Bushra Farooq

Bushra Farooq

Qualified English Teacher & Curriculum Leader
High Wycombe / London
+447833838989
bushfarooq@gmail.com
Passionate and dedicated English educator with over 15 years’ experience across leading international and UK schools. Adept at delivering KS3–IGCSE and A‑Level curricula with a strong focus on language, literature and critical thinking. Currently teaching English at The Cressex Community School (Buckinghamshire) under a maternity cover and experienced in UK secondary education frameworks, familiar with Ofsted expectations. Skilled in designing engaging, inclusive lessons that raise attainment, integrate safeguarding and foster student wellbeing. Member of the Society for Education and Training (SET) and on track for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) recognition in 2026.
Skills
GCSE English Language & Literature
Differentiated Instruction
Behaviour for Learning (BfL)
Safeguarding & Pastoral Care
Curriculum Mapping & Assessment for Learning (AfL)
Curriculum Design (KS3–KS4)
CPD & Reflective Practice
EdTech Integration (Google Classroom, MS Teams)
Literacy Intervention & Differentiation
Communication & Collaboration
Work History
Nov 2024 – Present
English Teacher (Maternity Cover)
Cressex Community School — High Wycombe, UK
UK State Secondary School – Buckinghamshire
  • Delivered English Language & Literature lessons across KS3 and KS4, covering the GCSE curriculum and supporting GCSE exam readiness.
  • Ensured inclusive and engaging classroom environments by implementing Behaviour for Learning strategies and safeguarding best practices.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to plan and refine curriculum units and contributed to departmental improvement plans.
  • Monitored student progress and provided targeted interventions to raise attainment and support diverse learning needs.
Jun 2025 – Present
Supply Teacher (English / Humanities / General Cover)
Various Schools via Multiple Supply Agencies — Buckinghamshire & Greater London
  • Deliver high‑quality lessons across English, Humanities and general subjects at a range of secondary schools, including Cressex Community School, The Beaconsfield School, William Ramsey School and Windsor Girls School.
  • Adapt quickly to diverse classroom environments, maintaining positive behaviour and ensuring continuity of learning.
  • Collaborate effectively with school staff and supply agencies; consistently commended for professionalism, reliability and strong classroom management.
Oct 2025 – Present
OCR Examiner (English)
OCR — Remote/UK
  • Mark English O‑level scripts in line with standardisation guidance and mark schemes for the October 2025 examination series.
  • Meet daily quality and volume targets on the online marking platform while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
  • Ensure confidentiality and data integrity throughout the assessment process.
Aug 2025 – Present
Private Tutor — English Language & Literature
Self‑employed — United Kingdom (online and in‑person)
  • Provide 1:1 and small‑group English Language & Literature tuition to GCSE, IGCSE and AS students in the UK and overseas.
  • Plan personalised schemes of work aligned to curriculum standards; build exam readiness through past‑paper practice, targeted feedback and time‑management strategies.
  • Deliver engaging online and in‑person lessons and maintain progress tracking to support learner confidence and achievement.
Aug 2024 – May 2025
English Literature Teacher (IGCSE Students)
Bayview Academy (bva.edu.pk)
Independent Cambridge International School – Karachi
  • Taught the Cambridge IGCSE English Literature curriculum to Grades 9 and 10, developing rigorous lesson plans that fostered analytical thinking and appreciation of literature.
  • Prepared students for IGCSE examinations through targeted instruction, exam practice and detailed feedback, achieving improved pass rates.
  • Incorporated multimedia resources and cross‑curricular links to enhance engagement and understanding.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to align assessments and curriculum and organised extra‑curricular literary activities.
Jan 2018 – 2025
English Language and Literature Teacher (Class 9 – 11)
Nixor O Levels (nixorols.org)
Prestigious Cambridge School – Karachi
  • Served as Head of English, leading curriculum planning, teacher mentoring and departmental strategy across the school.
  • Developed dynamic lesson plans and interactive activities that enhanced student engagement and appreciation for English language and literature.
  • Used assessment data to personalise instruction and support individual learning needs, resulting in improved exam outcomes.
  • Created a safe, nurturing classroom environment fostering emotional wellbeing and academic growth.
  • Led workshops for parents and collaborated with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects.
  • Served as faculty advisor for the school’s literary club, promoting reading and creative writing.
2021 – 2025
Head of English – Senior School
The C. A. S. School (cas.edu.pk)
Independent Cambridge School – Karachi
  • Managed curriculum delivery and day‑to‑day operations for the senior school English department, leading a team of dedicated educators.
  • Aligned teaching strategies with best practices and educational standards, driving improvements in student outcomes.
  • Provided coaching and mentoring for teachers, fostering professional development and a collaborative culture.
  • Introduced innovative cross‑curricular initiatives to enhance student engagement and literacy.
Jan 2021 – 2025
English Language and Literature Teacher (Class 10 and 11)
The C. A. S. School (cas.edu.pk)
Independent Cambridge School – Karachi

