Andrew Whitcombe
Grantham,Lincolnshire
Summary
Energetic and enthusiastic teacher committed to fostering academic excellence through innovative approaches and strategic planning. Proven expertise in leadership, management, and educational programme implementation. Demonstrates a strong aptitude for training and development, creativity in teaching, and devising effective exam preparation strategies.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
25
25
years of post-secondary education
25
25
years of professional experience
Work history
Functional Skills Tutor
Learn UK
Hull, Kingston upon Hull
2024.01 - 2026.07
- Delivered Functional Skills (Maths and English) to adult learners in factory environment, enhancing learners' skills and confidence. Developed teaching resources to facilitate engaging classroom experiences.
- Conducted one-on-one sessions for personalised attention to each student's needs.
- Fostered a positive learning environment to enhance student focus.
- Adapted teaching style for individual learning capabilities.
Literacy Tutor
Prison Services
Melbourne, VIC
2020.08 - 2022.01
- Delivered basic reading and writing skills to inmates across multiple prisons in Victoria, Australia, fostering literacy development and personal growth.
- Motivated reluctant readers through engaging content and discussions.
- Enhanced student comprehension by employing diverse teaching strategies.
- Elevated reading proficiency with systematic phonics instruction.
English Lecturer
University of Shandong
Melbourne, China
2019.01 - 2020.06
- Contracted by AEMG Education to teach English to undergraduate students at University of Shandong via weblink from Melbourne during COVID pandemic; assisted in designing Year 2 programme to enhance student engagement.
- Presented engaging literature lessons to inspire student interest in English.
- Mentored aspiring writers in creative writing clubs, fostering their skills and confidence in creative expression.
- Actively participated in departmental meetings, contributing to curriculum development decisions that shaped course offerings.
English Language Teacher
Impact English College
Melbourne, VIC
2013.11 - 2019.11
- Taught all levels of general English, including elementary to advanced, IELTS, and Cambridge FCE exam preparation classes, alongside business English and extracurricular activities like 'Singlish'. Delivered CPD sessions to enhance skills and knowledge of staff members.
- Addressed individual needs of pupils through one-on-one tutoring sessions, promoting academic growth.
- Provided constructive feedback on written work, facilitating improvements in punctuation and grammar usage.
- Incorporated creative writing exercises into lessons, encouraging imagination and self-expression among students.
Head of Training and Development
BAE Systems
Dhahran
2007.01 - 2013.03
- Developed and led professional development initiatives for 350+ expatriate and Saudi national staff in TSI.
- Directed training and development for educational staff
- Designed and personally delivered a range of training courses (including TESOL, IELTS Preparation, Health & Safety, Management and computer software).
- Supervised 70 instructors, managing absence and performance, ensuring health and safety, and upholding professional teaching standards in the classroom.
- Liaised with senior BAES and Royal Saudi Air Force management and external agencies, including the British Embassy and British Council, to facilitate effective training plans.
Head of Curriculum Development
BAE Systems
Dhahran
2002.01 - 2007.01
- Re-designed and implemented RSAF English Language Course (ELC) with a comprehensive multimedia component to enhance learning.
- Led team of 20 to develop ELT materials for Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) across the kingdom.
- Coordinated 2500+ hours of CPD activities to support staff development.
Education
Snr IELTS Examiner - Speaking & Writing
IDP Australia
Melbourne, VIC 2013.07 - 2020.06
Master's Degree - Leading Innovation and Change
York St John University
York, North Yorkshire 2011.11 - 2013.11
IELTS Examiner - Speaking & Writing
British Council
Dhahran 2002.06 - 2013.06
Postgraduate Certificate of Education - English
University of Lancaster
Lancaster, Lancashire 1997.09 - 1998.09
RSA Cert - TESOL
University of Cambridge
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire 1988.09 - 1989.09
Bachelor's Degree - Linguistics
University of Central Lancashire
Preston, Lancashire 1984.09 - 1987.06
Skills
- Leadership / Management
- Training & Development
- Innovative teaching
- Curriculum design
- Programme implementation
- Exam strategies
Certification
- CIPD R3 Accreditation (Identify, Support, and Advocate)
- NEBOSH General Certificate - 2004 to Present
- IELTS Examiner Certification - 2002 to 2020
- Cambridge Examiner Certification (FCE, PET, BEC) - 2004 to 2020
Languages
Arabic
Intermediate
French
Intermediate
Accomplishments
Teacher of the Year, 2014, 2016, 2017
Chairman's Award, BAE Systems 2005
Affiliations
- Football, Rugby, Tennis, Live Music and Contract Bridge
Timeline
Functional Skills Tutor
Learn UK
2024.01 - 2026.07
Literacy Tutor
Prison Services
2020.08 - 2022.01
English Lecturer
University of Shandong
2019.01 - 2020.06
English Language Teacher
Impact English College
2013.11 - 2019.11
Snr IELTS Examiner - Speaking & Writing
IDP Australia
2013.07 - 2020.06
Master's Degree - Leading Innovation and Change
York St John University
2011.11 - 2013.11
Head of Training and Development
BAE Systems
2007.01 - 2013.03
IELTS Examiner - Speaking & Writing
British Council
2002.06 - 2013.06
Head of Curriculum Development
BAE Systems
2002.01 - 2007.01
Postgraduate Certificate of Education - English
University of Lancaster
1997.09 - 1998.09
RSA Cert - TESOL
University of Cambridge
1988.09 - 1989.09
Bachelor's Degree - Linguistics
University of Central Lancashire
1984.09 - 1987.06