Diana Smith
Barcombe,East Sussex
Summary
I am a dedicated Sociology teacher with 16 years of experience, passionate about pupil motivation and student-centred learning. I have proven expertise in developing essay writing techniques, creating engaging lesson plans, and using differentiated learning strategies to support all students. I pride myself on excellent classroom management and strong communication with both students and parents. My goal is to inspire and motivate students while fostering an inclusive, enjoyable and engaging learning environment.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1993
1993
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head of Social Studies
Hailsham Community College Academy Trust
Hailsham, East Sussex
09.2021 - 03.2025
School type: All-through school
· Teacher of Sociology, Religious Studies and Health and Social Care.
· Responsible for ensuring an engaging and ambitious curriculum for Law, Sociology, Psychology, Religious studies, PSHE, Health and Social Care.
Head of Sociology and Religious Education
The Royal Alexandra and Albert School
Reigate, Surrey
09.2017 - 08.2021
School type: State boarding school
- Reason for leaving: Relocate to East Sussex
Head of Sociology
East Sussex College
Lewes, East Sussex
09.2014 - 08.2017
School type: Further Education College
- Reason for leaving: Career development and in order to return to teaching across age ranges 11-18
Examiner for Sociology A level
AQA
05.2015 - 06.2017
- Marking A level exam papers across all units
- Reason for leaving: Greater demands placed on my working and family life
Head of Sociology and Religious Studies
The Royal Alexandra and Albert School
Reigate, Surrey
09.2009 - 07.2014
School type: State boarding school
- Reason for leaving: to specialise in Sociology at KS5, as well as to gain experience in FE
Teacher of English as a foreign language – business sector
AG Consulting Limited
Cologne
02.2007 - 02.2009
School type: Adult language school
- Reason for leaving: To return to the UK to complete GTP and gain QTS
Teacher of English as a foreign language – business sector
Marcus Evans Linguarama Language School
Cologne
10.2006 - 02.2009
School type: Adult learning
- Business English
- Reason for leaving: To return to the UK to complete GTP and gain QTS
Teacher of English as a foreign language – business sector
Marcus Evans Linguarama Language School
Cologne
01.1997 - 08.1999
School type: Adult learning
- Business English
- Reason for leaving: Greater demands placed on my working and family life
Education
A-Level - Sociology, Psychology, History of Art
Exeter College
BSc Honours - Social Science and Economics
University of Wales
GTP - Religious Studies
Kingston University
Kingston upon Thames, SurreyCertificate - Religious Studies
Culham University St, Gabriel’s Trust
Certificate of Higher Education - Health Studies, BSc. Adult Nursing
Plymouth University
Skills
- Pupil motivation
- Essay writing technique development
- Excellent classroom management
- Creative lesson plan development
- Motivating students
- Differentiated learning techniques
- Student-centred learning
- Parent and student communication
Personal Information
Title: Ms
References
Full address including postcode:
Mrs Carol Maxwell
Hailsham Community College Academy Trust, Battle Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1DT
Full address including postcode:
Dr Kathryn Hobbs
David Nieper Academy, Grange Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7JA
Telephone Number:
(0044) 1323 841468
Telephone Number:
01773 832331
Email address:
maxwellc@hccat.net
Email address:
headteacher@davidnieper.academy
How long has this person known you and in what capacity?
Since September 2021.
Assistant Head Teacher (DSL)
Line Manager
How long has this person known you and in what capacity?
Known between 2017 to 2021.
Role: Head of School (Formally Head of T&L at The Royal Alexandra and Albert School and therefore my line manager). The current Head of The Royal Alexandra and Albert School has been in post since my departure from the school.
other non-teaching employment
Employer name, address, and type of organisation
Dates
Job title, salary, full-time or full-time equivalent
From
To
The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
11/1999
09/2006
Auxiliary Nurse.
Salary: approximately £24,000 annual.
FT
Relocation to Germany
The Royal Alexandra and Albert School, Reigate.
02/2009
06/2014
Deputy Head of Boarding House (ages 16-18)
Salary: I no longer have this information.
PT alongside being the Head of Sociology and Religious Studies.
Reason(s) for leaving: To gain experience in FE
All-Days Convenience Store, Exeter.
06/1996
01/1997
Job title: Sales assistant
Salary: I no longer have this information.
FT
Reason(s) for leaving: relocation to Germany
Timeline
Head of Social Studies
Hailsham Community College Academy Trust
09.2021 - 03.2025
Head of Sociology and Religious Education
The Royal Alexandra and Albert School
09.2017 - 08.2021
Examiner for Sociology A level
AQA
05.2015 - 06.2017
Head of Sociology
East Sussex College
09.2014 - 08.2017
Head of Sociology and Religious Studies
The Royal Alexandra and Albert School
09.2009 - 07.2014
Teacher of English as a foreign language – business sector
AG Consulting Limited
02.2007 - 02.2009
Teacher of English as a foreign language – business sector
Marcus Evans Linguarama Language School
10.2006 - 02.2009
Teacher of English as a foreign language – business sector
Marcus Evans Linguarama Language School
01.1997 - 08.1999
BSc Honours - Social Science and Economics
University of Wales
GTP - Religious Studies
Kingston University
Certificate - Religious Studies
Culham University St, Gabriel’s Trust
Certificate of Higher Education - Health Studies, BSc. Adult Nursing
Plymouth University
A-Level - Sociology, Psychology, History of Art
Exeter College
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