TEACHING/MANAGEMENT PERSONAL STATEMENT
WOULD YOU EMPLOY ME?
KNOWLEDGE
I graduated from The Institute of Education, London in 2006 and have continued my professional development, within the work context, ensuring that theoretical and practical knowledge remain current
This is especially in regard to the application of ICT to enhance the learning experience. I strongly believe that there are many benefits to the incorporation of ICT in a classroom setting, particularly with regards to the acknowledgement of different learning styles and the need now, more than ever, to differentiate teaching strategies which keep the whole group engaged and able to achieve.
PGCE placements gave me practical insight into the application of the National Curriculum and first hand experience of the OFSTED framework; since an inspection was carried out during my second teaching practice in 2005.
Every Child Matters and other key education legislation featured heavily throughout my PGCE and inspired my final research project (EBE) which investigated the level of equality in educational provision for students with Special Educational Needs.
The development of Creative Partnerships has always been a vital part of my approach to teaching. Creative Arts cannot be taught effectively if students see no connection with the practical world to which they aspire. Practitioners can bring much to the learning experience, as can cross-LA partnerships.
The most fulfilling aspect of my current position has been the development of Creative Partnerships within the community; supporting student workshops in local SEN Schools, participating in Black History Month celebrations and recent AIDS Awareness Benefits for the Terrence Higgins Trust. Students were studying the work of Jonathon Larson and, in researching his themes, developed a greater social awareness which not only enhanced their characterisation but altered the attitudes of many towards those living with HIV. Both celebrity and business support for these events was overwhelming with contributions from Kylie Minogue, Joan Baez and Stephen Fry amongst others; something which only added to the enthusiasm which students felt for the project.
EXPERIENCE
• An accomplished and experienced musician.
My performing work has been varied and interesting in that I have covered a range of styles and genres from straight theatre to operatic roles. Some of the companies for which I have worked include: Queens Company, Ars Floreat Amsterdam Baroque Consort, Mayfield Chamber Opera, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, Imperial Opera, the BBC Symphony Chorus and Edinburgh Festival Chorus. Recordings have been for Warner Brothers (as a featured soloist with Gregorian for Edel Records on the number one selling albums, Masters of Chant and Chapter II, with Sarah Brightman), ETCETERA (Vox Animae; Ordo Virtutum. Directed by Antony Rooley and featuring Evelyn Tubb), Disney (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy with Joby Talbot) and Interceptor Records (Mandalay; Empathy).
• An experienced and effective teacher.
As both a Music and Drama teacher, I have worked in a variety of educational environments, in the public and private sectors, and have met with students of every social and cultural background. My teaching work began in Private Theatre Schools which include Francis Cooper School of Dance and Drama, Kent Stage Schools (Margate and Dartford), Stagecoach Theatre Arts (Croydon, Beckenham, Oxted, Norwood, Dulwich, Marbella (Cancelada) and Gibraltar), TheatreTrain, A.C.T (Brighton), Centre Stage Schools, Stageworks and London Performing Arts Co. where I was School Manager responsible for devising, coordinating and teaching music theatre projects including West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Evita, Grease and Little Shop of Horrors.
Since completing my PGCE, in 2006, I have successfully guided learners through Associated Board, Rock School, GCSE, AS Level, OCN Certificate and BTEC First and BTEC National Diplomas.
• Experience of managing people.
School Manager for London Performing Arts Co (see above)
American Express (also above)
Greenwich Theatretrain – I was the Franchisee and School Manager for Greenwich Theatretrain which allowed for a greater creative control over the breadth of repertoire covered in all disciplines.
Recruitment and retention of staff was a priority and I made every effort to ensure a happy and supportive working environment where all staff could feel valued and respected.
Training Coordinator for American Express, Europe – My role was to devise and deliver training on Products, Processes and Systems and as Training Coordinator for New Accounts EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Asia) I had a responsibility for coordinating training with recruitment needs across the entire department. A key aspect of the role was to train potential Line Instructors and manage their teaching duties, salaries and professional development.
My current role as Musical Theatre Coordinator at Greenwich Community College involves responsibility for the coordination and delivery of BTEC ND Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) including staff recruitment and support; providing guidance and training where necessary,
Additional management experience has been through working as a director/musical director –
Directorial experience: The Seven Deadly Sins, Kurt Weill (Trinity College of Music, London); Company, Stephen Sondheim (Imperial Opera); A Little Bit of Everything – West End Revue (Various); My Fair Lady (It Takes Two); Guys and Dolls (Augmented Fourth); Artistic Director for SPILLING OIL; Musical Director for the Solotec Business Awards Ceremony and Festival of Faith (Fairfield Halls, Croydon); The Lion King, Working and Personals whilst at Greenwich Community College
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
I am committed to policies that will promote equal opportunity in all aspects of my role, regardless of age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, religion or sexual orientation.
My aim is always to ensure that no student or colleague receives less favourable treatment or is disadvantaged.
Equal Opportunities Policies offer a number of benefits to the workplace and ensure that full use is made of the talents of all members of the workforce/ student body, that the recruitment is reflective of the local community, improves motivation and performance, thereby enhancing the quality of working life.
Such policies promote best practice and therefore comply with statutory requirements under the Sex Discrimination Act, Race Relations Act, Equal Pay Act, Disability Discrimination Act, Asylum and Immigration Act, Human Rights Act and the Employee Relations Act.
My strengths are that I am able to quickly assess and act upon departmental development needs in line with current professional practise. My knowledge and experience of Performing Arts is sufficiently broad to allow for creative programme planning and innovative events organisation. I thrive on the knowledge that I have played an important role in the well being and subsequent success of both my students and their tutors, through clear leadership and setting achievable but high objectives.
