Victoria Baird

Victoria will be based at the Streetly Centre delivering numeracy sessions, 11+ and combined literacy and numeracy to key stage 2 pupils.

Victoria has enjoyed her 15 years as a teacher in mainstream schools. She began her teaching career in London, teaching Maths and Science to secondary aged pupils.

A move back to the Midlands also saw a change in age range, teaching children aged 7-11 all subjects. Having had years of experience in senior management positions she now works on the new government intervention programme - 'Every Child Counts' which is aimed at 6-7 year olds.

During all of Victoria's inspections she has been awarded a grade of 'Very Good' or 'Outstanding'.

The end result of this drive and ambition is that pupils consistently reach exceptionally high standards by the time they leave. A high proportion of pupils reach the higher levels in reading, mathematics and science, usually more than three quarters of them.

Comments from an inspection in 2009 carried out at St.Bartholomews, where Victoria taught year 6 pupils.

Teachers plan lively, interesting lessons to which pupils respond with enjoyment and enthusiasm. Good use is made of interactive whiteboards to demonstrate and display ideas in a visually striking way . Teachers clearly expect pupils to work hard and do their best and they give pupils lots of encouragement and help to succeed. Pupils are attentive, try hard and behave well. A great strength of the teaching is the way pupils are helped to understand what they have to learn and how to improve their work. Teachers mark pupils’ work helpfully and set clear, child-friendly targets for pupils which they understand well. Targets are set and work planned on the basis of the close, regular and systematic checks made on each pupil’s progress. Pupils in need of extra help are quickly identified and a range of well devised, intensive programmes of support are given to small groups and to individuals as necessary. The help given to pupils who find difficulty with learning or behaviour is outstanding.

Comments from Bloxwich CE 2005 , where Victoria taught a year 5/6 class, led Maths and was a member of the management team.

In one particular lesson the teacher motivated her pupils to the extent that all pupils were confident and all successful with the task. The outstanding nature of this lesson ensured children were happy, thoughtful and challenged.

Comments from Bushbury Hill Junior School, where Victoria taught a year 6 class and led Maths.