Designed and delivered comprehensive lessons for Cambridge O level English Language and Literature. Tailored instruction to students’ strengths and areas for growth with a focus on analytical and communicative skills. Supported students’ personal development and exam preparation through targeted feedback and practice.

Aug 2022 – May 2023
Member of the Publication Committee
The C. A. S. School (cas.edu.pk)
Independent Cambridge School – Karachi

Contributed to planning and producing school publications and initiatives, collaborating with committee members to engage the school community and promote student creativity.

Aug 2018 – May 2019
Coordinator for English
Nixor O Levels
Private Cambridge School – Karachi

Led the English department’s curriculum development and assessment strategies, providing guidance and mentoring to teachers to ensure consistent and high‑quality delivery of the English curriculum.

Nov 2014 – May 2018
English Language and Literature Teacher (Class 7 – 9)
Karachi Grammar School – Middle Section (kgs.edu.pk)
Grammar‑stream British School – Karachi

Delivered engaging lessons to middle school students at Karachi Grammar School, integrating technology, differentiated instruction and cross‑curricular modules. Mentored students’ academic and personal growth, emphasising reading comprehension, writing skills and confidence.

Feb 2011 – May 2013
O level English Language and Literature Teacher
Washington International School
International Cambridge School – Karachi

Prepared students for Cambridge O level examinations through structured lessons, interactive activities and exam practice. Emphasised critical thinking, analysis and effective communication, collaborating with colleagues to develop resources and continuous assessment strategies.

Feb 2005 – May 2007
Class Teacher for Class 7
Springfield School
Primary & Middle School – Karachi

Provided a nurturing learning environment for Year 7 students, delivering cross‑curricular lessons and focusing on holistic development, positive behaviour and academic foundations.

Educational Leadership and Development Roles

Main Headline: Educational Leadership and Development Roles

  1. Curriculum Coordination and Development
    • Coordinator for Curriculum – Karachi Grammar School – Middle Section
    • Head of English Department – Washington International School
    • Coordinator for English – Nixor O Levels
  2. Teacher Training and Mentorship
    • Teacher Mentor – Karachi Grammar School – Middle Section
    • Teacher Trainer – Washington International School
  3. School Administration and Coordination
    • Coordinator for Senior School – Washington International School
    • Class Teacher for Class 7 – Washington International School
    • Member of the Publication Committee – The C. A. S. School
  4. Public Speaking and Communication Instruction
    • Oration Instructor – Washington International School
  5. English Language and Literature Instruction
    • O level English Language and Literature Teacher – The C. A. S. School
    • English Language and Literature Teacher (Class 7 – 9) – Karachi Grammar School – Middle Section
    • English Language and Literature Teacher (Class 10 and 11) – The C. A. S. School
    • O level English Language and Literature Teacher – Washington International School
Education
Feb 2022 – Apr 2024
NOCN Certification: Diploma in Education And Training Level 5
NOCN – United Kingdom
Jan 2012 – Jan 2022
Multiple Programs: Extension Trainings
Cambridge International – United Kingdom
Jan 2017 – Dec 2017
Certificate in Secondary English Language Teaching: Cambridge International
CISELT – United Kingdom
Jan 2016 – Jul 2016
Poetry Teaching Certification, ILearn: Poetry Teaching Certification
ILearn – Online Platform
Jan 2006 – Dec 2007
MA English Literature
University of Karachi – Karachi, Pakistan
Feb 2001 – Apr 2005
BBA: Business Management
Institute of Business Management – Karachi, SD
Jan 1996 – May 2001
High School Diploma
Castleknock Community College Dublin, Ireland – Dublin, Ireland
Jan 1988 – Jan 1996
Primary School
Scoil Thomais – Dublin, Ireland
Accomplishments
  • Conducting Library modules to improve literacy.
  • Develop the curriculum for Middle school learners.
  • Focus on ABL learning for all class levels.
  • Incorporate technology in teaching.
  • Increasing the oral competency of students by providing them with the ability and confidence to converse in English and express ideas and thoughts.
  • Providing students with the tools to increase writing power and the ability to think, plan and express creative thought through written prose.
  • Setting learning outcomes and facilitating learning to reach those goals.
  • Preparing students to take exams by inculcating time management skills.
  • Using a wide variety of audio/visual tools and various mediums to facilitate learning and to create an interest in learning.
  • Assessing a student; identifying any academic issues and overcoming them.
  • Develop cross curriculum modules.
  • Assessing teaching methods and providing support.
  • Setting learning standards for each grade and level of education.
  • Develop resources for the classroom for learners and teachers.
NOCN Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (Ofqual‑recognised UK teaching qualification)

