Benjamin Sapwell-West

Experienced adaptable and student-first educator 

I am writing to express interest in your advertised position for a ‘Physical Education Teacher’. As a qualified Physical Education specialist, I believe my curriculum expertise, experience teaching across a variety of age groups and teaching in local UAE schools, make me an ideal candidate for this position at your school.

I have supplemented my Bachelor of Physical Education with a teaching qualification at secondary level, however, I have extensive experience in delivering both the Health and Physical Education Curricula to both Pre and Primary School students. In my most recent position at Coastal Taranaki School, New Zealand, I am full-school Head of Sport which requires me to cater to the health and physical education needs of students aged from 5 through to 18. I currently teach on both the Secondary and Primary Teams and I am responsible for the planning of certificated PE and Health units at the secondary level in addition to developing a sequential plan for the primary school. This experience equips me to work through all ages in the UAE.

I believe I possess characteristics and skill-sets that will positively impact students. These include my proven leadership within the classroom and school environment, implementation of school-wide sporting events, student-centred learning approach, adaptability and ability to work under pressure and ability to foster respectful relationships with students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Students will always come first and I whole-heartedly believe in the importance of the individual when it comes to finding preferred learning strategies. I have an excellent track record with ensuring SEN students achieve and are active participants in both practical and theory sessions.

I have taught to New Zealand’s highest level of qualification; NCEA level 3/University Entrance and I can add to academic success at my next position. I possess excellent content knowledge in a variety of sports namely; rugby, touch football, netball, cricket, athletics and badminton. I also thoroughly  enjoy teaching sociocultural components of sport, physiology, anatomy and biomechanics. I am digitally fluent and have lead learning in this space for my school. I recently completed a 10 week digital fluency intensive course which has equipped me with further skills to develop the use of IT in the classroom. I am very competent in working with apps, google sites and google classroom to name a few.

My involvement in a wide variety of teaching and learning experiences sets me apart from other candidates. On top of my teaching experience, my time as a ‘Sport Activator’ saw me deliver fundamental movement skills to Primary/Intermediate Schools (aged 4-13) as well as providing continued professional development to early-years teachers. This, paired with my current coaching experience across high-performance sport, equips me to add to wider-school cultures. Providing students with experiences beyond the classroom are pivotal in developing holistic growth and I would be only too happy to assist in other areas of the school and in extra-curricular settings. 

I feel it is time for me to test myself in a new educational environment. I welcome any manner of interview at your convenience.

Primary and secondary teaching