Student Comments about my teaching.

Mr. Grimshaw is an excellent teacher. I love his classes because he`s very passionate about his subject, and he likes to transfer that passion to his students, he wants us to like English as much as he likes it.
He has really fun ways of teaching, like watching movies and videos or reading different fun types of stories. I especially love when he teaches poetry because he knows a lot of interesting poets and he knows different, original authors. Sometimes you`re having so much fun that you`re learning without noticing.
Besides he has a great personality, he makes you laugh and he`s very understanding with each of his students. We`ll miss you Mr.G!!!
Camila Rodriguez Year 9


With Mr. Grimshaw I’ve learnt more than with any teacher in my entire life. He is passionate, enthusiastic and takes special care on making his lessons interesting and fun. He is a wonderful tutor too. I had a great time during his lessons and even during register because he is always smiling and ready to begin. He is supportive and understanding with everyone and is constantly trying to improve, he takes our opinions and ideas seriously and his teaching method is really effective: have fun and make learning accidental, yet very real.

I don’t think I will ever have a better tutor or English teacher, thanks to him I improved my writing enormously an enjoy poetry and literature even more. He helped me craft some of the best pieces of work I’ve done. Who is going to teach me about Shakespeare’s plays Sir?! Don’t Go!!!!!!!

Not only is he an incredible teacher, he is an incredible friend and human being. I cannot thank you enough for everything that has happened during these 2 years so I‘ll just stop here. We love you Sir you are the best!
Andrea Mariana Islas Year 9


Mr. Grimshaw is a great teacher, especially when it comes to poetry! He has great ideas for his classes and he knows how to make them really fun. Every class we learn something new, interesting and entertaining; just by the way he gives his classes you can tell he loves what he does.
It’s really bad that he’s going, it will be a very big loss for the school, and we’ll miss him a lot. Mr. Grimshaw knows very well how to work with his students, he really tries all the time that they understand him and we do (most of the time, if not we only give him a wave.) Mr. Grimshaw is not only a great teacher he is also a great tutor because he is very understanding and he can be a great friend.
I really hope he’ll visit us because we will miss you Sir!!!
Rebeca Ruiz Year 9


Mr. Grimshaw is the best English teacher and tutor I’ve ever had, his classes are really interesting and the two years he had been here I learned the most. He makes his classes interesting and fun; I learn the best his way. He’s not just a great teacher, he’s a great friend. You can always count on him for homeworks, personal problems, and that’s what makes him the best Tutor and teacher. He’s really passionate to his work.
Maria Ortega Year 9


Mr. Grimshaw was an extraordinary English teacher; he taught me a lot and in a very fun way this past two years. He is also an excellent tutor and couldn’t ask for a better one we always have fun in both English and tutor periods.
I’d really like if he could stay a lot more in Mexico but he has made up his mind and decided to go to Vancouver. I really think he has got a great opportunity over there like he had here in Mexico he wanted to go and learn about that new culture. I do think whom ever he teaches English will do greater than they have with past teachers ‘cause he does know how to teach. He taught me the conjugations of all tenses and I did well on both exams after those “boring” classes of grammar.
We also did many activities which I’ll miss because I really don’t know if I’ll get to do them with the next English teacher, in all of the reading activities we have done a lot of team work and he encourages us to work with different people every time and although our class is not big, every time I got to know someone better than before. The final projects were always outstanding and when we had to do an essay by ourselves, we wouldn’t really get bored because they would be about themes we care or take some interest to. I wish him a lot of good luck over in Vancouver and really see him as a friend as well as an extraordinary teacher.
Carlo Sanabria BetancourtYr.9

Pupils' Work

I decided that a great way to increase ICT provision in class was to use blogging

The great advantages for 'Digital Native' pupils is that they can benefit from the glory of the internet.

They can:

Share their practice
Use the blog as a peer marking tool
I can set work and revision for pupils
I can share my work and practice with them
They can use the net to participate in improving learning.
They can show their work to whoever they want parents and friends
And more...

Check out our site.

www.edronglish.blogspot.com

I think it adds a real dimension to teaching and learning:


www.edronglish.blogspot.com

Year 13's giving a serious appraisal of my IB teaching

Richard Gwyn: a few old photos preparing Devised and Scripted pieces for AQA GCSE

Castlerigg Manor: 2 Years as a youth worker

Critical Skills: The students must work in groups and use their talents to produce their own accomplishment with all the teaching points too

This is my Year 9's producing a presentation using Critical Skills

Curriculum Vitae

Edmund Grimshaw

“It’s great to have a good lesson, it’s even better to have a great education”

http://edmundgrimshawcv.blogspot.com/2007/03/curriculum-vitae.html

Interactive C.V. can be located at the following address. Includes: some taster pictures, videos, students comments

Date of birth: 21/06/1978

EDUCATION

Swansea University UK Secondary PGCE: English/Drama Sept 02 - Sept 03

Cardiff University UK Post Graduate Certificate Teaching Oct - Dec 2001 English as a Foreign Language

Bangor University, Wales BA Honours English Literature 1996-1999

St John Rigby Sixth Form A Levels - English, French, Psychology 1994-1996

St Joseph’s RC High School 9 GCSE’s: A-C 1989-1994

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

St John's Independent School Kitsilano Vancouver, Canada Sept 08 – Aug 2010

After establishing my qualifications in Vancouver BC Canada , I was offered a position at a reputable independent school in Vancouver that was undertaking the application to become an IB school. I have successfully sought approval for A1 English to be taught at MYP and Diploma level commencing in 2010.

