Matthew Kirkham
Dudley,West Midlands
Summary
Dynamic educator with experience in lesson planning and curriculum development. Inspires student engagement through innovative teaching methods and promotes critical thinking in history. Assesses student progress meticulously, driving academic improvement and providing tailored support for diverse learning needs. Dedicated Housing Advisor with strengths in client relationship management and welfare support. Builds trust through empathetic communication, guiding clients through complex issues such as homelessness and mental health challenges. Delivers comprehensive housing advice, facilitating access to stable accommodation and empowering clients towards independence. Compassionate individual with exceptional rapport-building skills. Demonstrates working knowledge of safeguarding principles. Promotes positive behavioural change for healthy lifestyle. Familiar with risk management practices and skills development.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Housing Advisor
Wolverhampton City Council
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
01.2024 - 09.2025
- Participated in team meetings and training sessions to enhance professional development and service delivery.
- Built trusting relationships with clients, offering emotional support and guidance through challenges.
- Conducted regular welfare checks and risk assessments to maintain safety and well-being of clients.
- Managed administrative duties, such as report writing and maintaining accurate client records.
- Navigated complex cases involving substance misuse, mental health issues, and homelessness.
- Built trusting client relationships by displaying in-depth understanding of client needs and providing ongoing support.
- Liaised and maintained good working relationships with external contacts to facilitate referrals, support and payments and create positive organisational image.
- Encouraged service users to be independent and active members of society.
- Delivered housing advice and assistance, helping clients secure stable and suitable accommodation.
History Teacher
Parrs Wood High School
Manchester, Greater Manchester
09.2023 - 01.2024
- Prepared unit and lesson plans for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines and common core standards.
- Led after-school history club, inspiring students to explore historical topics beyond the curriculum and develop research skills.
- Adapted teaching methods to meet changing needs of classes and individuals.
- Improved student grades through ongoing motivation and providing constructive feedback.
- Interacted with students and promoted orderly classroom environment to support learning and inclusion.
- Utilised classroom management techniques to create a positive and focused learning environment, promoting respectful student interactions.
- Advocated for the importance of history in developing informed and critical citizens, participating in curriculum review committees.
- Integrated technology into lessons through interactive presentations and online resources, making history accessible and engaging for digital natives.
- Assessed student progress through regular assignments, quizzes, and exams, providing constructive feedback to support academic growth.
- Held revision sessions to help students revise for exams.
- Implemented formative assessment strategies to monitor student understanding and adjust teaching approaches accordingly.
- Communicated student progress, improvements required and targets to parents.
History Teacher
St George's School
Birmingham, West Midlands
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Prepared unit and lesson plans for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines and common core standards.
- Adapted teaching methods to meet changing needs of classes and individuals.
- Improved student grades through ongoing motivation and providing constructive feedback.
- Utilised classroom management techniques to create a positive and focused learning environment, promoting respectful student interactions.
- Interacted with students and promoted orderly classroom environment to support learning and inclusion.
- Provided one-to-one tutoring to struggling and underachieving pupils.
- Marked students' homework and mock exams, providing clear feedback.
- Provided tailored support for students preparing for public examinations, focusing on exam techniques and content mastery.
- Organised and participated in extracurricular programmes, social activities and sporting events.
- Collaborated with colleagues in developing interdisciplinary lessons, linking history with subjects like English and Geography for a holistic education.
- Assessed student progress through regular assignments, quizzes, and exams, providing constructive feedback to support academic growth.
Trainee Teacher
The Royal School
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Shadowed and observed teachers throughout lessons to obtain knowledge of best teaching practices and techniques.
- Implemented behaviour management techniques to maintain a positive and productive classroom atmosphere.
- Engaged in reflective practice to evaluate teaching effectiveness, seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Boosted learning and knowledge by attending regular training and workshops and applying new expertise within lessons.
- Inspired students to become more engaged by demonstrating practical curriculum application, passion and dedication.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to integrate interdisciplinary teaching methods, enhancing students' learning experiences.
Retail Assistant
Tesco
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
06.2020 - 08.2021
- Kept shelves neat, clean and organised through visual merchandising.
- Maintained a tidy and safe shopping environment, following health and safety guidelines.
- Handled customer inquiries and complaints with professionalism, offering solutions to meet their needs.
- Greeted customers upon entry, offering assistance and guidance to enhance shopping experience.
- Managed stock levels on the shop floor, ensuring availability of products and sizes for customers.
- Rotated stock on shelves, reducing stock waste and minimising store losses.
Retail Assistant
Waitrose & Partners
Stourbridge, West Midlands
08.2017 - 09.2018
- Kept shelves neat, clean and organised through visual merchandising.
- Maintained a tidy and safe shopping environment, following health and safety guidelines.
- Handled customer inquiries and complaints with professionalism, offering solutions to meet their needs.
- Greeted customers upon entry, offering assistance and guidance to enhance shopping experience.
- Rotated stock on shelves, reducing stock waste and minimising store losses.
- Processed transactions efficiently at the till, including sales, refunds, and exchanges.
Waiter Bartender
Blakelands Country House
Bobbington, South Staffordshire
10.2015 - 08.2017
- Served customers efficiently in a fast paced environment, enhancing dining experience and satisfaction.
- Maintained cleanliness and organisation of the bar area, adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Greeted new customers and offered immediate seating assistance.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of food, drinks and menus to answer customer queries.
- Handled customer complaints with professionalism, resolving issues promptly to ensure satisfaction.
- Mixed drinks and served wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages for multiple guests simultaneously.
Barback
Barley Mow
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
02.2014 - 10.2015
- Assisted bartenders in setting up and maintaining bars, ensuring smooth service delivery during peak hours.
- Kept bar clean, presentable and hygienic by conducting thorough deep cleaning throughout service.
- Regularly restocked the bar with garnishes, straws and napkins.
- Monitored stock levels, placing orders for supplies before depletion to avoid service disruption.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham01-2021
A-Levels - History, Law & Sociology
Wombourne High School
Wombourne01-2018
Skills
- Client relationship management
- Risk assessment
- Housing advice
- Administrative reporting
- Classroom management
- Curriculum development
- Student assessment
- Lesson planning
- Team collaboration
- Emotional support
- Creative problem solving
- Subject knowledge
- Instructional adaptation
- Educational technology
- Research skills
- Positive attitude
- Conflict resolution
- Active listening
Languages
English
First Language
Certification
First Class Honours Degree
NQT certified
First Aid Certified
Hobbies and interests
- Hiking
- Travelling
- Film
- Reading
- Sports
Reason for Gaps in Employement
September 2018 - June 2020
During the first two years of university, I decided to focus on my university studies to ensure that I left with the best results possible.
September 2025 - Present
Due to the pandemic, I never got the opportunity to travel. I believe that travel broadens the mind and I was fortunate enough to be able to take some time off and travel across Europe to immerse myself in different cultures to return as a more well rounded and determined individual seeking new exciting opportunities.
Timeline
Housing Advisor
Wolverhampton City Council
01.2024 - 09.2025
History Teacher
Parrs Wood High School
09.2023 - 01.2024
History Teacher
St George's School
09.2022 - 05.2023
Trainee Teacher
The Royal School
09.2021 - 05.2022
Retail Assistant
Tesco
06.2020 - 08.2021
Retail Assistant
Waitrose & Partners
08.2017 - 09.2018
Waiter Bartender
Blakelands Country House
10.2015 - 08.2017
Barback
Barley Mow
02.2014 - 10.2015
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Nottingham Trent University
A-Levels - History, Law & Sociology
Wombourne High School