Fatima Waris
Shenzhen,United Kingdom, Burnley
Summary
Experienced Early Years and Primary educator with a strong background in international and multicultural settings, delivering IB (PYP), EYFS, British and Common Core curricula. Currently pursuing QTS, with a focus on strengthening practice and maintaining high standards across all areas of learning.
I design purposeful, cross-curricular lessons that combine strong phonics, clear differentiation, and real-life skills to create meaningful learning experiences. I bring creativity into the classroom through hands-on approaches such as baking and design, making learning engaging while ensuring children develop a deep understanding.
I place a strong emphasis on building genuine relationships, allowing me to understand each child’s needs and support both their academic progress and emotional development. I create a structured, consistent environment where behaviour is managed confidently, expectations are clear, and children feel secure enough to take risks and grow.
I work closely with parents and colleagues to support each child holistically and am now seeking a role where I can contribute long-term and continue to develop my practice within a supportive school community.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Homeroom Teacher
International School of Nanshan Shenzhen
Shenzhen, China
07.2025 - 07.2026
- Design and implement engaging, inquiry-based lessons (English, Phonics, STEAM, UOI and Mathematics), supporting language development and critical thinking in young ESL learners.
- Utilized EY Connect, developing new ways of teaching by connecting globally with others.
- Reflective and observation led teacher, demonstrating a strong use of Teaching Strategies GOLD, anecdotal records and learning portfolios to adapt planning responsively and meet individual developmental and language needs. Record all learning outcomes, behaviours and achievements through ManageBac, capturing accurate, meaningful documentation of student growth.
- Create an emotionally calm and nurturing classroom culture where children feel secure to take risks, express ideas and lead learning, resulting in improved independence, engagement and positive behaviour.
- Collaborate with colleagues, participating in staff meetings, curriculum development and learning opportunities to deliver against the objectives of the school.
- Actively seek opportunities to observe experienced colleagues, reflecting on best practice and applying new strategies in the classroom, contributing to a culture of professional learning and collaboration within the teaching team.
- Developed a structured open-inquiry learning programme that benefited both students and teachers by fostering collaboration, relationship-building, and meaningful learning across multiple age groups.
Homeroom Teacher
Beanstalk International Bilingual School
Beijing, China
04.2023 - 07.2025
- Delivered inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning through the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) alongside the British Curriculum and Common Core Curriculum, with a clear focus on holistic development and international-mindedness.
- Consistently adhered to WASC safeguarding standards, creating a safe and inclusive environment that promoted student welfare.
- Collaborated with colleagues, participating in staff meetings, extracurricular activities, events, curriculum development and learning opportunities to deliver against the objectives of the school.
- Contributed to policies that addressed the emotional, social and physical needs of pupils.
- Provided added value, organising school events that catered to children’s needs and abilities.
- Developed structured pacing guides aligned with clear timelines to ensure students achieved targeted learning outcomes within a required timeframe.
- Collaborated closely with families to support shared learning goals and expectations, while preparing students for external activities, enrichment opportunities, and competitive events beyond the classroom.
Teacher | Homeroom Teacher
International Sunshine Home
Xiamen, China
04.2022 - 04.2023
- Delivered the British National Curriculum across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, teaching core subjects including English, Mathematics, PSHE and Science.
- Planned and taught structured, objective-led lessons with clear success criteria and high academic expectations.
- Delivered systematic phonics instruction using Cambridge and Oxford Phonics supporting early reading, spelling, writing, and reading fluency.
- Integrated The National Geographic Our World Curriculum across English, Science, and Humanities to enrich curriculum content, develop subject knowledge, and support non-fiction reading skills.
- Used ongoing formative and summative assessment to track progress, inform planning, and support pupil attainment.
- Differentiated teaching to meet the needs of mixed-ability learners including support and challenge.
- Monitored progress and provided clear feedback to support consistent academic growth.
- Communicated effectively with parents and collaborated with colleagues to support student outcomes.
- Contributed to policies that addressed the emotional, social and physical needs of pupils.
- Provided added value, organising school events that catered to children’s needs and abilities.
- Collaborated closely with families to support shared learning goals and expectations, while preparing students for external activities, enrichment opportunities, and competitive events beyond the classroom.
Teacher | English Language Teacher
12 Institute of Education
Chongqing, China
03.2020 - 03.2022
- Skillfully personalized English instruction across the American and British curricula for pupils aged 3 - 16, fostering language acquisition, critical thinking and confidence in a multi-cultural classroom.
- Devised and led engaging lessons aligned with the EYFS and KS1 British Curricular, emphasising language proficiency, cross-cultural understanding and collaborative skills.
- Focused on differentiated instruction to address diverse learning needs, tailoring lesson plans to accommodate various proficiency levels and individual student goals.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through regular progress updates, contributing to a supportive and communicative learning environment.
