Ruth Volley
Falkirk,Falkirk
Summary
Skilled educator with expertise in multilingual instruction and a strong background in ESOL. Demonstrates advanced pedagogical skills, including differentiation and classroom management, within diverse learning environments. Committed to fostering inclusivity and supporting student success through tailored learning strategies.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
French, Spanish, Italian and ESOL Teacher
St Modan's High School
Stirling, Stirling
2022.08 - Current
- Delivered high-quality teaching from Level 3 to Advanced Higher, including tri-level classes of 30 pupils.
- Designed targeted interventions and differentiated resources to support EAL learners and pupils with ASN.
- Led the Career Ready Programme, mentoring vulnerable pupils and supporting attainment and progression.
- Coordinated the Duke of Edinburgh Award, fostering resilience, leadership and personal development.
- Mentored Modern Languages student teachers, supporting pedagogical development through coaching and reflective practice.
- Provided 1-to-1 UCAS guidance for S6 pupils, supporting university applications and personal statements.
Tour Manager & Interpreter
Music and Travel Tour Consultants Ltd
Europe, Europe
2015.06 - Current
- Led choirs and orchestras on international performance tours, ensuring artistic excellence and operational efficiency.
- Managed multi-country logistics and performed real-time interpretation, enabling seamless communication across European partners.
French, Spanish and Italian Teacher
Balfron High School
Stirling, Stirling
2016.08 - 2022.08
- Delivered high-quality French and Spanish instruction from S1 to Advanced Higher across mixed-ability classes.
- Led SQA assessment design and verification processes for N5 and Higher Spanish, ensuring full compliance with national standards.
- Introduced Languages for Life and Work qualification at S2, increasing engagement and departmental uptake.
- Led international programmes, including ERASMUS-funded cultural and work placement initiative for senior pupils.
- Contributed to whole-school improvement through membership of strategic working groups (Reading Leadership, HWB, Professional Dialogue).
- Provided pastoral care as Form Class Leader, supporting pupil progress and wellbeing, including delivery of weekly yoga sessions within the HWB curriculum.
- Established and led a whole-school Italian Club, broadening linguistic and cultural opportunities.
Volunteer ESOL Teacher & Freelance Tutor
School of English, Stirling / Private Practice
Stirling, Stirling
2019.09 - 2019.09
- Delivered targeted one-to-one ESOL instruction to learners from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
- Designed and implemented tailored lessons aligned with National Qualification requirements for secondary and university students.
French and Spanish Teacher
Stirling High School
Stirling, Stirling
2015.08 - 2016.08
- Designed and implemented comprehensive French and Spanish resources from S1 to Advanced Higher.
- Led SQA quality assurance processes, including assessment design and verification (AVU and JETs).
- Pioneered ICT-supported Advanced Higher delivery across the local authority, collaborating virtually with partner schools.
- Contributed to whole-school improvement through DSYW and Dyslexia Friendly working groups.
- Supported implementation of the Confucius Hub, promoting global citizenship and international engagement.
- Mentored pupils through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, developing resilience and leadership skills.
Freelance Translator
Translate Media Ltd, Transperfect, Global Voices.
Freelance
2012.08 - 2015.08
- Multilingual translator with 3+ years of experience delivering accurate, culturally sensitive translations from French, Italian and Spanish into English. Skilled in adapting tone and style for diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and precision. Adept at working under tight deadlines while maintaining exceptional quality.
- Delivered high-quality translations of brand marketing content, adapting tone and messaging to target markets.
- Provided specialist literary translation, preserving stylistic nuance and cultural context.
- Edited and proofread materials, improving clarity, tone, and audience engagement across diverse content.
In-house Translator, Editor & Project Coordinator
Buro Happold Ltd
Bath, Bath and North East Somerset
2006.04 - 2012.08
- Managed translation projects and coordinated cross-departmental communication within a leading engineering firm in UK and Belgium.
- Developed a terminology database in French and English for Structural Engineers in the project.
Education
PGDE Secondary Education (French & Italian) - Secondary Education
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow 2015.08 - 2016.06
CCEd Spanish - Spanish
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow 2015.08 - 2016.07
MA Interpreting & Translating - Interpreting and Translation
University of Bath
Bath 2004.08 - 2005.07
BA (Hons) International Business with French & Ita - International Business with Languages
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow 1996.08 - 2001.06
Skills
- Multilingual capabilities: French, Italian, Spanish
Expertise in ESOL instruction - Pedagogical: Advanced differentiation, classroom management, and formative assessment
- Software: Digital literacy for remote/hybrid learning and data tracking
- Soft Skills: Cultural empathy, active listening, adaptability, and collaborative leadership
Affiliations
- Regular yoga practice (wellbeing and focus)
- Hillwalking and long-distance running
- Reading widely, with a strong interest in historical fiction and translated literature
- Participation in book clubs
- Travel, language learning, and cultural exchange
Languages
English
Native
French
Fluent
Italian
Fluent
Spanish
Advanced
Portuguese
Intermediate
Leadership & Extra-Curricular Contributions
- Student Support: UCAS Tutor for S6 pupils; Mentor for final-year Student Teachers.
- Program Leadership: Coordinator for Career Ready Programme; Lead for Language Ambassadors.
- School Culture: School Improvement Group Lead for "Celebrating Success"; DofE Leader; Madrid Trip Coordinator.
- Professional Networking: Active member of the Teachers of Italian in Scotland network.
Curriculum: Led curriculum change in senior phase by introducing Higher Italian.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
French, Spanish, Italian and ESOL Teacher
St Modan's High School
2022.08 - Current
Volunteer ESOL Teacher & Freelance Tutor
School of English, Stirling / Private Practice
2019.09 - 2019.09
French, Spanish and Italian Teacher
Balfron High School
2016.08 - 2022.08
French and Spanish Teacher
Stirling High School
2015.08 - 2016.08
PGDE Secondary Education (French & Italian) - Secondary Education
University of Strathclyde
2015.08 - 2016.06
CCEd Spanish - Spanish
University of Strathclyde
2015.08 - 2016.07
Tour Manager & Interpreter
Music and Travel Tour Consultants Ltd
2015.06 - Current
Freelance Translator
Translate Media Ltd, Transperfect, Global Voices.
2012.08 - 2015.08
In-house Translator, Editor & Project Coordinator
Buro Happold Ltd
2006.04 - 2012.08
MA Interpreting & Translating - Interpreting and Translation
University of Bath
2004.08 - 2005.07
BA (Hons) International Business with French & Ita - International Business with Languages
University of Strathclyde
1996.08 - 2001.06