- Community outreach and volunteering initiatives
- Swimming and open water challenges
- Travel and exploring different cultures
- Art and creative activities, including watercolour painting and calligraphy
Joanna Penny
Petaling Jaya
Summary
Experienced and dedicated primary educator with extensive KS1 and KS2 teaching experience across both UK independent and international school settings. Passionate about creating inclusive, engaging and supportive learning environments where all pupils can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Skilled in pastoral care, collaborative teamwork and adapting teaching to meet the needs of diverse learners, including EAL and SEND pupils. Experienced in subject leadership, extracurricular activities, educational trips and community outreach, with a strong commitment to safeguarding, student wellbeing and continuous professional development.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Homeroom Teacher
Sri KDU International School Kota Damansara
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
01.2025 - Current
- Deliver engaging and differentiated lessons within an international school setting, supporting academic progress, independence and confidence in a diverse KS2 classroom.
- Build strong relationships with pupils and families while maintaining high standards of behaviour, wellbeing and achievement.
- Adapt teaching to meet the needs of EAL and SEND learners, collaborate with colleagues on curriculum planning and contribute to wider school life through trips, events and extracurricular activities.
- Committed to safeguarding, inclusive practice and creating a positive, student-centred learning environment.
- Teach full range of subjects aligned with the English National Curriculum for KS2.
- Provide targeted EAL scaffolding for multilingual learners within the mainstream classroom.
School Governor
Claremont and Kingsweston Schools Federation
Bristol, UK
04.2023 - 06.2025
- Served as a School Governor at a specialist school, supporting strategic decision-making and promoting high standards of education, wellbeing and safeguarding for pupils with additional needs.
- Worked collaboratively with school leaders and governors to support school improvement, inclusion and effective provision for SEND learners.
- Developed a deeper understanding of specialist education, pastoral support and the importance of inclusive practice within a school community.
Form Tutor and Subject Lead
Bristol Grammar School
Bristol, UK
09.2012 - 12.2024
- Served as Form Tutor across Years 1, 3, 4 and 5 within a leading independent school, delivering engaging and differentiated lessons across the primary curriculum, including Maths, English, Science, History, Geography, ICT, PRE, DT and PSHE.
- Held a range of leadership responsibilities including Head of Infant Maths, Head of Infant Topic (Foundation Subjects), Head of Eco Team, Head of History (Maternity Cover) and Head of Friday Activities for Years 3–6.
- Provided strong pastoral support for pupils and families through regular communication, parent meetings and report writing.
- Contributed extensively to wider school life through leading assemblies, organising day and residential trips, coordinating enrichment activities and developing community outreach initiatives, including the Reverse Advent Calendar project.
Private Tutor
Private Families
Bristol, UK
09.2012 - 09.2024
- Provided 1:1 Maths and English tutoring for children requiring additional support, reinforcement and confidence building.
- Adapted teaching approaches to meet individual learning needs and learning styles.
- Experienced in supporting both native English speakers and pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL).
- Developed positive relationships with pupils and families to encourage progress, engagement and independent learning.
Au Pair
Private Family
Sydney, Australia
04.2011 - 08.2012
- Provided full-time care and supervision for two boys aged 5 and 3 in a busy family environment.
- Managed daily routines including school and nursery drop-offs/pick-ups, meal preparation and after-school care.
- Supported children’s social, emotional and behavioural development through positive relationships and consistent routines.
- Volunteered at a local primary school three mornings per week, supporting lower ability pupils with early phonics and reading skills.
- Collaborated with staff and families as part of the school parent committee, contributing to school community events and initiatives.
Form Tutor and Subject Lead
Bristol Grammar School
Bristol, UK
09.2007 - 12.2010
- Served as Form Tutor for Years 3–5, delivering engaging and differentiated lessons across the primary curriculum, including Maths, English, Science, Geography, History, ICT, RE, PSHE, Games and Swimming.
- Held leadership responsibilities including Head of PSHE, Head of Swimming and Head of Community Outreach.
- Organised and led educational visits and residential trips, ensuring high standards of student wellbeing, safety and engagement.
- Led and coordinated extracurricular activities including Rounders, Netball and IT Club, alongside a range of after-school enrichment programmes.
- Promoted positive behaviour, teamwork and student wellbeing through strong pastoral care and daily classroom management.
- Contributed to wider school operations through breaktime, lunchtime and after-school duties, supporting a safe and positive school environment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - BA Hons Primary Education (2:2)
Canterbury Christ Church University
Canterbury, UK2007
A-Levels - Geography, Biology, Business Studies
Taunton School
Taunton, UK2002
Skills
- Strong pastoral care and relationship building
- Collaborative and supportive team member
- Inclusive teaching for diverse learners, including EAL and SEND pupils
- Positive behaviour management
- Adaptable, reflective and committed to continuous professional growth
- Creative and engaging curriculum delivery
- Strong communication with pupils, families and colleagues
- Dedicated to student wellbeing and safeguarding
- Active contributor to wider school life and community initiatives
Interests
Timeline
Homeroom Teacher
Sri KDU International School Kota Damansara
01.2025 - Current
School Governor
Claremont and Kingsweston Schools Federation
04.2023 - 06.2025
Form Tutor and Subject Lead
Bristol Grammar School
09.2012 - 12.2024
Private Tutor
Private Families
09.2012 - 09.2024
Au Pair
Private Family
04.2011 - 08.2012
Form Tutor and Subject Lead
Bristol Grammar School
09.2007 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Arts - BA Hons Primary Education (2:2)
Canterbury Christ Church University
A-Levels - Geography, Biology, Business Studies
Taunton School