Natalie Caruth
Dubai,UAE
Summary
A UK-qualified and highly motivated primary teacher with proven experience leading curriculum innovation and design; assessment; and strong teaching across KS2. Passionate about inspiring curiosity, creativity and academic excellence through inclusive, evidence-informed practice. Skilled in curriculum design, data-driven differentiation, and staff development. Committed to maintaining high expectations while celebrating the individuality of every learner.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
UKS2 Curriculum Lead, Head of Science, Y6 Teacher
GEMS Metropole Al Waha
Dubai, UAE
08.2024 - Current
- KHDA rated ‘Outstanding’ in formal observations and lesson dips
- Lead Primary Science through KHDA and BSO inspections (first school to be awarded BSO Outstanding in the first 2 years of opening)
- Implemented a new primary science curriculum, improving teacher confidence, coherence and progression across year groups
- Mentored a winning team of children - Primary STEM and Creative Thinking competition in GEMS Cluster
- Successfully completed impact cycle on improving children’s questioning
- Rolled out summative assessment for KS2 in Working Scientifically (based on the science action plan, derived from NAPs), analysed data to drive improvement
- Part of the curriculum team who rolled out new GEMS initiatives (Teach like a GEM, Read like a GEM) and school curriculums (Confidence and Curiosity Curriculum)
- Directed UKS2 curriculum implementation and monitoring across a team of 12 teachers
- Lead CPD on curriculum design and “Working Scientifically”
- Used baseline, formative and summative data to successfully personalise for groups of learners (ELL, Emirati, SEND, G&T)
Head of Primary Science and Class Teacher
St Barnabas and St Philip's C of E School
London, UK
09.2023 - 08.2024
- Successfully led teaching staff in improving Working Scientifically throughout the curriculum
- Gained PSQM for the school
- Led the subject through an Ofsted 'Shallow Dive' during inspection, whereby the school was awarded 'Good'
- Undertaking, planning and delivery of CPD for teachers and senior leaders (vision and values; the importance of cultural capital; achieving greater depth in writing KS2; Working Scientifically)
- Delivery of high-quality, personalised teaching and learning (including children with no English, EAL, refugees, children with no/little prior schooling)
- Responsible for administration of statutory testing (Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check, Year 6 SATS)
- Promoting wellbeing, mindfulness and good physical, emotional and mental health through NHS pilot project: CUES-Ed and liaisons with external agencies (Educational Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapists, Mind Charity, Ukrainian Education Support Worker, Visual Impairment Support)
- Completion of 2-year ECT induction period
- Data analysis and clear plans of how I will adapt teaching and learning accordingly
- Planning and delivery of regular, relevant educational visits including risk assessment
- Consistent implementation of school’s behaviour policy including adaptations, where appropriate (for example, sensory breaks and additional praise for children with SEMH)
- Hosting and mentoring of PGCE Students from Middlesex and Roehampton University
- Implementation of technology into teaching (iPads, use of AI)
Initial Teacher Training
Field Court C of E Infant School
Gloucester, UK
01.2021 - 04.2021
- During the Covid-19 Pandemic, I planned, prepared and delivered lessons for a focus group of Key Workers' children, including all subjects in the National Curriculum for England
- Worked safely within the guidelines for safe practice during the pandemic
Education
Bachelor of Education - Primary Education
University of Gloucestershire
Cheltenham, UK 09.2018 - 07.2021
A Level - English Literature, Media, Graphics with Art
Fullbrook 6
Surrey, UK 09.2016 - 07.2018
GCSE - Graphics; English Literature & Language; Maths; Core & Advanced Science; Art; History; RE; Spanish
Fullbrook School
Surrey, UK 09.2011 - 07.2016
Skills
- Deep knowledge of curriculum design and implementation, particularly in Primary Science
- 'Outstanding' teacher in both UK and UAE schools
- Planning, preparation and delivery of CPD to key staff
- School trip leadership
- Mentoring of student teachers
- Data analysis informed personalisation and teaching
- Highly organised, excellent attendance and punctuality
Affiliations
- Long distance running (including London Marathon 2024 for NSPCC); Fundraising (£2,200 for National Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Children); Adventure, travelling and adrenaline filled activities (including paragliding over Cape Town and a skydive!)
Recently Undertaken CPD
Primary Science Quality Mark, May 2023 onwards
London Diocesan Board of Schools RE, May 2023
New To Year 6, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, September 2023
RWI phonics: Speed Sounds, October 2023
Middle Leadership Development, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, September 2023
Achieving GDS in KS2 Writing, November 2023
Achieving GDS in KS2 Reading, November 2023
New to Governing: Staff Governor, November 2023
Apple Classroom, October 2024
Sparking Curiosity and Improving Questioning, February 2025
Teach like a GEM, September 2025
Ongoing Middle Leaders training, GEMS Metropole Al Waha, September 2024-present
Additional Experience
English and Maths Teacher, Plan My Gap Year: Sri Lanka
Student Ambassador, Social Media Ambassador, E-Mentor and delivery of the ‘Student Life’ talk, University of Gloucestershire
Receptionist, Fullbrook School
After School Club Assistant, Pyrford Primary School
Maths and English Tutor, Kumon
Adult leader and Lord Lieutenant Cadet, Girlguides
Fundays Leader, Pyrford Church of the Good Shepherd
Student Mentor, Fullbrook School
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
UKS2 Curriculum Lead, Head of Science, Y6 Teacher
GEMS Metropole Al Waha
08.2024 - Current
Head of Primary Science and Class Teacher
St Barnabas and St Philip's C of E School
09.2023 - 08.2024
Initial Teacher Training
Field Court C of E Infant School
01.2021 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Education - Primary Education
University of Gloucestershire
09.2018 - 07.2021
A Level - English Literature, Media, Graphics with Art
Fullbrook 6
09.2016 - 07.2018
GCSE - Graphics; English Literature & Language; Maths; Core & Advanced Science; Art; History; RE; Spanish
Fullbrook School
09.2011 - 07.2016