Stefan Apter
Reading,Berkshire
Summary
Experienced and ambitious Curriculum leader, Geography teacher and Senior leader with a strong track record of raising academic standards, developing innovative curricula, and leading high-performing departments across both UK and international school contexts. I have extensive experience as a Head of Department and Head of Humanities, where I have successfully driven improvements in teaching and learning, implemented rigorous data tracking systems to support student progress, and built collaborative departmental cultures focused on academic excellence.
My leadership approach combines high expectations with strong pastoral support, ensuring that all students are challenged to achieve their potential while being supported as individuals. I have led the development of teaching and learning frameworks, introduced curriculum innovations, and organised whole-school initiatives that enrich students’ global outlook and engagement with the world beyond the classroom.
As a Geography specialist, I am passionate about delivering a curriculum that develops analytical thinking, environmental awareness, and global citizenship. I am committed to fostering intellectual curiosity and academic ambition in students, preparing them to succeed at the highest levels and to engage critically with the complex geographical challenges of the modern world
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Assosiate Assistant Head and Head of Geography
Reading Girls school
Reading, Berkshire
2024.09 - Current
- Managed budget allocations efficiently to ensure optimal resource utilisation.
- Led on school wide programmes for Raising standards and achievement working closely with teaching and learning leads and pastoral leads.
- Managed whole school data and assessment processes using 4matrix, Sims, Pupil progress and supported staff with data analysis and impact.
- Facilitated teacher training programmes for enhanced teaching methodologies.
- Participated actively in community outreach programmes, promoting the school's image positively in society.
- Conducted periodic performance reviews of teaching staff fostering continuous professional development.
- Collaborated with head teacher on strategic planning leading to continuous school improvement.
- Delegated responsibilities amongst faculty effectively, optimising individual strengths and abilities.
- Promoted use of technology in classrooms enhancing modern learning experiences.
- Conducted regular observations of teachers and provided constructive feedback to enhance teaching practices.
- Fostered positive work environment by implementing employee engagement initiatives.
Head of Humanities
Denla British School Bangkok
Bangkok, Bangkok
2021.08 - 2024.06
- Led the Humanities faculty (Geography, History, Business, Economics, Psychology, Travel and Tourism), overseeing curriculum development, teaching standards and student outcomes across Key Stage 2 - Key stage 5.
- Designed and implemented an academically rigorous Humanities curriculum aligned with British standards while ensuring strong progression to GCSE and A Level pathways. Following the Edexcel IGCSE Geography curriculum and Edexcel A level curriculum.
- Achieved 70% A* Results and 100* A*-B for IGCSE.
- Developed teaching and learning strategies across the department, focusing on adaptive teaching, enquiry-based learning and high levels of student engagement.
- Designed and delivered a year-long whole-school professional development programme for staff on effective adaptive teaching strategies to raise achievement and participation.
- Monitored student progress and attainment across the faculty, using assessment data to identify trends, inform interventions and support improved outcomes.
- Line-managed and mentored teaching staff, providing instructional coaching, lesson feedback and professional development to strengthen classroom practice.
- Established enrichment opportunities including Model United Nations participation and international competitions, promoting global awareness and debate among students.
- Organised and led international trips and experiential learning opportunities to support geographical and cultural understanding.
- Coordinated cross-curricular initiatives and school events, including leading the organisation of International Day, a large-scale whole-school event involving students, staff and external partners celebrating global cultures.
- Worked collaboratively with senior leadership to support wider school initiatives and contribute to the development of teaching and learning across the school.
Head of Humanities
Bohunt School Wokingham
Reading, Berkshire
2018.09 - 2021.06
- Whilst at Bohunt i was promoted from classroom teacher to head of Geography then head of faculty whilst holding extra responsibilities such as achievement coordinators and tutor during my time at the school.
- Developed line managed staff (6) in their professional development of teaching and learning, both in and outside of my specialist subject.
- Led and implemented an effective curriculum within History, Geography and Psychology.
- PGCE and NQT Mentor.
- Led trust wide INSET training days for members of staff to Geography departments in other schools around literacy, memorization and effective use of GIS and technology within the curriculum.
