Nicole Deeks
Stourbridge,United Kingdom
Summary
I am an experienced educator skilled in navigating complex educational environments, with a proven track record of leading English teams and working across mainstream, social and emotional, and further education settings. I am adept at building relationships and fostering trust through strong interpersonal skills, while effectively supporting learners and parents to overcome learning barriers. I am committed to delivering exceptional teaching and mentoring experiences through innovative lesson and curriculum planning always aiming to enhance educational accessibility and ensure students meet or exceed their potential through clear communication with colleagues and parents.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
English language lecturer
Halesowen College
Halesowen, Dudley
2025.08 - Current
- Delivered GCSE English Language lessons to resit learners as well as English Literature to 14-16 year olds.
- Assisted in setting examination papers that accurately assess the knowledge level of pupils.
- Adapted teaching style according to unique needs of each class, ensuring optimal learning outcomes for all students.
- Offered constructive feedback on written work, encouraging improvement and self-reflection.
- Conducted regular assessment tests to evaluate student progress over time.
- Prepared study materials for reinforcing key concepts discussed during lessons.
- Collaborated with colleagues to update curriculum according to latest pedagogical research findings.
- Liaised efficiently with parents during parent-teacher meetings about their child's academic performance.
- Documented and followed safeguarding concerns and strictly adhered to safeguarding policy.
AQA English Examiner
AQA
2016.06 - Current
- Worked effectively with a team leader to ensure my marking is accurate, meets the relevant deadlines and is within tolerance.
- Completed training each year which ensures I am up to date with the curriculum and marking criteria.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of all examination materials, upholding integrity of process.
- Completed all of my allocated scripts within the strict time frame given.
- Used my knowledge as a AQA examiner to help support and inform my colleagues of any key updates or changes.
Head of English
Albright Education Centre
Tipton, Sandwell
2018.01 - 2024.08
- Successfully led a team of people to provide consistently excellent teaching and support within our area.
- Coordinated parent-teacher meetings to foster better communication and collaboration.
- Collaborated with other Heads of Departments to ensure smooth running of the school's academic programs.
- Developed robust curriculum by incorporating contemporary literature for enhanced student engagement.
- Facilitated cross-departmental collaborations, enhancing interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students.
- Led teacher training sessions to improve overall departmental teaching standards.
- Fostered a positive learning environment, resulting in improved student morale and performance.
- Managed resources effectively, ensuring availability of necessary textbooks and reference materials for teachers.
- Organised extracurricular activities like book clubs to promote a love of reading.
- Participated actively in school management meetings providing valuable input on educational strategies from an English perspective.
- Oversaw pupil progress tracking systems, ensuring accurate assessment of each pupil's attainment levels and progress over time.
- Ensured consistent high academic standards with rigorous monitoring of lesson plans and grading policies.
- Led and motivated teaching and support staff to continuously improve knowledge and abilities for optimum student education and support.
- Recruited and hired qualified staff to build successful education team.
Second in Department
Earls High School
Halesowen, West Midlands
2013.01 - 2017.12
- Designed and implemented new schemes of work.
- Facilitated and led on staff development both within our department and in the wider context of school.
- Supported and worked closely with the Head of English, implementing new systems, data tracking, intervention initiatives and teacher observations.
- Supported new and developing teachers with both their classroom management and delivery of the curriculum.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Directed and oversaw a drama production which was then performed to the both parents and the wider school community.
- Worked closely the data manager to ensure specific and relevant information was extrapolated from data and assessment to help students make their required amount of progress.
- Worked with other Heads of Department to ensure students' progress in all areas of their educational journey.
English teacher
Redhill School
Stourbridge, Dudley
2010.01 - 2013.08
- Delivered English to both Key Stage 3 and Key stage 4 classes.
- Used technology effectively in the classroom to modernise teaching practices.
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans for students' improved understanding of the English language.
- Conducted regular assessments of pupil's work, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Supervised and participated in school activities enhancing community engagement and student involvement.
- Upheld high standards of behaviour within the classroom maintaining an optimal learning environment.
- Attended frequent professional CPD opportunities to ensure my teaching was always current and well-informed.
- Collaborated with other teachers on curriculum development, ensuring consistency across year groups.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance, supporting administrative tasks.
- Consistently met deadlines and completed accurate inputting of data.
- Attended frequent parents' evenings where detailed feedback was given regarding the child's progress and behaviour.
Education
PGCE - English
University of Worcester
Worcester, England 2009.09 - 2010.07
Bachelor of Arts - English
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield 2002.09 - 2005.07
A-Levels - English, Psychology, Religious Studies
Halesowen College
Halesowen 2000.09 - 2002.07
GCSEs - 9 GCSES A-C including English Language, Maths and Science
Perryfields High School
Oldbury, Sandwell 1995.09 - 2000.07
Skills
- Complex environments: I am able to navigate complex education environments, due to leading an English team and working in mainstream, social and emotional and FE settings
- Interpersonal skills: I am adept at building relationships, reading people, communicating clearly and building trust
- Motivation and support: I have and continue to support both learners and parents through learning barriers and instil confidence and motivation
- Teaching and mentoring: Delivering exceptional, interactive educational experiences
- Lesson and curriculum planning: Designing interactive and innovative lessons to enrich learning and make it accessible
- Communication: Co-operating with colleagues and parents in diverse settings to ensure the child is well supported and meets/exceeds their potential
Certification
I am currently participating in the Future Leaders Programme which is designed to develop my leadership skills further.
Timeline
English language lecturer
Halesowen College
2025.08 - Current
Head of English
Albright Education Centre
2018.01 - 2024.08
AQA English Examiner
AQA
2016.06 - Current
Second in Department
Earls High School
2013.01 - 2017.12
English teacher
Redhill School
2010.01 - 2013.08
PGCE - English
University of Worcester
2009.09 - 2010.07
Bachelor of Arts - English
Sheffield Hallam University
2002.09 - 2005.07
A-Levels - English, Psychology, Religious Studies
Halesowen College
2000.09 - 2002.07
GCSEs - 9 GCSES A-C including English Language, Maths and Science
Perryfields High School
1995.09 - 2000.07