Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Learning
References
Timeline
Generic

Helen Wailoo

Evie,Orkney Islands

Summary

Experienced and committed language teacher with a proven track record of delivering high-quality education in different schools and contexts. Undertakes continuous professional learning to improve pupil outcomes, develop curriculum design and build capacity within staff teams. Enjoys the challenge of working within the changing landscape that is education. Personal values align with the Scottish Government's policy and approach to closing the attainment gap. Excellent interpersonal skills- friendly, approachable with a sense of humour.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Principal Teacher Modern Languages Stromness

Orkney Islands Council
Stromness, Orkney Islands
08.2005 - Current
  • Planning for and monitoring delivery of progressive courses in French and German. This includes National Qualifications in Senior Phase as well as implementation of 1+2 language policy in BGE.
  • Fostering inclusive learning environment with clear communication and positive reinforcement to ensure high levels of pupil engagement and attainment.
  • Building an effective team to support above.
  • Undertaking critical self evaluation of performance and planning for improvement in line with whole school priorities.
  • Mentor to Probationary teachers in Modern Languages and English departments
  • Undertaking Professional Reviews.
  • Working with SQA for German courses undertaking verification activities as subject nominee and marker for Higher German.
  • 2021-22 Acting Principal Teacher of English ( to cover post holder's absence)
  • Leading Literacy Working Group to develop approaches to teaching and assessing Literacy across all departments in the school.
  • 2015- 17 Acting Depute Headteacher, Stromness Academy as Head of Year for S1-S3, Faculty Head for several departments and responsibility for Attendance Management, Wider Achievement, Course Choice and Transitions

Head of Modern Languages, Yardleys School

Birmingham City Council
Birmingham, West Midlands
09.2000 - 07.2005
  • Teacher of German and French Years7-11
  • Planning and monitoring the delivery of French, German, Urdu and Panjabi in line with local and national priorities.
  • Undertaking staff review (appraisal) to support individual staff development and thus department and school improvement.
  • Organise residential and day trips abroad.
  • Head of Year 10 (approximately 120 pupils) monitoring attainment and working with key staff to plan support for individual and groups of pupils. Liaison with school staff, parents/carers and external agencies to support individual pupils and sometimes their families.
  • Equal Opportunities Coordinator linked to head of year role as well as leading CPD for staff in cultural norms and learning needs for pupils and families from this diverse school community

Head of Modern Languages: Chessington

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Chessington, Kingston upon Thames
01.1999 - 07.2000
  • Teacher of German and French Years7-11
  • Planning and monitoring the delivery of French and German in line with local and national priorities.
  • Evaluating and planning for improvement within the department taking into account local and national priorities.
  • Undertaking staff review (appraisal) as part of the process of staff development to support improvement and change.
  • Mentor to newly qualified teachers in the department.
  • Sixth Form Tutor: providing pastoral support to young people and supporting them with applications, including UCAS.
  • Planning and liaising with staff to deliver cross curricular projects.
    Organising day and residential trips abroad.

Assistant Team Leader: Languages, Sinfin

Derby City Council
Derby, Derbyshire
01.1996 - 12.1998
  • Assistant Team Leader for Modern Languages with responsibility for German.
  • Form Tutor Year 7-9-responsibility for the 30 or so young people in my form group, monitored attainment, dealt with discipline issues, delivered the PSE programme.
  • Developed schemes of work with differentiated materials- overarching aim of improvement in attainment.
  • Organised day trips and residential trips to France and Germany

Teacher of German and Russian, St Benedict School

Derby City Council
Derby, Derbyshire
09.1991 - 12.1995
  • Teacher of German and Russian to Years 7-13
  • Planning and developing progressive courses across all ages and ability ranges, including meeting the needs of pupils with visual impairment ( school had enhanced resource status)
  • Form Tutor - developing and delivering PSE programme
  • Organising school trips to Germany

Education

PGCE Modern Languages - German and Russian

University of Sheffield
Sheffield
09/1990 - 07/1991

Bachelor of Arts - German and Russian

Wolverhampton Polytechnic
Wolverhampton
09/1986 - 06/1990

Skills

  • Experienced teacher of languages across different schools and contexts
  • Continuous professional learning with focus on improving outcomes for learners and understanding developments and changes in education
  • Effective communication with various audiences in written and spoken form
  • Able to form positive and productive working relationships with a range of stakeholders
  • Leadership skills which focus on building capacity within teams including whole school and authority level
  • Well organised, resilient and able to manage high workload
  • Able to work independently as well as part of a team
  • Sound judgement based on evidence and experience



Professional Learning

Leading from the Middle ( National College of School Leadership, England)


A one year course which I completed in 2004 aimed at developing middle leadership knowledge and skills whilst also exploring leadership behaviours. I undertook an improvement project focusing on improving pupil outcomes and the capability of my team. Although I undertook this training some time ago- I still draw on much of the content in my work now and this in turn has led me to undertaking further personal research into leadership and management behaviours.

Date 31/07/2004


Building Racial Literacy Education Scotland

Result
Completed December 2022

In undertaking this course I learnt about the nuances of racism and anti racism, anti racist curriculum development and how to embed this in schools. I am now working as an Anti Racist Mentor to strengthen knowledge and understanding amongst colleagues at school, authority and potentially country wide level. I am collaborating with colleagues across Scotland to look at the particular challenges  associated with this work in more remote regions of the country.


References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Principal Teacher Modern Languages Stromness

Orkney Islands Council
08.2005 - Current

Head of Modern Languages, Yardleys School

Birmingham City Council
09.2000 - 07.2005

Head of Modern Languages: Chessington

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
01.1999 - 07.2000

Assistant Team Leader: Languages, Sinfin

Derby City Council
01.1996 - 12.1998

Teacher of German and Russian, St Benedict School

Derby City Council
09.1991 - 12.1995

PGCE Modern Languages - German and Russian

University of Sheffield
09/1990 - 07/1991

Bachelor of Arts - German and Russian

Wolverhampton Polytechnic
09/1986 - 06/1990
Helen Wailoo