- Analyzed and interpreted all assessment data, using 4 matrix, effective excel/sheets tracking documents and analytical tools. This was used to inform the department on the priority groups of students that needed support.
- Led school wide incentives of teaching and learning such as memorization and literacy.
- Monitor the progress and attainment of 450 KS4 Geography students, 250 History students and 50 Psychology students, intervening and holding parental meetings where required to ensure effective progress from the students.
- Implemented a new marking policy for the department, that has been used school wide, to ensure detailed responses to marking to correct and develop depth of understanding and misconceptions.
- Digital leader for the school, implementing GIS, augmented reality, VR and intuitive apps within the curriculum to support students learning across all subjects.
- Achieved in Geography: 80% Students hitting FFT5+, 92.5% students achieving 4+, 62% students achieving 7+. Progress 8 of +1.18
- Achieved in History: 75% Students hitting FFT5+, 93% Students achieving 4+, 50% students achieving 7+. Progress 8 of +1.24
- Planned and developed the curriculum for A level, along with the school trust for the sixth form center being built.
- Fluent in any Microsoft office software, Google software including classroom, Zoom, 4matrix and SIMS.
- Football Coaching Badges- allowing me to deliver effective extra curricular sessions for students to develop their skills.
- Enthusiastic about curriculum delivery and making teaching innovative and memorable for students. Making students more resilient to failure and creating game changers for the future.
- Collaborative with teams and can lead and also use teams suggestions and ideas to build a strong ethos within a group as well as make it work more effectively.
- Delegation- can delegate appropriately to staff that would allow them to develop their teaching practice.
- Organization- All lessons, work and data organized to allow for ease of use by any member of staff in a time effective manner.
- Friendly and engaging- have built good relationships with tutor groups parents and classes parents as well as the students I teach.
- 2019-2020 - Wider responsibility of Assistant achievement coordinator looking after the Social and emotional health of students within the house (250 students from year 7-11).
- Planned whole school trips and days based around various themes and building upon the house ethos. Planned a whole school rugby tournament with various activities and creative opportunities for students incorporated within, increasing engagement from students with the house.
Education
Post Graduate Certificate in Education - Geography
University of Chester
Chester, CHW 2017.09 - 2018.06
Bachelor of Science - Geography
University of Chester
Chester, CHW 2013.09 - 2016.06
A-Levels - Geography (B), English Language (B), Performance Arts (C)
Winstanley College
Wigan, WGNH 2011.09 - 2013.06
GCSEs - 11 GCSE's Grade A-C including Maths, English, Science.
St. Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic high school
Wigan 2006.09 - 2011.06
Skills
- Qualified teacher status holder
- Data Analysis & Student Progress Tracking
- Strategic Leadership & School Development
- Organisation and planning
- Creativity in lessons
- Strong GIS, 4matrix, Sims and other systems understanding
- Pastoral Leadership
- Curriculum Design
- CPD leadership and planning
- Assessment Design & Moderation
- Sixth form experience
- Educational Technology & Digital Learning Tools
Interests
- Football
- Cricket
- Travelling and learning about other cultures and traditions
- Technology- the future of VR, AR and understanding the software and hardware behind IT.
- Socializing with friends.
- Cooking.
Certification
Gradyin Pure coaching qualification
Affiliations
- Football, Golf, Cricket
- Coding
- Model United Nations, Hiking and international travel.
Timeline
Assosiate Assistant Head and Head of Geography
Reading Girls school
2024.09 - Current
Head of Humanities
Denla British School Bangkok
2021.08 - 2024.06
Head of Humanities
Bohunt School Wokingham
2018.09 - 2021.06
Post Graduate Certificate in Education - Geography
University of Chester
2017.09 - 2018.06
Bachelor of Science - Geography
University of Chester
2013.09 - 2016.06
A-Levels - Geography (B), English Language (B), Performance Arts (C)
Winstanley College
2011.09 - 2013.06
GCSEs - 11 GCSE's Grade A-C including Maths, English, Science.
St. Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic high school
2006.09 - 2011.06