Fearghal McLarnon
Belfast,Antrim and Newtownabbey
Summary
I am an enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher with an excellent teaching presence. I am passionate in creating a warm, calm, and welcoming classroom where all pupils feel safe and enjoy their lessons. I am efficient at using humour and nurture to ensure all learner’s feel included in lessons. I am committed to understanding the whole school ethos and wider community and use this to inform my teaching practice. I have a proactive, flexible, and highly reflective teaching style. In addition, I am confident and calm when dealing with challenging behavioural issues and prioritise implementing core routines and positive relationships, restorative conversations, and praise with pupils to de-escalate challenging situations.
Furthermore, I have a keen interest in working with learners with SEN and have gained valuable experience and knowledge in this area through my time as a teaching assistant, youth worker and SEN teacher. In addition to teaching SEN Primary and Secondary, I have taught History, English and Geography in secondary education. As an MA in History holder I aspire to work towards getting my work published in the Irish Historical Studies Journal.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work history
Teacher (Secondary Education)
St. Louise's Comprehensive College
Belfast, Antrim
11 2024 - 2026.04
- Taught KS3 and GCSE English and History, focusing on textual analysis, critical writing, source evaluation, and historical enquiry.
- Took part in school community by coaching ks3 boys GAA, and teaching GCSE Revision classes for History. Moreover, planning and delivering KS3 History Club lessons and activities. Taught lessons and modelled parliamentary debating for students selected for European Youth Parliamentary Regional Debate.
- Plan and deliver engaging lessons aligned with curriculum standards and clear learning objectives.
- Adapt teaching methods and incorporate digital resources to support diverse learning styles and maintain high levels of student engagement.
- Took part in parent-teacher meetings discussing pupil progress and potential areas for improvement.
- Establish structured, positive classroom environments with clear expectations and effective behaviour management.
- Organise physical learning space to promote collaboration, focus, and student independence.
- Design and administer assessments to measure progress and understanding.
- Provide timely, constructive feedback to support improvement and track student performance closely to inform future planning.
- Offer additional tutoring and targeted support to meet individual learning needs.
- Encourage critical thinking through dynamic activities that build confidence and active participation.
- Maintain regular communication with parents and guardians regarding academic progress and classroom engagement.
- Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development, share best practice, and contribute to whole‑school initiatives and professional development.
- Manage administrative responsibilities including accurate record‑keeping for attendance, grades, and academic progress.
- Support school events and contribute to wider extracurricular programme.
- Stay updated on educational developments to continually refine teaching practice.
- Deliver tailored SEN support through structured scaffolding and step‑by‑step learning strategies.
- Work closely with support staff and parents to monitor pupil needs and adapt interventions effectively.
Special Educational Needs Teacher
Harberton Special School
Belfast, Ireland
08 2023 - 11 2024
- Created and delivered bespoke lesson plans to best meet student needs and aid positive progress towards educational goals.
- Utilised Makaton to support students with communication difficulties.
- Built positive, supportive relationships with students to develop feelings of confidence and security in classroom environment.
- Aided students educational, behavioural and emotional development through attention autism and learning through play.
- Planned learning strategies, activities and materials to reflect needs of individual students.
- Team taught with classroom assistants and other teachers to modify and implement curriculum and develop pupils social and emotional skills.
Student Teacher
St. Macher Academy
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
2023.02 - 2023.05
- Balanced university-based study alongside weekly teaching duties.
- Implemented tracking tools to evaluate academic successes and areas in need of improvement.
- Planning & delivering well-structured lessons which engage, immerse & motivate students.
- Creating and managing resources effectively
- Achieved and maintained high standards of care and education.
- Ensured all health and safety policies are implemented and adhered to.
- Planning, preparing, and reviewing school curriculum with other staff.
- Teaching to a range of Key Stages KS3/4/5
- Established classroom routines and expectations
- Stimulated critical thinking through effective questioning.
- Administered assessments and standardised tests to evaluate student progress.
- Utilised technology to enhance student education and comprehension.
