GIFTY EFUA EFIINU
Leeds,UK
Summary
Experienced science educator specialising in physics, skilled in KS3 and KS4 curriculum planning and delivery. Utilises effective communication and adaptive teaching strategies to build positive student relationships and enhance comprehension through practical lessons. Focused on reflective practice and STEM enrichment, implementing behaviour management routines and assessment for learning to promote student success.
Overview
6
6
years of post-secondary education
18
18
years of professional experience
Work history
Trainee Science Teacher
Co-op Academy Priesthorpe
2026.01 - 2026.07
- Plan and deliver supervised KS3/KS4 science lessons, developing strong curriculum knowledge and effective pedagogical strategies.
- Use modelling, scaffolding, and practical demonstrations to make scientific concepts accessible to diverse learners.
- Apply formative assessment techniques to check understanding, identify misconceptions, and adapt teaching accordingly.
- Differentiate tasks and resources to support SEND, EAL, and mixed-ability pupils.
- Establish clear behaviour-for-learning routines to maintain a calm, purposeful classroom environment.
- Collaborated with mentors and science department to refine lesson planning, enhancing curriculum delivery.
- Marked assessments in line with school policy, providing constructive feedback that guided pupil progress.
- Engage in reflective practice, acting on feedback and setting clear development targets to meet the Teachers’ Standards.
- Contributed to wider school life through duties, pastoral activities, and active involvement in science-related extracurriculars.
Trainee Science Teacher
Ilkley Grammar School
Bradford, UK
2025.09 - 2025.12
- Delivered engaging Science lessons for Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 aligned with AQA curriculum, fostering student interest and understanding.
- Conducted practical demonstrations and experiments to enhance student understanding of scientific concepts.
- Assessed student progress through formative and summative assessments, including quizzes and exam-style questions.
- Provided constructive feedback to students, promoting a growth mindset and facilitating academic improvement.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies, creating a positive learning environment that supported student engagement.
Graduate Teaching Assistant/Research Associate
Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab
Kumasi, Ghana
2021.07 - 2025.07
- Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills through meticulous data handling, model development, and interpretation of research outputs.
- Collaborated with senior researchers and cross-disciplinary teams within Agricultural Innovations and Climate Science theme, contributing to successful project outcomes.
- Facilitated knowledge transfer and capacity building by participating in research discussions, mentoring peers, and supporting project development activities.
- Communicated complex scientific and technical concepts clearly to international audiences through presentations and discussions, enhancing understanding of research findings.
- Assisted in preparing technical documentation, reports, and research summaries to support project communication and dissemination.
Petroleum Chemist
Envaserv Research Consult
Accra, Ghana
2017.06 - 2021.06
- Conducted high-accuracy laboratory analyses on petroleum products including diesel, gasoline, kerosene, and LPG condensates, ensuring compliance with Ghana Standards Authority and EPA regulatory requirements and enhancing product safety.
- Performed quality-control testing using industry-standard analytical techniques such as GC-MS, FTIR, titration methods, and distillation analysis, contributing to reliable certification of petroleum samples.
- Enhanced laboratory efficiency by adhering to strict QA/QC protocols and supporting calibration routines and maintenance of analytical instruments, contributing to reliable testing outcomes.
- Supported environmental monitoring projects by analysing soil, water, and effluent samples for hydrocarbon contamination, helping clients meet environmental compliance and remediation standards.
Assistant Geophysicist
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
Accra, Ghana
2013.09 - 2016.06
- Researched and proposed improved methodologies for groundwater assessment, aiming for greater result accuracy.
- Compiled and analysed geophysical data using Microsoft Excel and Surfer for informed decision-making.
- Supported groundwater prospecting through resistivity method, enhancing identification accuracy.
Science Teacher
Swedru Happy Home International School
Swedru, Ghana
2008.08 - 2009.08
- Taught Science to JHS 1 (Year 7) through JHS 3 (Year 9), delivering engaging, curriculum-aligned lessons that built strong foundational knowledge and practical scientific understanding.
- Organised practical demonstrations and science exhibitions at major school events, fostering engagement and interest in science.
- Led the school’s Science Club, organising hands-on experiments, STEM challenges, and mini projects that nurtured creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Prepared pupils for science quizzes and competitions, enhancing confidence and critical thinking skills.
- Supported after-school study sessions and homework clubs, helping learners consolidate core academic skills and improve overall performance.
- Supervised pupils during educational trips to science-related sites, ensuring safety while facilitating hands-on learning experiences.
Education
PGCE - Secondary Education Science with Physics
Leeds Trinity University
Leeds, UK 2025.01 - 2026.01
MSc. - Petroleum Geoscience (Geophysics)
University of Ghana
Accra, Ghana 2016.01 - 2017.01
BSc. (Hons) - Physics
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Kumasi, Ghana 2009.01 - 2013.01
Skills
- Science curriculum knowledge
- Physics specialization
- Curriculum design
- Learning assessment
- Practical delivery
- Clear explanations
- Questioning techniques
- Adaptive teaching
- Behaviour management
- Positive relationships
- Effective communication
- Reflective teaching
- STEM contribution
REFERENCE
- James, Hunt, james.hunt@coopacademies.co.uk, Co-op Academy Priesthorpe
- Caroline, Neuberg, c.neuberg@leedstrinity.ac.uk, Leeds Trinity University
ACHIEVEMENTS
Biannual Postgraduate Conference 2020, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS: Presenter
17th CAS-TWAS-WMO Forum in Beijing, China: (International Center for Climate and Environment Sciences (ICCES), 17th-21st September: Presenter
Timeline
Trainee Science Teacher
Co-op Academy Priesthorpe
2026.01 - 2026.07
Trainee Science Teacher
Ilkley Grammar School
2025.09 - 2025.12
PGCE - Secondary Education Science with Physics
Leeds Trinity University
2025.01 - 2026.01
Graduate Teaching Assistant/Research Associate
Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab
2021.07 - 2025.07
Petroleum Chemist
Envaserv Research Consult
2017.06 - 2021.06
MSc. - Petroleum Geoscience (Geophysics)
University of Ghana
2016.01 - 2017.01
Assistant Geophysicist
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
2013.09 - 2016.06
BSc. (Hons) - Physics
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
2009.01 - 2013.01
Science Teacher
Swedru Happy Home International School
2008.08 - 2009.08