Nicola Offord
Studio City,UAE
Summary
Driven educator with proven record in fostering positive learning environments and enhancing student engagement. Demonstrates strong leadership and collaborative skills in managing staff and developing curriculum. Committed to inspiring academic excellence and supporting holistic development of each student.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Physical and Health Education
Uptown International School Dubai
Dubai, UAE
08.2022 - Current
- Strategic overview and development of PHE curriculum including implementation of new BTEC International Level 2 Sport qualification and IB DP SEHS qualification
- Managed performance of 6 teachers, including POR holders and 1 technician.
- Facilitated ECAs in a wide number of sports, fostering a love for physical activity outside classroom hours.
- Oversaw successful delivery of BTEC International Level 2 Award in Sport, leading the June 2024 results of 66% Distinction or Distinction*.
- Invigorated curriculum and assessment design to better meet International Baccalaureate standards.
- Cultivated a positive learning environment by creating engaging physical education activities.
- Identified areas of improvement through rigorous assessment procedures resulting in raised attainment levels at MYP level
Assistant Headteacher
Waldegrave School
09.2016 - 07.2022
- Established and optimised the school calendar and timetable to cover planned needs.
- Coordinated extracurricular programmes including school trips, broadening students' educational experiences.
- Advocated for continuous professional development for staff members resulting in improved teaching quality as the Cluster Lead of NPQML for Richmond Teaching School Alliance and Specialist Leader of Education for PE.
- Optimised student educational pathways with clear advice on course choices, progression and career options through leadership of the GCSE Options programme
- Collaborated closely with the headteacher on strategic planning and decision-making processes to drive school improvements.
- Managed performance of 14 teachers and support staff, including TLR leaders.
Head of PE
Waldegrave School
09.2010 - 07.2016
- Responsibility for running PE department Year 7-13
- Strategic overview and development of PE curriculum including implementation of new GCSE/A Level specifications in 2016
- Managed performance of 5 teachers, including TLR leaders.
- Led and motivated teaching and support staff to continuously improve knowledge and abilities for optimum student education and support.
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans for improved student participation in PE.
- Overseen in improvement of GCSE PE results to 100% A-C and 58% A-A in GCSE Full course and 100% A-C and 62% A-A in GCSE Short course (Results Aug 2016)
- Coordinated the PE extracurricular programme, broadening students' sporting experiences and leading to 80% of placings in competitions being 1st or 2nd place
- Organised school-wide sports events to promote healthy competition among students.
- Edexcel Visiting Moderator for GCSE PE 2013-2022
PE Teacher
St Paul’s Catholic College
09.2002 - 07.2010
- Assistant Head of PE (June 2007- 2010)
- Staff and Student Well-being Lead Teacher (Sept 2008-Jul 2010)
- Developed an engaging curriculum for PE lessons, improving overall student participation with a particular focus on Girls PE at KS3 and KS4
- Supported department development plans to meet short-medium term goals and curriculum requirements.
- Conducted regular training sessions for school sports teams; achieved victories at local level tournaments.
- Organised inter-school sports competitions to encourage competitive spirit among students.
- Fostered a positive environment through fair play principles; promoted good behaviour amongst students.
- Trainee Teacher Mentor to graduate trainees on GTP programme within the department
Education
BA(Hons) QTS - Teaching Studies with Sport Science
St Mary’s University College
Twickenham, London 09.1998 - 06.2002
A level -
Heathside Secondary school and Sixth Form Centre
Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom 09.1996 - 06.1998
GCSE -
Heathside School
Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom 09.1994 - 06.1996
NPQSL -
National College of Teaching and Learning
United Kingdom 09.2014 - 06.2016
Skills
- Communication skills- verbal/ written
- Interpersonal skills
- Problem Solving
- Administration
- Organisation
- Computer/Word processing skills
Affiliations
- I am an experienced runner having completed 5 marathons, most recently running in the 2024 Milan marathon as well as numerous half marathons and 10ks.
- I enjoy travel, experiencing different cultures and meeting new peoplI enjoy travel and have spent time in Europe, South East Asia, America and Australia experiencing a wide range of different cultures.
Accomplishments
I was designated as a Specialist Leaders in Education for PE in 2016 by the Department of Education in the UK.
Certification
I have undertaken and completed the YMCA Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification, and the Level 3 award in Adapting Exercise for Pre and Post Natal Clients.
I have the Highfield Level 3 award in Emergency First Aid and use of AED and CPR, the Highfield Level 2 award in International Pool Safety as well as teh Safeguarding in an Aquatic environment certification.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Head of Physical and Health Education
Uptown International School Dubai
08.2022 - Current
Assistant Headteacher
Waldegrave School
09.2016 - 07.2022
NPQSL -
National College of Teaching and Learning
09.2014 - 06.2016
Head of PE
Waldegrave School
09.2010 - 07.2016
PE Teacher
St Paul’s Catholic College
09.2002 - 07.2010
BA(Hons) QTS - Teaching Studies with Sport Science
St Mary’s University College
09.1998 - 06.2002
A level -
Heathside Secondary school and Sixth Form Centre
09.1996 - 06.1998
GCSE -
Heathside School
09.1994 - 06.1996
I have undertaken and completed the YMCA Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification, and the Level 3 award in Adapting Exercise for Pre and Post Natal Clients.
I have the Highfield Level 3 award in Emergency First Aid and use of AED and CPR, the Highfield Level 2 award in International Pool Safety as well as teh Safeguarding in an Aquatic environment certification.
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