Olivia Smith
Manchester
Summary
I am applying for the Class Teacher position, as I am committed to supporting pupils learning development.
I am patient, enthusiastic and passionate about primary education. I strive to create a safe, positive and stimulating classroom environment where all pupils feel supported and able to succeed. I aim to inspire children to become confident, respectful and curious learners with a broad range of skills and knowledge.
Through my experience as a teaching assistant and my Primary PGCE SCITT training at Ashton College, I have developed the ability to plan and deliver creative and engaging lessons across the primary curriculum. I understand the importance of adapting and differentiating learning activities to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring appropriate challenge and support.
I manage behaviour effectively in line with school expectations and promote positive attitudes towards learning. I regularly monitor and assess pupil progress, using feedback to support next steps and improve outcomes. I am committed to creating an engaging, inclusive classroom where all pupils are supported and challenged to achieve their full potential. As a passionate and resilient Early Career Teacher, I look forward to upholding the school’s values and making a positive impact on pupils’ learning and progress.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Teacher assistant
Oakfield Primary School
Manchester
2023.09 - 2025.07
- Over several years working as a teaching assistant, I supported pupils with special educational needs. During my time, I developed a strong understanding of the importance of patience when working with pupils who experience communication difficulties. My personal experience of living with a family member with special educational needs has helped me better understand the challenges some children may face and the importance of creating an inclusive environment that meets individual needs. Supporting pupils with special educational needs has been especially rewarding, and I have developed my adaptive teaching and communication strategies to meet individual needs, ensuring all pupils can access learning and communication difficulties.
Classroom assistant
KUMON Hazel Grove
Manchester
2017.01 - 2019.07
- My passion for teaching began during my time as a classroom assistant at Kumon, where I supported children in developing their Maths and English skills. In this role, I guided pupils through their work and provided feedback to support their progress in both literacy and numeracy. Observing pupils’ enjoyment and sense of achievement was highly rewarding and set my ambition of pursuing a career in teaching.
- Roles and responsibilities:
- I assisted students in Maths and reading using centre-provided materials to support learning.
- Graded, recorded, and monitored classwork to track pupils’ learning and progress.
- Worked one-to-one with pupils with learning difficulties and adapted my teaching to meet their individual needs.
- I provided regular feedback to parents about their children’s learning stage and achievements.
- I assisted in classroom setup to promote a structured and positive learning environment.
Education
BSc (Hons) - Sport and Exercise Science
Leeds Beckett University
2019.09 - 2023.07
A-Levels - Psychology (C), Sociology (C), Physical Education (D)
Marple and Cheadle College
2017.09 - 2019.06
GCSE - Maths- 5, English literature- 5, English language- 5, Science- C, Physical Education (PE)- B, Health and Social care- Merit (B), History- C, ART- C
Marple Hall School
2012.09 - 2017.06
PGCE - Primary SCITT Programme
Ashton Sixth Form College
2025.09 - 2026.07
Skills
- Planning and delivering engaging lessons
- Monitoring pupil progress and providing effective feedback
- Working collaboratively with colleagues and teaching assistants
- Adapting lessons to meet the needs of all children, including SEND and EAL
- Classroom preparation and maintenance
- Pedagogical knowledge
- Strong behavioural management techniques
- Leadership in extracurricular activities
- Building positive relationships with the children, parents and staff
Affiliations
- My passion is physical education and I have participated in a range of sports including netball, badminton, swimming and korfball.
- Crocheting and reading
Certification
Learning to teach: becoming a reflective practitioner completed in August 2025
Prevent awareness course completed in August 2025
References
- Sharron, Galley, 0161 330 2330, Primary PGCE SCITT programme at Ashton College
- Dawn, Chamberlain, 0161 368 3365, Oakfield Primary School
- Sue, Thompson, 07760161935, Over the Rainbow
- Samar, El-Koussa, 07590542618, Kumon
Volunteer Experience
Over the Rainbow, Volunteer worker, Manchester, 2015-01, 2018-10.
Roles and responsibilities:
Raised awareness for motor neurone disease by organising and leading fundraising activities, including stalls, tombolas, and community events, thereby enhancing my communication, teamwork, and organisational skills.
I managed and organised donations within the shop, ensuring all items were carefully labelled and displayed, strengthening my skills in organisation and demonstrating responsibility, which are qualities I bring into my teaching practice.
Additional information
- Training completed:
- Flick training (01/2025)
- Safeguarding training (09/2025)
Timeline
PGCE - Primary SCITT Programme
Ashton Sixth Form College
2025.09 - 2026.07
Teacher assistant
Oakfield Primary School
2023.09 - 2025.07
BSc (Hons) - Sport and Exercise Science
Leeds Beckett University
2019.09 - 2023.07
A-Levels - Psychology (C), Sociology (C), Physical Education (D)
Marple and Cheadle College
2017.09 - 2019.06
Classroom assistant
KUMON Hazel Grove
2017.01 - 2019.07
GCSE - Maths- 5, English literature- 5, English language- 5, Science- C, Physical Education (PE)- B, Health and Social care- Merit (B), History- C, ART- C
Marple Hall School
2012.09 - 2017.06