Delivered a practical workshop on designing engaging lessons that focused on clear learning intentions, purposeful activities and strategies that promote active student participation. Guided teachers through techniques such as modelling, retrieval practice, collaborative learning and effective questioning to raise progress and motivation. Demonstrated how to structure lessons for clarity and flow, how to adapt tasks for mixed ability groups and how to embed literacy and analytical thinking throughout. Provided ready to use templates and examples, and facilitated discussions on what makes a lesson meaningful, efficient and enjoyable for students.
Workshop Leader
Jennifer Brennan
Native English speaker from Ireland, with an International Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Anthropology. With my background in the theatre and arts, I have long standing passion for poetry and literature, in my teaching I aim to foster that passion in my students. I’ve taught English from Grades 1 through 12, specialising in the high school years from Grade 7 to 12. Experience includes teaching English Literature to Key Stage 3 and 4, while serving as lead planner for years 7 to 11. This involved shaping yearly schemes of work, syllabus plans and curriculum maps. As lead planner a key part in raising KHDA ratings in both Primary and Secondary English Departments from Good to Very Good in both my previous schools. Regularly delivered CPD sessions on progress, attainment and effective pastoral practice. Planned and led school wide literacy events including poetry competitions, debates and creative writing activities.
Now, as the MYP/DP Head of English, I lead the English department across both programmes, ensuring clear curriculum design, consistent standards and strong student progress. The role involves shaping the MYP language and literature framework, overseeing DP course delivery, setting assessment routes and ensuring alignment with IB criteria. It includes monitoring attainment data, guiding teachers through moderation, and implementing interventions to raise outcomes. I aim to support staff through coaching and training, leads standardisation, manages resources and ensures vertical progression from MYP into DP. The role also involves fostering analytical thinking, academic honesty and independent inquiry while maintaining a department culture built on clarity, consistency and high expectations.