Sam Palmer BSc Geography (Hons) PGCE (Spain)

During my time at university studying Geography I took part in a number of smaller research projects designed to practise practice and to give ideas for my final dissertation. When I was provided with the chance to undertake my own study project I was happy to have had funding from the British Cave Research Society who bought the four data loggers which were used.

While working at Cheddar Caves I had noticed that during particular external weather conditions the air within the cave would move, after conducting some limited research I found that this was a normal process for underground airspaces and so when I had the chance to study this further, I did. Mt dissertation was titled "Predicting the weather from underground pressure changes." The paper that I wrote was not well received at the University, or by the British Cave research society. However I had discovered a weak link between an internal cave pressure system and the external weather system. Sadly this paper was never published.

I carried out my teaching training in an international school in Spain, I trained as a secondary teacher of Geography and after my training year I took up employment as an academy based English teacher, my position working with children as young as four, proved a real challenge for me, later I concentrated on English for special purposes to the Spanish Army and later took a job teaching just adults.

Within my current position, aside from giving high quality, objective lead lessons I have also taken part in the assessment of students in terms of language level which then informs the type of course that they follow. During the time that I teach adults I have also continued to teach children on a one to one base.

The positions that I have held to date have allowed me to develop my teaching style and classroom presence, as well as classroom set up and after class evaluation.

I have proven myself to be professional and reliable as well as personable. I feel that I can work well within a team or department, but equally so on my own. As I look to the future, I can see myself continuing to teach English for now until the position I really want is available. I still harbour a hope that my University dissertation will be published and recognition will be given along with the key principles of the scientist method.

Contact:

Name: Sam Palmer
E-Mail: Sampalmer1982@hotmail.co.uk

Career Summary:

September 2010 to present:
Infoidioma Language Centre
SLP classes, military one to one and business English

Summer 2010:
Mission English
NATO STANAG Exam Preparation course for Spanish Army
4 weeks intensive.

C.P La Font, October 2009 to June 2010
I was teaching English as a second language for two hours a week in a lunch time club to children of 6 years.

Brigsol Language Academy, September 2009 to June 2010
Teaching English as a Second language within an academy setting to a full range of age groups including nursery, primary, Secondary and adults. This was a full time position.

Cambridge House Community College, September 2008 – May 2008
I was tasked with supporting the Geography department and from September onwards I was teaching a single class of IGCE Geography. I have also covered Personal social health education lessons and ICT.

English Tutor, April 2006 – September 2006: Tutor of one to one English lessons.
For this period I was tutoring friends who wished to further their English speaking. One of which went on to complete the First Certificate in English.

Cheddar Caves and Gorge, Cheddar, Somerset, April 2002 – September 2005.
Well working for Cheddar Caves I qualified as an outdoor activities instructor, leading mixed groups around a beginners caving route. I found this a challenging environment in which a number of ‘soft skills’ were developed. I was also tasked with selling the product to customers. I was also qualified as a first aider, providing initial first support to injured individuals.

Education/qualifications and training

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Non stage specific) - University of Sunderland. Distance learning course completed at Cambridge House Community College. (September 2008 – June, 2009)

Bachelor of Science with Honours in Geography – Bath Spa University, Bath. September 2005 – June 2008.

NOCN Access to higher education - Bridgwater College, Somerset. September 2004 – June 2005

BTEC National Diploma in Public Services – Strode College, Somerset. September 1998 – June 2000

GCSE (7), GNVQ Leisure and Tourism – The Blue School, Wells, Somerset. September 1995 – June 1998


Other achievements:
Local Cave Mine Leaders Award (Level 1) – Completed in December 2003.

Red Cross First aid certificate: Completed September 2003.

Interests and Activities:

While living in the UK I became interested in the hobby of caving and was very active both as a professional caving instructor and hobby caver. In January 2005, I and a team of cavers successfully opened a new route between two separate cave systems, in a cave dig that lasted a year. I also have a fondness for the outdoors and have spent many summers touring my local area, camping and walking. I also enjoy computer gaming and eating out with friends.

Personnel details and languages spoken:

Driving Licence: European, clean.
Language: English fluent, Spanish beginner.