Niamh Kelthy

I have had a profound interest in fostering and facilitating a safe, encouraging environment for both students and adults. This has led to me developing teaching and learning methods that encourage adaptation and a sense of safety within the classroom. As a teacher I understand the importance of being an inclusive role model for children, whilst understanding the experiences of those who live differently than me. Throughout my time on various placements, I have had the pleasure and privilege to have met, taught, and built relationships with pupils around the school, pupils with SEND and/or varying social-emotional needs, including those from different religious backgrounds and disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition to this I have also been able to make deeper connections with students and their misconceptions as I myself have dyslexia and believe that this enables me to connect and understand students’ needs as I have understood my own on my academic journey. Using dyslexia as a strength I have been able to adapt my input and assessment to enable all students to have a further understanding of learning.
During my time at university, I took up the elective study of science as a specialism. During this I had an insight into how science can provide an opportunity for children who may excel creatively the opportunity to develop in other areas including learning outside the classroom. Science has always been a subject I have been passionate and interested in even from a young age, I believe I have inspired students to enquire about the world around them with the enthusiasm I have brought to lessons on my placement. Access to science within school is something I am passionate about as I believe all children have a right to knowledge of the world around them and need encouragement to deepen their understanding.
Children deserve to be in an environment that actively encourages British values. Including anti-discrimination, I aim to strengthen community by actively partaking within the community of parents. Ensuring safeguarding protocols are followed and upheld for every student is an important factor that is entwined throughout my own practices. I have had experiences of using CPOMS and taking part in a safeguarding review with a parent. Ensuring the safety and quality of life of each child is a priority including tackling issues regarding bullying, online safety and the recognition of signs that may need to be raised as concerns.
As a teacher, I have been praised for my organisation skills, passion and natural ability in the classroom whilst upholding a professional, yet fun, attitude. People will often comment on my flexibility and willingness to help others, an attribute that has led me to create brilliant and fulfilling relationships with staff members, including dinner staff, cleaners and caretakers. I am personable and energetic making me an ideal team player and educator. I have a creative approach that enables me to create and deliver exciting lessons, this is one of my strongest points as a teacher, again attributing this to my dyslexia and my different way of viewing information. I thrive in fast paced environments and my organisation skills ensure that I can prioritise tasks and communicate effectively with the outer community and any organisations incorporated within the school. In addition, my experience in liaising with outside communities, such as Ofsted, has made me comfortable in high pressure situations whilst maintaining professional standards.