Ryan Ross
Inverness,UK
Summary
GTCS Fully Registered Teacher of Physical Education and First Class Honours graduate from the University of Edinburgh, experienced teaching PE across ages 9-18 (KS2-KS5 equivalent). I currently teach two National 5/GCSE-equivalent exam classes in S3 and S4 within a top-performing department, achieving an average 75% A pass rate since 2020. Known for inclusive practice, calm and effective behaviour management, and data-informed support. As an active sportsperson, I bring a performance mindset and genuine drive for continuous improvement, relishing challenge and helping strengthen a department culture where pupils and colleagues are supported to raise standards and achieve their full potential.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Teacher of Physical Education
Dingwall Academy, Highland Council
, Scotland
08.2024 - 01.2026
- Previously completed a 12-week placement at the same school (Jan-Apr 2024).
- Teach PE across ages 11-18 (KS3-KS5 equivalent); previous KS2 (ages 9-12) experience in partner primaries. School roll ~1,100.
- National 5 results: department averages 75% A pass rate since 2020; above local authority benchmarks across FSM, ASN and male/female cohorts.
- Six-week targeted support for Higher learners during non-contact time: 50% achieved A grades in end-of-unit assessments (+30% improvement).
- Department lead for a new course, aligned to the Department Improvement Plan, strengthening curriculum offer and progression.
- PE representative on a whole-school working group aligned to the School Improvement Plan, supporting rollout of a pupil progress tracking platform.
- Lead a targeted football intervention programme with a local professional club for 16 pupils, supporting improved attendance and engagement.
- Staff lead for football and badminton (30+ weekly attendance); elite squad in local and national competitions (travel and occasional overnight stays), plus inclusive tournaments and local-authority friendlies.
- Lead annual inter-house competitions (football, hockey, volleyball and sports day), building participation, teamwork and whole-school culture.
- Supported a 4-day international football trip to Madrid for ~60 pupils, maintaining high standards of supervision, communication and safety.
- Introduced 'Pupil of the Block' across primary and secondary PE to recognise effort, attitude and progress through awards and positive home communication.
- Supported professional learning by organising a two-day shadowing placement for a probationer and hosting student teachers (recommended for observation by the Primary Head Teacher due to strong routines and behaviour management).
- Practitioner enquiry on feedback (whole-school focus): compared two approaches, used pupil voice, and shared findings with the department. Observed by a Depute Head Teacher from a neighbouring school, with highly positive feedback.
Student Teacher of Physical Education
Invergordon Academy, Highland Council
, Scotland
04.2023 - 12.2023
- Taught PE across ages 11-18 (KS3-KS5 equivalent) in a diverse school community (FSM 24%; 41% SIMD 1-2).
- Inclusive PE across lower and upper secondary; differentiated tasks and support for mixed-ability groups, including learners with ASN/SEN.
- Clear routines, modelling and structured lesson delivery to maximise engagement and learning time.
- Behaviour management through consistent expectations and positive relationships; positive feedback from the Principal Teacher and department.
- Regular professional dialogue and structured peer observation to refine pace, questioning and pupil engagement.
- Following excellent placement reports, the school expressed a formal preference for my return as a probationer, in line with Scotland's externally allocated probation process.
Education
First Class Honours Degree - Physical Education
University of Edinburgh
09.2020 - 07.2024
Highers (Level 6) - PE and English
Alness Academy
01.2019 - 01.2020
Skills
- Inclusive PE (KS2-KS5) - Differentiate for mixed abilities and ASN/SEN to maximise participation and progress
- Behaviour management - Calm, consistent routines and relationships; recognised by senior leaders for a strong learning climate
- Exam PE teaching - National 5/GCSE-equivalent PE (S3 & S4) with secure assessment practice and moderation awareness
- Data, intervention & improvement - Excel tracking and assessment evidence to target support, drive progress and inform planning
- Curriculum & school leadership - Lead course development and contribute to whole-school improvement work
- Co-curricular & trips leadership - Lead football and badminton provision; support residential/international trips with strong duty of care
- Safeguarding, safety & communication - GTCS registered; Child Protection trained; EVOLVE risk assessments; regular parent communication
Certification
- Child Protection Training (Highland Council, Sep 2024)
- UK Disability Inclusion Training - Inclusive Practice in PE & Sport (Disability Sport Scotland, 2024)
- National 5 PE (GCSE-equivalent) - Delivery, Assessment & Moderation (Highland Council/SATPE, 2024-2025)
- SFA Coaching Award (Level 1.3) (Scottish Football Association, Mar 2025)
- Nurture Training (Highland Council, Sep 2024)
- Level 2 Fitness Instructor - In progress (The Fitness Group, Aug 2025-Present)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Teacher of Physical Education
Dingwall Academy, Highland Council
08.2024 - 01.2026
Student Teacher of Physical Education
Invergordon Academy, Highland Council
04.2023 - 12.2023
First Class Honours Degree - Physical Education
University of Edinburgh
09.2020 - 07.2024
Highers (Level 6) - PE and English
Alness Academy
01.2019 - 01.2020