Embarking on a journey of academic enrichment, I proudly achieved the NOCN Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, an accomplishment that has fortified my educational prowess and professional standing. Here's a glimpse into the enriching journey and expertise gained:

  • Versatile Skill Set: Delved into diverse pedagogical techniques, curriculum development strategies, and instructional design methodologies, equipping me with versatile skills applicable across educational contexts.
  • Specialized Focus: Focused modules such as preparing for personal tutoring roles, teaching in specialized areas, and developing teaching, learning, and assessment methodologies honed my expertise for targeted educational roles and challenges.
  • Theoretical Foundations: Explored theories, principles, and models in education and training, fostering a deep understanding of educational frameworks and methodologies essential for effective teaching and training practices.
  • Professional Development: Engaged in wider professional practice and development, nurturing a holistic approach towards education and fostering continuous growth as an educator.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Regulated by Ofqual in the United Kingdom as a recognised UK teaching qualification, this certification symbolizes adherence to high educational standards and commitment to excellence in teaching and training.

Date of Achievement: March 1, 2024
Country: United Kingdom

This diploma not only signifies academic achievement but also underscores my dedication to elevating educational standards and shaping future generations through innovative teaching practices.

Activities
  • Coaching students for MUNs
  • Conducting Annual Interhouse Debate competition (KGS)
  • Assistant producer for multiple annual plays (KGS)
  • Director of the annual play (KGS)
  • Producer of the annual play (KGS)
  • Debate coach for the house team (KGS)
  • Mentoring students for various inter‑school and external essay writing competitions (KGS)
  • Literature Projects for Project Day (KGS)
  • Liaison from the MS for the Grammarian (KGS)
  • DAWN Spelling Bee coordinator for KGS‑MS for 3 years
  • Run CPDs and focused workshops for teachers
  • Elocution events (KGS and Nixor)
  • Class debates and presentations
Social Media Influencer & Team Leader: The English Whisperer
  • Lead a team of English teachers in the development of “The English Whisperer” brand, serving as a platform for online and physical teacher training sessions.
  • Conduct training sessions for educators in Pakistan and abroad to enhance their skills in alignment with new curricula and changes in educational standards set by bodies such as Cambridge International.
Professional Memberships
  • Member – Society for Education and Training (SET), United Kingdom
  • Currently undertaking Professional Formation towards Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status (expected 2026)
Areas of Interest
  • Writing short stories and poetry
  • Reading historical fiction
  • Travelling
  • Water sports
  • Cooking
  • Painting
  • Singing and playing various multiple instruments
Citizenship and Work Authorization

As a full citizen of Ireland, I have full legal working rights in the United Kingdom, including an active National Insurance (NI) number. I currently reside in the UK at postcode HP11 1** with my family as a permanent resident.