muna dirie

I have recently completed PGCE Secondary (Biology) at the University of Manchester, in which I have built a successful teaching experience. I am currently working as a science tutor. I am eager to develop my practice in a school that has an inclusive ethos and a commitment to respect aspiration, and excellence. I want a school that prides itself on high standards of teaching and learning and I am excited at the prospect of being part of a school where I can gain experience and work with young people that are eager to study and succeed in the disciplines of biology, physics and chemistry and share my passion for the subjects with them. I hope you can see what I will bring to your school by underlining my credenIals for the posiIon and by drawing on my academic and teaching experience to date.

I am currently working as a science tutor. Despite the current situation with COVID-19 and the subsequent consequences to school lockdowns and students and staff being sent home at times for weeks at a time, I am pleased to report that I’ve persisted and enjoyed a successful completion to the programme, excelling in both the academic elements (Master’s Level Assignments) and more importantly in my classroom pracIce at Hyde High School and Xaverian College. At Hyde High School (Placement 1 and 2), I was provided with a rich variety of teaching opportuniIes. Of course, due to the restricIons because of the pandemic, I have warranted careful consideraIon to teaching strategies and the use of resources. I was able to teach both KS3 and KS4 pupils and have been typically teaching with what my subject mentor described as “great” lesson plans and resources and “great use of quesIoning (verbal and wri]en)”. Working with two GCSE classes, preparing them for GSCE Biology specificaIon. I have found that providing them with extensive pracIce with quesIons and breaking it down for them has been effecIve so far, observed in the outcomes of the recent mock exam.

I enjoy working with students of different abiliIes and have applied methods to challenge pupils of all abiliIes so that they can achieve and exceed their potenIal. I use and conInue to develop methods of assessment in the classroom that ensure engagement and good a]ainment ranging from quizzes to ‘verbal boxing’. I have also used a range of peer and self- assessment strategies on both placements and have experimented with ‘purple pen assessment’ Ime to encourage students to reflect and improve their own work and idenIfy gaps in their knowledge. Importantly, this encouraged students to take responsibility for their own learning. I use a range of formaIve assessment in the classroom that ranges from teams and individual quizzes to test subject knowledge and true/false flashcard acIviIes to test understanding and highlight areas for a]enIon. FormaIve assessment plays a central part in my planning, and I’ve come to see it as the cornerstone of the planning process.

The experience of two contrasIng school placements has been extremely valuable. From placement 3 at Xaverian College, I have worked with two A-Level classes, preparing them for the AQA A level Biology specificaIon. I have found that providing them with extensive
pracIce with quesIon types and breaking down quesIons through modelling has been an effecIve strategy. Furthermore, I have demonstrated my versaIlity in becoming equipped with also teaching BTEC ext. NaIonal Diploma in Applied Science. Whilst spending Ime working with my BTEC class in tackling evaluaIons, I have also worked hard to ensure that the content is taught was to a high standard, focusing on the assessment objecIves closely. As such, I feel ready to teach and relish the opportunity of taking full ownership of a class next year. I’ve loved the Key Stage 3 and 4 teaching too, parIcularly the opportunity to work on a new local science culture capital as well as plan lessons with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

I am eager to work with the school to run and organise extra-curricular and out-of-school field trips to museums and nature to generate interest and curiosity about science. I have already experienced a range of CPD, including strategies for EAL, KS3 and KS4 data and assessment, and PHSE in both placements. I am genuinely enthusiasIc and hardworking. I love working independently and can work in a team and support others. I believe that establishing a good working relaIonship is extremely important to build a successful department. As a recent graduate, I can acknowledge that there is still a lot to be learned, but I am keen and open to advice and feedback.

Having graduated with a merit in MSc Molecular Medicine from the University of East Anglia, I set about applying for teacher training and subsequently secured a place on the PGCE Secondary (Biology) course at the University of Manchester.

I have recently completed PGCE Secondary (Biology) at the University of Manchester, in which I have built a successful teaching experience.