Student Teacher
Banchory Academy
Banchory, Aberdeenshire
2022.09 - 2023.02
- Planning & delivering well -structured lessons which engage & motivate students.
- Supporting school in delivering curriculum effectively.
- Managing resources effectively .
- Achieving and maintaining high standards of care and education.
- Planning, preparing and reviewing school curriculum with other staff.
- Teaching to a range of Key Stages KS3/4.
- Ensuring there is effective and well maintained classroom management to ensure that classroom is peaceful and safe place of learning.
- Fulfilled demands of work-study placement with classroom organisation, building deeper understanding of field and gaining professional experience.
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
Youth Worker
John Paul II Youth Club
Belfast, Antrim
2022.07 - 2022.08
- Fundraising.
- Reporting.
- Event Planning.
- Youth Risk Assessment.
- Group Leadership.
- Program Implementation
Teaching Assistant
St. Joseph's College
Belfast, Antrim
2020.11 - 2022.06
- Worked compassionately and sensitively with one to one with various SEN/ASN Students to boost their confidence and academic achievement.
- Cultivated close working relationships with students, teaching staff and parents, working collaboratively to achieve exam success.
- Cultivated close working relationships with students, teaching staff and parents.
- Helped teachers with lesson plan development, class preparation and student mentoring.
- Supervised students to maintain adherence with health and safety requirements, inside and outside classroom environments.
- Supervised students in wider school environments, offering reliable dining room, library and playground support.
- Established effective classroom routines by providing high-quality practical support to teaching staff.
Education
PGDE - History
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen 08/2022 - 07/2023
Master of Arts - History
Queens University Belfast
Belfast 09/2019 - 11/2020
Bachelor of Arts - History
Queens University Belfast
Belfast 09/2016 - 06/2019
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma - Vehicle Technology
Belfast Metropolitan College
Belfast 09/2012 - 06/2014
A-Levels - ICT
Hazelwood Integrated College
Belfast 09/2010 - 06/2012
GCSEs -
Hazelwood Integrated College
Belfast 09/2005 - 06/2010
Skills
Core Skills:
- Creative Lesson Planning
- ICT Efficient
- Resource Creation
- Exam Preparation
- Performance Evaluation
- Pastoral Care
- Classroom Management
- SEN - Worked extensively with a range of students with moderate to severe learning difficulties This includes children with various Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, Not limited too but including ADHD, dyslexia, ASD, Dyspraxia and EAL
- First Aid
- Sports Summer Scheme
Personal Skills:
- Approachable
- Student centred
- Team orientated
- Organised
- Time Management
- Communication
- Leadership
Hobbies
- Play guitar
- Read novels and historical books
- Read historical and political academic journals and articles
- Sports - Football, Gaelic, Training
- Summer scheme
- Travelling - Europe and America
References
Niall Bentley
Department Head at Banchory Academy
niall.bentley@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Hannah Smith
Department Head at St. Macher Academy
HSmith@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Hollie Gibson
Teacher at St. Macher Academy
HoGibson@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Timeline
Student Teacher
St. Macher Academy
2023.02 - 2023.05
Student Teacher
Banchory Academy
2022.09 - 2023.02
Youth Worker
John Paul II Youth Club
2022.07 - 2022.08
Teaching Assistant
St. Joseph's College
2020.11 - 2022.06
PGDE - History
University of Aberdeen
08/2022 - 07/2023
Master of Arts - History
Queens University Belfast
09/2019 - 11/2020
Bachelor of Arts - History
Queens University Belfast
09/2016 - 06/2019
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma - Vehicle Technology
Belfast Metropolitan College
09/2012 - 06/2014
A-Levels - ICT
Hazelwood Integrated College
09/2010 - 06/2012
GCSEs -
Hazelwood Integrated College
09/2005 - 06/2010
Teacher (Secondary Education)
St. Louise's Comprehensive College
11 2024 - 2026.04
Special Educational Needs Teacher
Harberton Special School
08 2023 - 11 2024