience.
- Delivered exceptional service by greeting and serving customers in timely, friendly manner.
- Maintained excellent level of service in busy and demanding restaurant environment.
- Received complaints and offered remedial action to help improve customer experiences.
- Informed kitchen staff regarding special order requirements.
- Demonstrated exceptional memory and communication skills for reliable and trusted service.
Education
PCGE Training in -
University of Worcester
BA Honours Degree - Law
University of Chester
A-Levels -
Shire Oak College of Science
GCSEs -
Shire Oak College of Science
NPQ - Leading teachers
Ambition Insitute
United Kingdom 11.2021 - 11.2022
Skills
- I am able to play both the piano and clarinet
- Staff development
- Data collection and analysis
- Employee management
- Strategies and goals
- Daily operations
- Customer service (pupils and parents)
- Computer proficient
- Kind and empathetic educator
- Tutoring
- Strong collaborator
- Progress monitoring
- Student records management
- Individual Education Plans (IEP)
- Creative questioning
- Self-motivated
- Team standards
- Student engagement tactics
- Student progress reporting
- Post-secondary education
- Detailed instruction
- Purposeful lesson planning
- Secondary education
- Varied lesson plans
- In-class SEND support
- Verbal and writing communication
- Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
- Positive and encouraging
- Child development
- Training and development
- Strong written and verbal communicator
First Aid Training at Level 1 Recovery position, safe bandaging and support
- Counselling
- Teaching material development
- Critical thinking
- Tailoring curriculum plans
- Outstanding social skills
- Student motivation
- Physically strong and agile
- Positive learning environment
- Differentiated instruction
- Curriculum development
- Behavioural interventions
- SMART Board aptitude
- Managing classroom for diverse populations
- Classroom planning
- Classroom discipline
- Fast learner
- Effective time management
- Interpersonal skills
- A-level course instruction
- Staff evaluations
- Advisory
- Policy and procedure implementation
- Programme management
- Problem-solving
- Team building
- Presentations and demonstrations
- Coaching and mentoring
- Induction programmes
- Training programme design
- Appraisal schemes
- Learning and development interventions
Interests
Interests and Activities
, Travelling and experiencing distinct and vibrant cultures, different to my own.
The Arts- Theatre and music in particular.
Socialising with family and friends- I feel this is key to creating a work/life balance.
I am also an avid reader, enjoy writing fictional stories and baking.
Timeline
Director of English
Bloxwich Academy
01.2024 - Current
NPQ - Leading teachers
Ambition Insitute
11.2021 - 11.2022
Second in Department
Bloxwich Academy
01.2020 - 12.2023
Head of Communications and Teacher of English
Barr's Hill School
09.2018 - 12.2019
Teacher of English
Bloxwich Academy
04.2017 - 07.2018
Teacher
Staffordshire University Academy
04.2016 - 04.2017
Teacher of English, Fresh,Co-ordinator
Barr Beacon School
07.2012 - 04.2016
Teacher
Hillcrest High School
01.2012 - 07.2012
Teacher
Ridgewood High School
09.2011 - 12.2011
Instructing Teacher of English
Barr Beacon Language College
03.2011 - 07.2011
Sales Assistant
Pennyfarthings
08.2010 - 08.2011
Waitress and Bar Attendant
Cheshire Polo Club
06.2010 - 07.2010
Bar Attendant and supporting Team Leader
Chester Student Union Bar
09.2008 - 06.2010
Bar Attendant
Pelsall Social Club
07.2007 - 08.2008
Waitress
The Broadway Two for One
03.2005 - 07.2007
PCGE Training in -
University of Worcester
BA Honours Degree - Law
University of Chester
A-Levels -
Shire Oak College of Science
GCSEs -
Shire Oak College of Science
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