Achievements:

· Taught Provincially governed curriculum in English, Drama and Socials, Grade 8 through 12

· Completed Level 1 Training for IB A1 Diploma and MYP Level 1 English.

· Received acceptance of application for IB Diploma Programme in A1 and A2 English Diploma.

· Extra Curricular activities included: Coach of Senior Football team, Golf team, Tennis Coach and a successful Poetry Slam Competition which had the support of the VanSlam community of Poets.

· Staff association leader 2010/2011

The Edron Academy, Mexico City Teacher of English Aug 2005- Aug 2007

It’s difficult to qualify two years in Mexico that had such a profound effect on my professional career as well as my personal development. My main responsibilities have been as an English teacher and a form tutor. The two things that are really at the heart of what I love to do.

Achievements:

· Leading Staff training sessions in IT usage, critical skills and incorporating Drama into curriculums

· Trained in Critical Skills classroom practice in promoting learning to learn skills.

· Whole school ICT innovation– podcasting and blogging in the classroom.

· 93% A-C rate at IGCSE

· Assistant director in school performance of ‘Chicago’

· Co- assistant in designing Gifted and Talented programme within the school.

St Richard Gwyn UK English Teacher/Subject leader: Drama Sept 03 – Mar 05

Teaching English Language/Literature and Drama classes for Key Stage 3 and 4 including all responsibilities associated with the position.

I was my responsibility to establish and maintain a new Department for Drama – this included sourcing materials through innovative means, such as costumes, scripts, and a drama room. The department now has full schemes of work, costumes, props and sound & stage equipment

I was also responsible for management and forecasting of yearly departmental budgets

Achievements:

· Raised the standards in both English and Drama; achieving higher performance at GCSE than previous years.

· Ensured an element of Drama was included in all liturgical festivals and collective worship

· Took a Year 11 class through the entire GCSE Drama course in one year and achieved 75% A*-C including one A* and three A’s.

· Responsible for theatre trips.

· Employed peripatetic theatre troops to work with students.

· Involved students in extra roles for the British film industry, notably a BAFTA film production

Various Supply Posts North West of England Apr 05 July 05 Sept- Dec 07

I various transitions between moving countries I have undertaken supply work in the North West of Englandas well as in several private schools in Vancouver. I have taught mostly English and Drama but some mixed subjects too. I was offered a full time position at three schools during these periods because of my hard work. All the schools have added to my diverse experiences and have improved my ability to adapt my practice.

Non-teaching:

Various Agencies UK, Canada, Norway Private Tutor:

On a number of occasions I have worked as a private tutor either part time or in addition to my full time work. I have taught young people and adults for variety of exam systems as well as qualifications in English as a foreign language.

IB (International Baccalaureate) Script Supervisor (TEMP) Jan 2002 – June 2002

My duties included the training and supervision of 35-50 members of staff, which ultimately increased my ability to manage groups of people at different ages and abilities. I was responsible for managing the workflow of the department and the checking of IB papers in preparation for moderation.

Various Temporary Positions(TEMP) Aug 2001 – Oct 2001

Outreach Youth Worker

Whilst awaiting the start of the PGCE I undertook various temporary roles.These positions meant increasing productivity within tight deadlines as well as working in a close net team. I also worked with disaffected children within a low achieving school.

Castlerigg Manor, Cumbria Youth Tutor Aug 1999 - July 2001

My responsibilities included on-site management of hospitality for guests staying in the accommodation. As a Youth Tutor, and course leader, my chief duties meant supporting 40 Catholic schools in the North West of England. My responsibilities as a tutor involved designing, facilitating and managing tailor-made courses aimed at broadening students personal, spiritual and social education at Key Stage 3 / 4 and post 16.

Other part time posts include: being a postman, working in bars, working on a ski mountain driving large machinery.

TRAINING

IB Diploma/MYP A1 /A2 Languages training level 1 Rice University Houston, Texas

Form Tutor & Teaching pupils with Special Needs Dragonfly Inset

White Board use in the classroom Swansea University

Improving Drama at KS3/4 National Theatre London

Teaching to different Learning Styles Training Dragonfly

NQT Induction Training Vale of Glamorgan LEA

Certified examiner for English for AQA WJEC GCSE, IGCSE CELTA, IB Diploma A1, A2.

Hobbies and Interests:

I have a eccelectic taste in literature and a real love of poetry, both reading and writing

I love the mental release of sports these include, football, golf, tennis, snowboarding, I love the gym and mountain climbing which help to take time out to wind down after school.

I have also coached football, tennis, golf teams with great success in each.

Additional Information

Mountain Leadership Keswick Mountaineering Club June 2000

First Aid and basic hygiene Certificate. Morrisons Supermarket, Bolton May 1996

Safe in our Care Diocesan Certificate Castlerigg Manor Sept 1999

References:

Upon request