Emma Martin-Smith
Southampton,Hampshire
Summary
Accomplished educator with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and extensive expertise in curriculum planning, design, and development for KS3 and KS4. Demonstrates proficiency in pupil assessment, academic grading, and examination preparation coordination as an AQA GCSE Language Examiner. Skilled in leadership and team development, mentoring early career teachers, and fostering student engagement through effective classroom management strategies. Adept at integrating technology into educational settings using platforms like Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams. Committed to enhancing student outcomes through data analysis, targeted intervention strategies, and constructive feedback.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
8047
8047
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Head of English Department
New Forest Academy
Southampton, Hampshire
06.2015 - 08.2025
- Directed KS3 and KS4 English curriculum development, encompassing design of schemes of learning and resources.
- Directed team of English teachers, executing regular learning walks, analysing student feedback, coaching staff, and monitoring performance.
- Drove continuous improvement in GCSE results; 2024 and 2025 cohort achieved highest-ever English Language results at the school.
- Contributed to the school's Ofsted progression from 'Requires Improvement' to 'Good' in 2018 and maintained status during a 2023 deep dive in English.
- Directed departmental moderation processes and instituted strategic RAP (Raising Achievement Plan) documents focused on improving support for underachieving students.
- Facilitated and directed CPD sessions within English department, emphasising teaching and learning excellence.
- Mentored trainee teachers in PGCE and AO routes, enhancing teaching effectiveness.
- Delivered high-quality English Language and Literature lessons across KS3 and KS4, with a focus on mixed and lower-ability GCSE groups.
- Developed engaging, differentiated resources to motivate reluctant learners and support behavioural and learning needs.
- Maintained excellent classroom behaviour through clear routines and mutual respect.
- Prioritised student wellbeing and resilience-building, encouraging high aspirations regardless of starting point.
- Worked collaboratively with LSAs, SEN staff, and the exams officer to ensure students with access arrangements were fully supported.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to address student behavioural and learning challenges through proactive strategies.
- Implemented and integrated innovative teaching and assessment platforms to enhance engagement and diagnostic insight.
- Coordinated whole-school events encompassing annual Literature Festival, extra-curricular activities, assemblies, and school trips.
- Taught KS3 History classes, delivering engaging and informative lessons.
- Utilised technology, especially Google software, to design impactful teaching strategies and enhance monitoring processes.
- Enhanced and practised role in Instructional Coaching.
- Managed resources effectively, ensuring availability of necessary textbooks and reference materials for teachers.
- Participated actively in school management meetings providing valuable input on educational strategies from an English perspective.
- Supported school staff by implementing behaviour management strategies for improved student conduct.
- Conducted lesson observations to evaluate teaching performance and deliver constructive feedback.
Teacher of English
Hounsdown
Southampton, Hampshire
09.2025 - Current
- Conducted regular assessments of pupil's work, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Used technology effectively in the classroom to modernise teaching practices.
- Prepared students for standardised tests, contributing to their successful performance.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance, supporting administrative tasks.
- Provided additional intervention for GCSE pupils.
- Mentoring ECT teacher.
- Fostered a positive learning environment with clear classroom management strategies.
- Participated in whole school, and departmental, professional development.
- On-call duty to support behaviour and attendance across the school.
- Collaborated with other teachers on curriculum development, ensuring consistency across year groups.
- Optimised deployment of Microsoft Teams
AQA Examiner – GCSE English Language (Paper 2 and Paper 1)
AQA
06.2018 - 11.2025
- Marked scripts during the summer series to develop a deeper understanding of assessment objectives.
- Used examiner insight to inform classroom feedback and departmental moderation.
- Maintained full accreditation with AQA.
Education
BA (Hons) - English
University of Plymouth
PlymouthA-Levels - A Levels
Totton College
SouthamptonPGCE Secondary English - Education
University of Southampton
SouthamptonGCSEs - GCSEs
Houndsdown School
SouthamptonSkills
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- AQA GCSE Language Examiner (Papers 1 and 2)
- Pupil Assessment & Academic Grading Proficiency
- Examination Preparation Methods & Exam Preparation Coordination
- Assessment Creation & Assessment Moderation
- Reading Comprehension Techniques
- Leadership & Team Development
- Team Leadership & Performance Monitoring
- Mentoring and Coaching of Trainees and Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
- Professional Development
- Collaborative Teaching
- Progress Monitoring
- Curriculum Planning, Design, and Development (KS3, KS4)
- Student Engagement & Classroom Management
- Behaviour Management and Engagement Strategies
- Resource Creation
- Public Speaking (for assemblies, presentations, etc)
- Data Analysis and Targeted Intervention
- Progress Monitoring & Performance Monitoring
- Targeted Intervention Strategies
- Parent-Teacher Liaison & Parental Communication
- Parental Engagement
- Constructive Feedback (for students and staff)
- Excellent Organisational and Time-Management Skills
- Event Organisation (eg, Literature Festival, school trips)
- Risk Assessment
- Child Safeguarding
- Google Classroom
- Microsoft Teams
- Educational Technology (tools, platforms, and resources for classroom engagement)
References
Available on request.
Timeline
Teacher of English
Hounsdown
09.2025 - Current
AQA Examiner – GCSE English Language (Paper 2 and Paper 1)
AQA
06.2018 - 11.2025
Head of English Department
New Forest Academy
06.2015 - 08.2025
BA (Hons) - English
University of Plymouth
A-Levels - A Levels
Totton College
PGCE Secondary English - Education
University of Southampton
GCSEs - GCSEs
Houndsdown School