My name is Soraya Tahir and I am a French native speaker living the UK for the last 12 years. I have most recently tutored French to GCSE students at their homes some of which are students from your school.

I have been awarded my PGCE in July 2017 (Secondary French) from Manchester Metropolitan University. Before completing my PGCE, I have achieved a Bachelor degree in Translation and Interpreting in Modern Languages (French & German) from the University of Salford in July 2015.

I have excellent subject knowledge in 11-18 age group. I am organised, punctual and I have excellent communication skill. I am fluent in French (speaking, writing, reading, listening), English (speaking, writing, reading, listening) and Urdu (speaking, listening). I also have some basic knowledge of German and Spanish.

In February 2018, I worked for Randstad. They have assigned me to various different primary and secondary schools across Manchester as a supply teacher. I found this very interesting as I had the opportunity to work in different schools and I was able to show my ability of teaching different languages and age groups. As my degree doesn’t specialise in primary teaching, I was given the possibility to teach the younger pupils which showed a passion for learning French.

In May 2018, I registered with Teaching Personnel who assigned me to work at Abraham Moss as a MFL supply teacher. I taught French to KS3 and KS4 students and I also taught German to a Year 7 group. Abraham Moss is a mixed school with children from different backgrounds. While working at the school, I was dealing with a lot of challenging behaviour. I used different strategies such as the three strikes method, contacting parents or higher members of the school, as well as lunch and after school detentions. I had put in place a different reward system in which at the start of the lesson, I told students I chose a name and that I will be ringing home at the end of the school day. The student was not aware of whom it could be until they received the phone call home. This worked well for me and it built up positive behaviour throughout the lesson.
Beside challenging behaviour, I also rewarded students by praising them in person or positive phone calls home. I also like the use of sending reward cards home. I believe this encourages students to do better in future lessons and it also makes parents aware of their children’s progress.

In September 2018, I was appointed as long term MFL supply teacher at Oasis Academy. I taught French to KS3 and KS4, and Spanish to Year 7 and Year 8. I was also teaching English as an additional language to a small group of Year 10 students. Working at Oasis, gave me an excellent experience in terms of teaching subjects I had no knowledge off such as Spanish and English as an additional language. Whilst teaching at the school, I used PowerPoint presentations and other types of visuals to help pupils get a better understanding of the language. I also attended Parents Evenings which helped me develop confidence in communicating to parents regarding their children’s progress in the subject. While working at the school, I learnt that I am able to adjust in any environment and I can handle challenges very well. Alongside teaching languages, I attended departmental meetings in which I shared my ideas in teaching the subject. I planned lessons and shared them with my colleagues as I believe in helping one another and building a positive relationship with fellow teachers.

In terms of assessing students, I use different strategies. One of the strategies I use is a vocabulary test. In my opinion, a vocabulary test should be given after each topic taught as it tells the teacher how their pupils are progressing and gives a better understanding of the level of learning of each students. While working at Abraham Moss and Oasis, I used the school assessment policy by assessing students with all four skills (speaking, writing, listening & reading). Such assessment methods have helped me evaluate the student’s strengths and weaknesses in the subject. I think that it also helps the teacher to learn more about their student’s ability. From my past experience of teaching, I have found providing regular oral or written feedback is key to excellent teaching. I also ensure that homework is provided to all the students to help them in their learning.

I prefer to plan my activities which suit each individual student’s ability. I take into consideration that extensions tasks and support are added into my lessons. It helps to show me the higher and lower achievers and it also gives me a better understanding on how to tailor and plan future lessons, so that pupils achieve their targets.

During my time at Oasis Academy I put myself forward to help prepare GCSE students for their French exams at lunch times and after school. This provided students with any extra support they needed for their oral and written French GCSE Exams. Within the Languages department, I also helped a colleague in putting in place an after school movie club in which we showed students foreign movies in different languages. I have also put in place a weekly language reward system in which every week languages teacher chose a student from each year group and send a postcard to their home. Whether it was because the student had showed improvements in their learning/behaviour or made excellent progress.

I was assigned as a form tutor to a Year 9 and Year 10 group. I was given a timetable in which literacy and numeracy was taught at least once a week. During form time, I ensured to give time to discuss any on going issues whether it is in school or the current news. I monitored pupils’ progress and emphasised that they have the correct uniform and be punctual to their lessons. Every Monday, I would check student planners and made sure it was signed including any absent notes and any other important information. Sanctions were given to those who did not follow the rules.

My experience working in varied environments has enabled me to develop a range of practical skills. I am able to manage challenging behaviour effectively, conduct activities safely and communicate with people from different backgrounds. Furthermore, I am creative and enjoy making learning interesting. I am passionate about teaching French, to open up the world of languages to young people and to help them explore the many facts of the French culture. Beside teaching, I enjoy travelling and learning about different cultures. I believe my enthusiasm and knowledge of languages will enable me to succeed in this career.


Kind regards,

Soraya Tahir