1. Nicola Zimmer
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
+971569593719 | Skype Name; nicolazimmer | nicola105@hotmail.co.uk
Profile
An enthusiastic and engaging UK trained Teacher with QTS and four years post qualification teaching experience gained
predominantly in the subjects of Physics and General Science Key Stage 3, 4 and 5; ages 11– 18 years. Develops and utilises
innovative teaching methodologies to facilitate learning for students with a broad range of learning styles. Able to challenge,
stretch and inspire students to achieve their full potential. In addition; a robust track record of developing and implementing
extra curricular activities to broaden the learning experience and support the delivery of core learning objectives.
Core Competencies
Curriculum Subjects Taught
Physics Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4 (GCSE and IGCSE; Separate and Extended Courses)
Key Stage 5 (A Level and IBDP; IB1 – IB2 SL & HL)
Science Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4 (Applied Science GCSE)
Key Stage 5 (BTEC)
Mathematics Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4 (GCSE; Core)
PSHE/Citizenship Key Stage 3 - 5
 Create and develop robust lesson plans in l ine with the School’s Curriculum and KHDA expectations
 Experience in teaching a wide range of ability levels, including SEN and GT students
 Differentiates activi ties to suit the learning needs of students
 Implements strategies to develop independence in students, as well as the use of technology in the classroom and enquiry
based learning
 Frequent Collaboration with both fellow teachers and teaching assistants when planning units of work
 Regularly organises cross curricular studies; cross curricular link teacher for the Science Department
Extra Curricular Activities
 Debating; running an after school debate club, accompanied students to international competition “Debate Dubai” and
also acted as a judge
 World Scholars Cup; prepared students for the competition in an afterschool club and accompanied students to the
competition
 Sewing; orchestrated an afterschool sewing club, which teaches students the basic hand s ewing techniques and encourages
them to complete their own sewing projects
 Astronomy; accompanied IB2 students to an annual astronomy camp in Sharjah (UAE) to complement their Astrophysics
Option
 Badminton; ran a club with 10 -15 pupils engaged in a mini league within the club
 Key Stage 3 Science Club; demonstrated unusual experiments (e.g making bath bombs or goo), helped students to plan and
carry out their own research as extension of curriculum. Catered for all abilities with more able students encouraged to
undertake own research projects in areas of interest
Administration
 Conduct regular assessment of pupil progress , ensuring accurate records are maintained and interventions are put in place
for students where necessary
 Regularly contact parents about student progress and work with them to improve student achievement
 Frequently update Managebac and school VLE pages for classes with details of homework, upcoming assessments, useful
website links and lesson resources such as PowerPoint presentations and worksheets
 Attend and contribute to Science Department meetings and Cross Curricular team meetings

2. Professional Development
 Regularly attend school organised CPD; most recently, Enquiry Based Learning and Challenge and Pace
 Participate in sharing good practice with colleagues and peer observations of lessons
 Presented iPad training sessions at KHDA event “What Works Maths and Science 2013” and “What Worked 2013”; also
offered this as a CPD session for primary and secondary teachers at Deira Interna tional School, as well as being asked to
present a CPD session at GEMS Modern Academy
 Attended external IB training September 2013
 Prior to leaving the UK completed a Physics Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course through the Science Learning Centr e
East of England, which focused on pedagogy of teaching physics and reducing misconceptions within the subject.
 Completed Subject Knowledge Booster Sessions run on weekends both prior to and during PGCE training
 Pre PGCE training; completed a six month full time Physics Enhancement Course to develop the subject knowledge required
to teach Physics at KS3, KS4 and KS5. This included attending laboratory sessions to gain the practical skills necessary to
teach Physics up to and including KS5 and successfully completed end of unit exams and an investigation project
Teaching Experience
Physics Teacher & Year 11 Tutor Deira International School (Dubai, UAE) Aug 2013 – Present
Physics Teacher & Vertical Tutor Abbey College Ramsey (Cambridgeshire, UK) Sep 2011 – Aug 2013
Science Teacher & Vertical Tutor Brislington Enterprise College (Bristol , UK) June 2011 - July 2011
Maths Teacher & Year 7 Tutor Writhlington Secondary School (Bath and North
East Somerset, UK)
Apr 2011 - Jun 2011
Cover Teacher - KS3 & KS4
SEN & EBD
Protocol Education, New Directions Education
LTD and Now Education (Various Locations, UK)
Feb 2011 - May 2011
Teacher - Physics, Applied Science,
Science, PSHE General Studies
Churchill Community Foundation School and
Sixth Form Centre (North Somerset, UK)
Sep 2010 - Feb 2011
PGCE Placement B (Physics Teacher) Downend School (Bristol , UK) Jan 2010 - July 2010
PGCE Placement A (Physics Teacher) Lliswerry High School (Newport, Wales, UK) Sep 2009 - Dec 2009
Teaching Assistant (Science Faculty) Kingsfield School (Bristol, UK) Sep 2007 - Dec2007
Dance Instructor Pink Kitten Dance School (Bristol , UK) May 2005 - Sep 2007
Team Coordinator Unity Dance (Bristol, UK) Apr 2007 - June 2007
TaeKwon Do Instructor North Bristol TaeKwon Do Club (UK) June 2001 - Dec 2006
Education, Training and Qualifications
Science Learning Centre East of England; University of Hertfordshire
Physics Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course (part time study)
Oct 2012 – July 2013
University of the West of England
PGCE Secondary Science (Physics)
QTS Literacy, Numeracy and ICT
Subject Knowledge Booster Courses (Chemistry and Physics)
BSc Sports Conditioning and Coaching (1st Class Hons)
2009 – 2010
March 2010
2008 – 2009
2004 - 2007
Bath Spa University
Pre PGCE Training
TDA Physics Enhancement Course (full time study)
Jan 2009 – July 2009
Secondary Education
A Level - Physical Education, English Language and Literature
AS Level - Art, Biology, Philosophy and German
YMCA Level 2 Gym and Circuits Instructor Awards and Exercise and Fitness Knowledge
GCSE x 9 Grade A*- B including, Maths and English
Personal Interests
Recreational pursuits; surfing, reading, sewing and climbing
As a young adult achieved 1st degree black belt in TaeKwon Do and competed at national and international level
Nicola Zimmer | +971569593719 | Skype Name; nicolazimmer | nicola105@hotmail.co.uk 2