Anna Birnie

With a diverse background in working with young people, from social care to the connexions service, the path then led to Teaching. Having been inspired through working with vulnerable young people, including specialist work with looked after children and unaccompanied asylum seeking/ refugees, there is a real determination to help young people to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. This life experience and passion has been incorporated into teaching, bringing a depth of understanding and relevant examples to the classroom.

Teaching

Criminology and Psychology with an enthusiasm that combines experience with academic studies. The ability to work in challenging and demanding situations, with a high level of confidence and adaptability. With excellent communication skills, working with parents, students and professionals across multi agencies to achieve improved educational outcomes for young people.

Bringing fun and innovative active learning methods and incorporating technology to engage students and nurture a good rapport. Incorporating knowledge and expertise from training delivered by applicable exam boards and specialist training providers to ensure young people benefit from this professional development to improve attainment and to achieve their full potential. Keeping up to date with government policies and specification changes and adapting educational plans to ensure young people have the tools to excel and achieve their next steps.

Curriculum Leader Criminology - Chichester College Group

(2025)

• Advisory role in Applied Psychology
• Subject talks/ recruitment events at schools

PGCE trainee Teacher on placement - City of Portsmouth College

(2018-10 - 2025-01)

• Teaching Criminology, Applied Psychology and Sociology
• Overtime Criminology has become the main subject
• Subject talks/ recruitment events at schools

Accounts and Project Management - no1son Ltd

(2011-09)

Part time role supporting the family business

Personal Development Personal Adviser - Connexions

(2009-05 - 2011-08)

• Based within Social Services. Offering IAG to young people, families and multi agencies
• Developing/ implementing projects to improve the life chances of young people such as: ‘The Teenagers to work Project’ and ‘Cultural Diversity Project in schools’
• Contributing to training programmes and facilitating group work

Specialist Refugee / Asylum Seekers Personal Adviser - Connexions

(2003-05 - 2008-06)

• Based within Social Services. Offering IAG to young people, families and multi agencies
• Developing/ implementing projects to improve the life chances of young people such as: ‘The Teenagers to work Project’ and ‘Cultural Diversity Project in schools’
• Contributing to training programmes and facilitating group work

Policy, Planning and Development Officer - Children’s Services

(2000-11 - 2003-05)

• Working on government initiatives
• Collecting/ analysing information/making recommendations to the LA
• Carrying out research and developing projects
• Updating Policies/ Procedures in line with legislation and Good Practice

PGCE - Further Education and Training - Portsmouth University (2018-09 - 2019-06)

BA (HONS) 2:1 - Social Sciences - Nottingham Trent University (1997-09 - 2000-06)

A-Levels - Communication Studies A

• Sociology C
• Art and Design D - Havant College (1995-09 - 1997-06)

GCSE’s - Maths B

• English Lit/Lang B B
• Double Science C C
• French B
• Geography C
• Art A
• Technology C - Warblington School, Denvilles, Havant, Hampshire (1991-09 - 1995-06)