Caroline Strachan

In June 2024 I was invited to be a year 4 class teacher. Since joining the school in 2016 as a teaching assistant, I quickly became involved in teaching daily Maths focus groups and my role evolved in to the resident supply teacher during staff absences. When my Year 4 colleague became a member of SLT and his time in the classroom became more restricted, my role evolved in to an almost job share, covering his class most afternoons. My role included:

• Communicated effectively with parents regarding students' progress and behaviour issues.
• Incorporated hands-on activities into daily lessons to boost comprehension levels.
• Adapted teaching methods for student needs and abilities and interests.
• Maintained up-to-date records of each student's academic progress and attendance.
• Collaborated closely with colleagues to plan school events and projects.
• Coordinated with special education professionals for developing individualised education plans.
• Assisted in organising school trips, providing pupils with enriching experiences outside the classroom.
• Prepared detailed reports on each pupil's performance at end of term.

During this year I worked in various London Primary schools as a supply teacher. This led to a job share in a Year 4 class in this large, challenging South London Primary School. During this time, I:

• Honed my skills in classroom and behaviour management.
• Increased pupil's productivity through a policy of respect and positivity.
• Worked closely with other teachers to help support the pastoral needs of pupils facing very challenging lives.
• Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.

During my time in this busy South London school, I:

• Collaborated with special education professionals to cater for needs of differently-abled pupils in regular classrooms.
• Created inclusive classroom setting to ensure all students felt accepted and valued.
• Fostered strong relationships with students by displaying genuine interest in their personal growth and achievements.
• Fostered a positive learning environment for student engagement through effective classroom management.
• Helped towards organised school events such as sports day, concerts and assemblies showcasing student talents beyond academics.

I was a form teacher to various year groups throughout my 6 years at the school, ranging from Year 5 up to Year 7.

I was responsible for delivering the Common Entrance syllabus and helping to ensure pupils gained entrance in to their chosen secondary schools. I taught History and Geography from Year 6 to Year 8 whilst carrying out the duties of a responsible form tutor.

During my time at Northbridge House, I gained the job title of Head of History and Head of Year 7.

Whilst under my care, the pupils gained impressive grades for Common Entrance and the majority gained entry in to their chosen schools.

I was able to manage classroom behaviour, ensuring a respectful and hard working ethos.

This was my first role in teaching since qualifying. I fully immersed myself in the daily life of the school and became involved in many of the extra curricular activities on offer.

I participated actively in staff development training programmes and was keen to broaden my teaching knowledge wherever possible.

I was responsible for preparing detailed reports on each pupil's performance at end of each term.

I also adapted my teaching methods to accommodate the range of students' needs and abilities.