Teaching Assistant
Markaz Private Girls’ School
UK
12.2018 - 12.2019
- Delivered cover lessons across KS3-KS4, following the British Curriculum and supporting SATs preparation.
- Assisted with ICT teaching, supporting students with digital tasks and lesson activities.
- Maintained strong classroom management and learning continuity during teacher absences.
- Supported pupils individually to reinforce understanding and engagement.
- Prepared classroom resources, displays and learning areas to enhance teaching and learning.
- Observed and documented pupil’s learning and development using observation notes.
Sound Editor
BBC Broadcasting House
Salford
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Worked on 'The Children In Need' programme set.
- Edited audio tracks for clarity and balanced sound quality in various projects.
- Collaborated with producers to synchronize sound effects with visual elements seamlessly.
- Utilized industry-standard software to enhance audio recordings and implement necessary adjustments.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align audio outputs with production timelines and standards.
Education
Qualified Teacher Status - QTS
University of Sunderland
UK08.2026
Postgraduate Certificate In Education (PGCE) -
University of Cumbria
Cumbria07-2025
120 Hour Teaching English As A Foreign Language (TEFL) - TEFL
Teaching Nomad
UK11-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Media, Technology & Production
University of Bradford
West Yorkshire07-2018
Skills
- International and UK Schools
- Early Years Education Lower Primary Key Stage 1 Key Stage 2 EAFL
- Curricula: International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) EYFS British National Curriculum Common core National Geographic Our World Montessori Emilia Reggio
- Phonics and Literacy Programmes: Jolly Phonics Oxford Phonics Cambridge Phonics Read and Write Inc little Wandle Letters Sounds Revised
- ERIC Kent Training (Early Years Practice and Child-Centered Pedagogy) ISS Expo PD
- GOLD Assessment Training (Observation Led Planning and Teaching Strategies)
- Inquiry Based Learning & Phenomenon Based Learning (PBL)
- Holistic Education
- Differentiated Instruction
- Assessment and Progress Monitoring
- Data Analysis
- Educational Technology Seesaw Toddle SchoolBuddy ManageBac Microsoft 365 Teams Teaching Strategies Classkick Google workspace
- Safeguarding Pastoral Care
- Collaborative Problem-solving
- Parent-teacher communication
- Instructional strategies
References
Amaury Favier
Foreign Principal
I2 Institute of Education
E-mail: amauryfavier@gmail.com
Jean Zhang
Foreign Manager
Sunshine Home Kindergarten
E-Mail: 450822384@qq.com
Allyson Mackenzie
Foreign Principal
BIBS
E-Mail: allysonmackenzie@bibs.com.cn
Michael Lattimore
Lower Primary Principal
ISNS
E-Mail: michael.lattimore@isnsz.com
Dr. Addie Loy
Head Of School
ISNS
E-Mail: addie.loy@isnsz.com
Accomplishments
SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS:
- Student Agency and Identity
- Celebrate student passions by opening opportunities for children to share interests with their peers. Including supporting a student who wished to present her ice-skating hobby through a short speech and video. Worked closely with the family and attended a practice session to strengthen home–school connections and affirm the child’s identity beyond the classroom.
- Meaningful Partnerships
- Represented schools during curriculum and document exchange meetings, travelling across China to share best practice, teaching styles and resources.
- Cultural Diversity and Creative Thinking
- Embed cultural diversity within all teachings, underpinned by a personal interest in international travel. Founded and led baking clubs and a Fashion & Reusable Design Club, designing interactive sessions that developed creativity, practical skills, collaboration and confidence. Integrated personal passions into multi-faceted lessons that reinforced language, design, mathematics and teamwork.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Natural Leader
- Inclusive and Collaborative
- Creative
- Highly Motivated
- Engaging Communicator
- Quality Orientated
- Adaptable
- Ambitious
- Hungry To Learn
Extra-Curricular
International Travel Diversity | Cultures | Customs Personal Fitness Cooking | Baking| Art| Design| Performance International Travel Diversity | Cultures | Customs Personal Fitness Cooking | Baking| Art| Design| Performance
Timeline
Homeroom Teacher
International School of Nanshan Shenzhen
07.2025 - 07.2026
Homeroom Teacher
Beanstalk International Bilingual School
04.2023 - 07.2025
Teacher | Homeroom Teacher
International Sunshine Home
04.2022 - 04.2023
Teacher | English Language Teacher
12 Institute of Education
03.2020 - 03.2022
Teaching Assistant
Markaz Private Girls’ School
12.2018 - 12.2019
Sound Editor
BBC Broadcasting House
01.2018 - 12.2018
Qualified Teacher Status - QTS
University of Sunderland
Postgraduate Certificate In Education (PGCE) -
University of Cumbria
120 Hour Teaching English As A Foreign Language (TEFL) - TEFL
Teaching Nomad
Bachelor of Arts - Media, Technology & Production
University of Bradford