Beeleigh Language Network

MRS C. PEETERS - Hub Lead

Further to completion of A levels in German, French and English Literature, I studied for a BA Hons in English and German Literature at the University of Warwick. I spent a year working as an English Language Assistant at the Fuerstenzell Gymnasium in Passau, Germany prior to graduating in 2003.

The following year I attained a DELF 2nd Degré qualification with the Institut Francais and completed 3 months’ work experience in France. I was then employed as a European Sales Executive for an online education subscription service.

Subsequently, I embarked on study for a PGCE in MFL at Sussex University, which I completed in 2006. My first appointment was at Sunbury Manor School, teaching French and German to GCSE level. Further to attaining a TEFL Certificate and following my marriage, I spent a year in Israel learning Hebrew and working as a freelance English teacher.

I returned to the UK in 2009, first working as a Languages Teacher and International Partnerships Coordinator at Hall Mead School, Upminster and then joining Anglo European School, initially as Head of German, before being promoted to Head of Languages in 2017 and then to Assistant Headteacher in 2020. I am currently on secondment as Associate Deputy Headteacher.

I have experience of working with pupils across a wide range of abilities, from native speakers through to students with SEND. I have prepared students for the FCSE, GCSE, A level and IB qualifications.

As Head of Languages, I was responsible for a department of 22 teachers and a curriculum comprising 8 different foreign languages. My achievements in this role include curriculum redesign and implementation, extensive staff development and participation in a research project in conjunction with Cambridge University to establish how teachers might boost languages learning.

My responsibilities as Assistant Headteacher are Teaching and Learning, Performance Management and Professional Development. I also have oversight of the Literacy Strategy, ITT and ECF and management of the Arts and Technology departments as well as the school library. My achievements include development and implementation of a Teaching and Learning Policy, launch of a literacy strategy and design and implementation of an in-house coaching programme to enhance teacher development and performance.

In 2019 I completed the NPQSL, thereby underpinning my practical experience of leadership and management with strong theoretical foundations. An additional significant element to my professional development was attainment of a Diploma in Executive Coaching through the Academy of Executive Coaching (AoEC), strengthening my capability as a leader and coach.

I enjoy sharing experience with other schools and in 2021 I was appointed ELE (Evidence Lead in Education) for Essex. This role entails working closely with the Research School Network under the Education Endowment Foundation to support schools in the Essex region in school improvement matters.