Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
References
Health, Safety & Professional Training
Professional practice and extracurricular contribution
Timeline
Generic
Annie McKenna

Annie McKenna

Summary

Committed and enthusiastic Secondary Science teacher with a strong academic background in Cardiac Physiology and currently working towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at Edge Hill University. Experienced in teaching Biology, Chemistry and Physics across Key Stages 3 and 4, with confidence in delivering Biology at Key Stage 5. Demonstrates a strong understanding of both the Northern Ireland and English curricula, developed through teaching placements, personal study and tutoring experience. I aim to create positive, supportive classrooms where pupils feel included, work well together and are encouraged to take an active role in their learning. Outside of teaching, I have a strong interest in sport, particularly Gaelic football and netball and I am keen to contribute to wider school life through coaching or supporting school teams, especially during summer extracurricular programmes and school activities.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work history

Science teacher (Placement)

Winsford Academy
  • Planned and delivered science lessons across KS3 and KS4, teaching Biology, Chemistry and Physics to mixed-ability classes including triple science groups. Supported GCSE revision sessions, reinforcing core content and exam technique. Used a range of teaching and assessment strategies to promote engagement and progress, adapting lessons to meet diverse learner needs. Maintained high standards of behaviour management in line with school policy and supported practical lessons with a strong focus on health and safety.

(10 weeks)

Science teacher (Placement)

Holy Trinity College, Cookstown
Cookstown
  • Currently delivering a broad range of Science lessons from Year 8 to Year 12 (1st–5th year), with experience teaching mixed-ability classes across KS3 and KS4. Planning and teaching Biology-focused lessons while adapting delivery for pupils with SEND, EAL learners and varying attainment levels through differentiated activities and targeted support. Contributing to departmental planning, assessing pupil progress through formative assessment, and developing strong professional relationships with pupils and staff while reflecting on teaching practice to continually improve classroom effectiveness.

(7 weeks)

Science teacher (Placement)

All County Highschool Leftwich
  • Final placement with increased responsibility for independent teaching, including full planning, delivery, assessment and reporting across KS3 and KS4 Science. Anticipated opportunities to teach Biology at KS5 where available, alongside wider involvement in school life and extracurricular activities.

(11 weeks)

Tutoring

MyTutor
2025.09 - 2026.02
  • Deliver one-to-one and small-group tutoring in KS3 Science and GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Use personalised teaching strategies to address gaps in understanding, build confidence and support exam preparation through targeted revision and structured feedback.

Education

Holy Trinity College
Cookstown
1 2014/2014 - 1 2021

BSc - Cardiac Physiology

Ulster University
Derry
1 2021/2021 - 1 2025

PGCE - Secondary Science (Biology)

Edge Hill University
Ormskirk
2025.01 - 1 2026

Skills

  • GCSE preparation and tutoring
  • Creativity in lessons
  • Teaching adaptability
  • Student-Centered approach
  • STEM integration
  • Classroom management

References

  • James, Pendlebury, Head of Science & PGCE Mentor, James.pendlebury@winsfordacademy.org.uk, Winsford Academy
  • Dave, Lewis / Mhairi, University Lecture, SFETEachingreferences@edgehill.ac.uk, Edge Hill University

Health, Safety & Professional Training

  • Safeguarding and Child Protection Training
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) and Immediate Life Support (ILS) training

Professional practice and extracurricular contribution

Experienced in planning and assessing classwork in line with learning objectives, using formative and summative assessment to monitor progress and inform future teaching. Fully trained in safeguarding and child protection through PGCE training, with a strong commitment to pupil wellbeing, inclusion and maintaining professional standards.

Outside the classroom, I actively contribute to wider school life through sport and extracurricular activities. As a competitive Gaelic football and netball player with county-level experience, I value teamwork, leadership and promoting healthy lifestyles, and I am keen to support school teams and clubs.

Timeline

Tutoring

MyTutor
2025.09 - 2026.02

PGCE - Secondary Science (Biology)

Edge Hill University
2025.01 - 1 2026

Science teacher (Placement)

Winsford Academy

Science teacher (Placement)

Holy Trinity College, Cookstown

Science teacher (Placement)

All County Highschool Leftwich

Holy Trinity College
1 2014/2014 - 1 2021

BSc - Cardiac Physiology

Ulster University
1 2021/2021 - 1 2025
Annie McKenna