Isabel Smith

To whom it may concern,

My name is Isabel Smith, and I am a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher of Psychology and Sociology, eager to contribute to your school’s community. Currently teaching in Poole, Dorset, I am looking to relocate to London to further my career and expand my professional skills. I have secured housing in the Wandsworth area and am now seeking a dynamic and supportive school where I can share my passion for teaching, while learning from and collaborating with experienced colleagues.

My experience in teaching A-level Psychology and Sociology, as well as GCSE Psychology, has provided me with a strong foundation in curriculum planning, assessment, and student engagement across different year groups. During my ECT years, I have demonstrated the ability to drive improvements in student outcomes, as evidenced by the significant progress in our A-level Psychology results—from an ALPS grade 7 to an ALPS grade 2—during my first ECT year. As a co-teacher, I played a key role in this success by contributing to strategic lesson planning, targeted student support, and the effective delivery of the curriculum. This experience has prepared me to teach in your Psychology department by ensuring high standards of teaching and learning.

In my teaching, I emphasise evidence-based strategies such as retrieval practice, whole-class checks for understanding, and formative assessment with instant feedback. I make it a priority to provide additional support to students who need it, ensuring that all students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), have access to the material. The goal is not to differentiate tasks, but to make the content accessible for everyone. My structured approach to lesson delivery, including modelling key skills and allowing ample time for independent practice, has proven effective in developing students’ confidence and competence in Psychology.

I actively listen to feedback on my psychology lessons and implement new strategies to improve student learning. I am always open to engaging with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities, recognizing their value in refining my teaching practice. I believe in the importance of open discussions with colleagues to share insights and collaboratively enhance our approach, ensuring we consistently improve our teaching and better support students' needs.

This year, I have taken initiative in reshaping the A-level Psychology curriculum to enhance topic sequencing. By restructuring the order of key topics, I have improved students' ability to make meaningful connections across the subject. Additionally, I am in the process of developing a structured homework plan and retrieval booklets to support independent learning, ensuring that all students, including those who miss lessons, can stay on track. These curriculum and resource development experiences will be invaluable when collaborating with the Head of Department, where I would like to contribute to refining and improving the subject’s delivery.

My role as an exam board marker for AQA Psychology and Sociology has given me an in-depth understanding of exam board expectations, enabling me to guide both students and staff on effective exam strategies. I have used this expertise to enhance exam preparation within the department, a skill that is critical in enabling success for students, particularly year 11 and 13.

Beyond the classroom, I have actively contributed to extra-curricular Psychology programs, such as accompanying trips to Health Sciences University and running weekly drop-in and revision sessions. These initiatives demonstrate my commitment to fostering a subject-wide culture of engagement and ambition, a key aspect of good teaching practice.

Additionally, I have experience in staff development, having mentored a trainee Social Sciences teacher since January. This has involved delivering CPD sessions, providing regular feedback, and supporting their professional growth through constructive discussions. My involvement in the ‘Teaching and Learning’ team has also allowed me to contribute to whole-school pedagogical improvements, such as developing and implementing a structured mini whiteboard routine to enhance lesson efficiency and reduce cognitive overload. My ability to train and support colleagues will be essential in contributing to consistency and high standards in the Psychology department.

At the heart of everything I do, safeguarding students is my top priority, something I take very seriously. I consistently adhere to the school’s safeguarding policies and will make it a point to familiarise myself with your school’s specific protocols as quickly as possible. To maintain a safe and supportive learning environment, I follow the school's behaviour management system, maintain regular communication with year offices and parents or guardians, and remain vigilant and attentive to student conversations and behaviour.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your school and to work in a vibrant, forward-thinking department. I am confident that my passion for teaching, combined with my experience and commitment to student success, would allow me to make a positive impact on your students and the wider school community. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience align with the needs of your department further.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely,

Isabel Smith

1st Referee 

Name: Sian Phillips

Job Title: Acting Head Teacher

Organisation: Poole High School

Address: Wimborne Road, Poole, BH15 2BW

Telephone number: 01202 666988

Email: s.phillips@poolehigh.poole.sch.uk

2nd Referee 

Name: Nina Godden

Job Title: Head of Psychology (also my ECT mentor)

Organisation: Poole High School

Address: Wimborne Road, Poole, BH15 2BW

Telephone number: 01202 666988

Email: n.godden@poolehigh.poole.sch.uk

I am happy for both referees to be contacted before an interview.