Orla Murray
Ballineen,York
Summary
Enthusiastic newly qualified Primary Teacher with a solid foundation in Early Years and Primary Education. Skilled in implementing inclusive, evidence-based practices to promote literacy and play-based learning. Dedicated to enhancing pupil wellbeing and contributing to the school community through teamwork and extracurricular engagement. Gaisce Silver Award recipient, reflecting commitment to community involvement and personal growth.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Advanced School Placement
St. Mary's N.S. Enniskeane
Enniskeane, Cork
2026.02 - 2026.05
- Completed 10 weeks of professional teaching practice in both a Senior Infant classroom, and First Class classroom.
- Planned, implemented and evaluated differentiated lessons across the Primary Curriculum for Senior Infants and First Class, promoting active and inclusive learning experiences.
- Utilised the UFLI Foundations phonics programme to support the development of pupils' phonological awareness, decoding, reading fluency and literacy skills.
- Created a positive, engaging and child-centred classroom environment, incorporating play-based and evidence-informed teaching methodologies.
- Assessed pupils' learning through a range of formative assessment strategies and used assessment data to inform planning and differentiation.
- Conducted qualitative research for a PME dissertation examining teachers' perceptions of play-based learning and its impact on children's oral language and communication development, strengthening skills in educational research, critical analysis and evidence-based practice.
School Placement 2
Bandon Primary School
Convent Hill, Bandon, Cork
2025.10 - 2025.11
- Completed 6 weeks of professional teaching practice, including one week of SEN observation in a busy middle-aged ASD classroom, alongside mainstream teaching in a 4th class.
- Built strong rapport with pupils, fostering positive a positive learning environment that supported diverse needs in large a large school community.
- Assisted lead teacher in strategies to enhance student engagement and participation in classroom activities.
- Utilised constructive feedback from mentor teachers to improve teaching approach.
- Incorporated real-world examples into lessons for more relatable learning experiences.
- Attended professional development sessions to stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies. This included Tusla Child Protection Training.
Preschool Teacher
St. Mary's Preschool, Enniskeane
Enniskeane, Cork
2023.08 - 2025.06
- Facilitated development of children's social skills, promoting positive interactions with peers and adults.
- Managed classroom behaviour, ensuring a safe, respectful atmosphere.
- Enhanced children's language abilities through interactive storytelling sessions.
- Collaborated with colleagues to implement effective pedagogical approaches, enhancing overall teaching practice across the team.
- Regularly communicated with parents about children's day-to-day activities keeping them updated on their child's experience at preschool.
- Fostered parental involvement in children's education, strengthening home-school connections and enhancing student engagement.
School Placement 1
Ahiohill National School
Ahiohill, Enniskeane, Cork
2025.04 - 2025.05
- Completed 5-week placement in multigrade 5th and 6th class, gaining practical teaching experience.
- Tailored teaching methods to individual student needs, promoting an inclusive learning environment.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Developed engaging lesson plans by applying knowledge of educational theories and methods.
- Created stimulating classroom displays that fostered student creativity and engagement with subject matter.
- Fostered strong relationships with students by displaying genuine interest in their personal growth and achievements.
Education
BA (Hons) - Early Years and Childhood Studies
University College Cork
Cork 2020.09 - 2023.08
Leaving Certificate -
Maria Immaculata Community College
Dunmanway 2014.09 - 2020.06
Professional Master of Education - Level 9 - Professional Master of Education Primary
Hibernia College
Dublin 2024.09 - 2026.08
Skills
- Proficiency in the integration of 21st-century skills in teaching and learning
- Educational research and evidence-based practice through qualitative dissertation research
- Completed certification of Paediatric First Aid and Manual Handling
- Comfortable working with computers with a good knowledge of MS Word and MS PowerPoint
- Creativity and innovation in lesson planning and classroom practice
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with pupils, parents and colleagues
- Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills
- Can work under pressure, whilst maintaining patience and calm
- Recipient of the Gaisce Silver Award, demonstrating commitment, perseverance, community involvement and personal development
REFERENCES
- Diarmuid, Duggan, Principal of St. Mary's Central School, Enniskeane, Enniskeane, available upon request
- Jacqui, O'Riordan, Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies Programme, University College Cork, Cork, available upon request
WORK EXPERIENCE
St. Mary's Preschool, Enniskeane, 2022-05, 2022-06, Completed voluntary work experience in the local Preschool and continue to do so when the opportunity arises.
EMPLOYMENT
- Tisdall-Hennessy’s Centra, Ballineen January 2018-August 2023
- Worked as a deli assistant, completing orders, and interacting with customers daily.
- Improved financial skills from handling money working on the till counter.
- Interacted with customers more frequently, enhancing my social skills.
- Organised & stocked shelves during busy mornings, demonstrating ability to work well under pressure.
INTERESTS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- Community:
- Member of Ballineen Foróige Club from 2015-2020.
- Involved in organising many events for numerous charities and helped out our community any way we could - organised annual 5k run for numerous charities.
- Member of Enniskeane Camogie Club up until two years ago.
- Music:
- Significant interest in music and have attended music classes since the age of seven.
- Learning the keyboard since 2008 and completed a Higher Diploma. Learning piano since 2014 and am currently completing Grade 5.
- Was a member of the school choir, trad band and have played as a solo and as a group at the show, allowing gain of confidence in this area.
- Additional Areas of achievement:
- Completed the Bronze and Silver Gaisce awards, currently undertaking the gold award, hoping to have completed in 2023.
- Competed in the AIB Build a Bank challenge and took the role as Financial Supervisor as the first group to succeed to the National Finals in our school.
- Took part in the Mini Enterprise programme in West Cork, created activity books for children and came first in the school.
- Completed the ‘Member to Leader’ programme during my time in Foróige which allowed the development of leadership skills.
- Took part in our school’s production of ‘Grease’ during Transition Year, playing the part of a member of the ‘Pink Ladies.’
Affiliations
- I enjoy reading, music and outdoor activities. As an avid reader, I have a particular interest in children's literature and the role reading plays in fostering literacy, imagination and a lifelong love of learning. I also enjoy playing piano and keyboard, and achieving the Gaisce Silver Award reflects my commitment to personal development, perseverance and community involvement.
Accomplishments
- Gaisce Silver Award – Recognising commitment, perseverance, community involvement and personal development. Currently working on Gold Gaisce award.
- Student of the Year (Second Year) – Awarded for academic achievement, leadership and positive contribution to school life.
- AIB Build-A-Bank Programme National Finalist (2018) – Worked collaboratively as part of a student banking team that progressed to the National Finals in the RDS, developing skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving and enterprise.
Certification
- Certificate in Catholic Religious Education – Hibernia College (Results Pending)
- Paediatric First Aid Certificate (2026)
- Manual Handling Certificate (2026)
- Tusla Children First E-Learning Programme (2024)
- Gaisce Silver Award
- Diploma in Electronic Keyboard Playing
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Advanced School Placement
St. Mary's N.S. Enniskeane
2026.02 - 2026.05
School Placement 2
Bandon Primary School
2025.10 - 2025.11
School Placement 1
Ahiohill National School
2025.04 - 2025.05
Professional Master of Education - Level 9 - Professional Master of Education Primary
Hibernia College
2024.09 - 2026.08
Preschool Teacher
St. Mary's Preschool, Enniskeane
2023.08 - 2025.06
BA (Hons) - Early Years and Childhood Studies
University College Cork
2020.09 - 2023.08
Leaving Certificate -
Maria Immaculata Community College
2014.09 - 2020.06