My name is Mrs Penkalla. I completed my ECT2 Training in July 2025, and I currently lead the KS3 Languages Department. Teaching has always been an interesting career to me since I was a teenager!

Prior to my teacher training, I passed my Baccalaureate at Saint Jean High school in France. I attended the University of Lille where I studied Business, Economy and Marketing to get my degree. I later began a master’s degree, completing my Master 1, after this I worked as a trader for several years across various. Over time, I realised that this career path was no longer fulfilling for me.

I met my husband and moved to England without speaking English fluently. With hard work and consistency, I became fluent in English and joined the Basildon Academies. I began my journey here in 2019 as a Cover Supervisor, and I started my Initial Teacher Training in 2022.

I am keen to continue developing my role as a teacher, impacting the futures of students, helping develop them in becoming adults and prepare them for working life. I remain enthusiastic about my career progression, and I look forward to hopefully taking on further roles at BA.

Mrs Penkalla, KS3 Languages Leader