Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Helen Needs

Tiverton,Devon

Summary

Dedicated, proficient and passionate teacher with expertise in deepening understanding of RE concepts while fostering an inclusive, critical thinking based learning environment. Committed to using innovative strategies including digital tools to ensure all children can find the subject appealing and relevant. Over 25 years of pastoral experience as a class teacher and committed involvement in many wider school activities.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Religious Education Lead

Bishop Henderson Primary School
Taunton, Somerset
2015.09 - Current

Designing a broad, balanced, and sequenced RE curriculum that aligns the Diocesan syllabus.

Monitoring the teaching and assessment of RE teaching.

Supporting colleagues in their teaching of RE.

Managing the RE budget and organisation of resources.

Promoting our church school's ethos and fostering links with local faith groups.

Working with the head, governors and staff to prepare for SIAMS inspections.

Participating in local RE hubs.

Class Teacher

Bishop Henderson
Taunton, Somerset
2000.09 - Current

Teaching creative and interactive lessons that cater to diverse learning needs.

Maintaining a positive learning environment and safeguarding the well-being of every child.

Monitoring, assessing and reporting children's progress.

Participating in regular CPD.

Leading extra curricular activities such as times tables, Bible story and sports clubs.

Helping at school community events.

Religious Education Specialist Teacher

Bishop Henderson Primary School
Taunton, Somerset
2022.09 - 2024.09

Teach and assess RE across the primary phase.

Use engaging methods such as story-telling, artefacts, food, visits and visitors to support children in understanding complex and abstract concepts.

Guide children in exploring the 'big' questions about life, beliefs and values; fostering critical thinking, empathy and respectful debate.

Humanities Lead

Bishop Henderson Primary School
Taunton, Somerset
2005.09 - 2015.09

Guided curriculum development, monitored teaching and assessment, managed resources and lead CPD.

Class teacher

Okehampton Primary School
Okehampton, Devon
1999.09 - 2000.08

General Year 5 class teacher duties as an NQT.

Part-time Nursey Nurse Assistant

Ministry of Defence
Abbeywood, Bristol
1997.09 - 1999.04

Supported the social, emotional and physical development of 0-5 year olds; main duties included feeding and hygiene routines, guiding play and communicating with parents.

Education

Education

Bath Spa University
Bath
1995.09 - 1999.06

A-Levels - History, English and Economics

Okehampton College
Okehampton, Devon
1993.09 - 1995.06

GCSEs -

Okehampton College
Okehampton, Devon
1991.09 - 1993.06

Skills

  • Subject Knowledge: Thorough and up-to-date understanding of religions and non-religious worldviews

  • Pedagogy: Facilitate sensitive discussions, adapt teaching and question effectively

  • Communication: Explore concepts in accessible and experiential ways and work collaboratively with colleagues Classroom management: Good time keeping and organisation Effective use of positive strategies to maintain a purposeful learning environment

  • Personal: Emotional resilience and patience, alongside empathy and passion

Affiliations

  • Reading, swimming, walking, cycling and church activities.

Timeline

Religious Education Specialist Teacher

Bishop Henderson Primary School
2022.09 - 2024.09

Religious Education Lead

Bishop Henderson Primary School
2015.09 - Current

Humanities Lead

Bishop Henderson Primary School
2005.09 - 2015.09

Class Teacher

Bishop Henderson
2000.09 - Current

Class teacher

Okehampton Primary School
1999.09 - 2000.08

Part-time Nursey Nurse Assistant

Ministry of Defence
1997.09 - 1999.04

Education

Bath Spa University
1995.09 - 1999.06

A-Levels - History, English and Economics

Okehampton College
1993.09 - 1995.06

GCSEs -

Okehampton College
1991.09 - 1993.06
Helen Needs