A postgraduate with experience teaching 11-18 yr olds. I have just completed my PGCE (teacher training) from the University of Sussex in Secondary English. This gave me a wide range of skills including providing a safe and nurturing space for students. I also have extensive experience as a TA.

My PGCE placements with the University of Sussex included working in both a mainstream and SEN setting. During my time at my mainstream setting, I taught classes with high levels of SEN and a nurture class which facilitated learning for SEN students within a mainstream environment. This experience inspired and motivated me to express my interest in undertaking an SEN placement. My SEN placement involved working with students with a range of needs from moderate to severe learning difficulties. This placement enabled me to practice and deliver lessons which facilitated learning for each students’ needs; this involved looking at individual targets and adapting my lesson to fulfil these.

My most recent role at Westminster City school enabled me to continue to develop my skills in working with SEMH students. I continued to deliver interventions in managing mental health, ADHD and recent diagnoses. I created an after-school catch up club for year 11 GCSE English students which involved liaising closely with the English department and sharing progress reports. During this time, I trained as an ELSA (emotional literacy support assistant) with educational psychologists from the Kensington and Chelsea council. This course developed my skills in trauma and attachment whilst also learning how to support and teach students with SEMH. I delivered ELSA sessions to regular students and worked closely with the mental health lead within the school.