OLIVIA WHITWORTH - RHODES
Mirfield,West Yorkshire
Summary
I am a third-year student at Huddersfield University completing a Primary Education Degree covering ages 3-11. I am a very self-motivated individual with a positive, 'can-do' attitude. Due to my work experience both in schools and my experience in hospitality, I can work very efficiently in fast paced environments, whilst remaining attentive to other people's needs. I'm a very reliable person and believe I could adapt well to any new situation I'm put in, as well as always being up for a new challenge.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Customer Team Member
Co-op Food
Scholes, West Yorkshire
06.2024 - Current
- Delivered excellent customer service to ensure repeat business.
- Boosted store morale by fostering a team-based environment.
- Ensured a clean, tidy shop floor.
- Promoted special offers and discounts to increase sales.
- Worked efficiently on tills to minimise waiting times for customers.
- Assisted in creating promotional displays to boost sales.
Student Teacher
Withinfields Primary School
Halifax, West Yorkshire
10.2025 - 02.2026
- Planned, prepared, and delivered lessons across curriculum to meet diverse learner needs.
- Managed classroom effectively, ensuring adherence to school policies and fostering positive environment.
- Liaised daily with parents and carers, enhancing relationships and sharing pupil achievements.
- Collaborated with teaching teams across two classes to ensure consistency in pupil support.
- Actively engaged in professional duties as final-year trainee, showcasing initiative and organisation.
- Reflected on teaching practice through feedback and self-evaluation, improving lesson quality.
- Took full responsibility for assessment and pastoral care aligned with school standards.
Student Teacher - EYFS
Clayton St Johns Primary School
Clayton, West Yorkshire
11.2024 - 04.2025
- Completed school-based placement in Early Years Foundation Stage, enhancing children's learning across the curriculum.
- Designed and implemented engaging learning opportunities through targeted provision planning.
- Delivered adult-led maths and literacy sessions, tailoring activities to individual learning needs.
- Organised class and whole-school performances, including assemblies and seasonal events.
- Led after-school phonics booster club to prepare children for Phonics Screening Check.
- Collaborated with staff to observe and assess children's progress, contributing to planning of next-step targets.
Restaurant Waitress/Supervisor
George's Bistro
Cleckheaton
05.2021 - 06.2024
- Delivered attentive service to customers, ensuring satisfaction and prompt assistance.
- Prepared a variety of drinks, including cocktails, coffees, and soft drinks.
- Suggested menu items based on customers' preferences and dietary requirements.
- Served as primary contact for customer complaints and inquiries.
- Conducted daily cash reconciliation for bistro till.
- Locked up premises securely at the end of each day.
- Managed staff tips, distributing them according to hours worked.
- Operated bistro floor and bar independently as required.
Student Teacher - Year 4
Fixby Primary School
Fixby, West Yorskhire
01.2024 - 04.2024
- In this placement, I built up to delivering 70% of lessons to the class.
- Planned and delivered engaging lessons aligned with national curriculum.
- Led booster sessions to prepare children for Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check.
- Adapted teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning needs of pupils.
- Developed classroom management techniques to promote positive behaviour and engagement.
- Collaborated with class teacher and staff team to enhance teaching practice through feedback.
Retail Assistant - Seasonal
JD Sports
White Rose, Leeds
10.2020 - 04.2021
- Efficiently completed shop floor duties and worked in a team setting.
- Processed product returns and refunds during extremely busy periods.
- Restocked sales floor racks and shelves with latest items.
- Addressed and resolved complex customer complaints in a calm, efficient and friendly manner.
- Became very familiar with the till system in order to use it quickly during busy periods.
Store Assistant
Fabricate
Mirfield
01.2018 - 09.2020
- Assisted in store closing tasks such as unboxing new stock and organising products on the shelves.
- Maintained flexible schedule to accommodate changing levels of demand at the store.
- Prepared the store for workshops that took place, ensuring each member had correct equipment.
- Frequently updated displays and completed stock takes.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Primary Education Ages 3-11
University of Huddersfield
Huddersfield 09.2023 - 06.2026
A-Levels -
Huddersfield New College
Huddersfield 09.2020 - 05.2022
GCSEs -
The Mirfield Free Grammar
Mirfield, Kirklees 09.2015 - 03.2020
Skills
- Strong communication and teamwork skills with staff and families
- Creative, engaging lesson planning that supports all learners
- Positive and nurturing approach to classroom management
- Organised, reflective, and responsive to feedback
- Experience in teaching KS1, KS2 and EYFS
INTERESTS
I have a strong passion for sports and fitness. I have completed a marathon and multiple Hyrox competitions and have become really invested in both sports. Through these events, I have raised over £3,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Global Health initiatives. I have found training for these events very challenging, but it has helped me develop many life skills that I believe would be very useful and transferrable to a teaching position, such as self-motivation, dedication, commitment, and determination.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Student Teacher
Withinfields Primary School
10.2025 - 02.2026
Student Teacher - EYFS
Clayton St Johns Primary School
11.2024 - 04.2025
Customer Team Member
Co-op Food
06.2024 - Current
Student Teacher - Year 4
Fixby Primary School
01.2024 - 04.2024
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Primary Education Ages 3-11
University of Huddersfield
09.2023 - 06.2026
Restaurant Waitress/Supervisor
George's Bistro
05.2021 - 06.2024
Retail Assistant - Seasonal
JD Sports
10.2020 - 04.2021
A-Levels -
Huddersfield New College
09.2020 - 05.2022
Store Assistant
Fabricate
01.2018 - 09.2020
GCSEs -
The Mirfield Free Grammar
09.2015 - 03.2020