I have experience working with both primary and secondary school aged children in a range of subjects. My current teaching assistant role is based within a school’s Learning Support department, which means I’m familiar with methods of differentiation to a

I have 10 weeks voluntary experience working with Year 4 children in a primary school. This is where I initially learned about different methods of teaching. My favourite part of this experience was the 1-to-1 work with a child who was having a dyslexia assessment. Their short-term memory was very weak, but we consistently worked following a method that she enjoyed and eventually she learned the necessary skills to start building her mathematical knowledge. In a short time, she went from not being able to remember which way round the ‘crocodile’ signs went to being able to, not only correctly use these signs, but do so with complex sums either side. This learning occurred because the task was personalised to something that already fit her memory store. Instead of hungry crocodiles, she placed herself into the equation (i.e. ‘if I’m hungry, I want more chocolates’). I have also worked as a TA in a secondary school since September. I am based in KS3, with a focus on year 8. I have gained experience working with children who have diagnoses of ASD, ADHD and dyslexia, visual impairments and hearing impairments. CPD sessions have taught the important of scaffolding towards independence. These children need to be able to take their learning into their own hands, because in the exam a TA will not be there to model and cue the skills. I have experience using technology to differentiate work as well. One particular instance is how magnifying and screen mirroring technology can facilitate the classroom experience of a child who is legally blind. In this modern age, the use of technology and understanding how to adapt it for our children is massively important in helping the learning process. I am very familiar with KS3 Maths and English. I would also be very happy to help with GCSE English, especially Literature. My current degree is in Psychology, so I have the knowledge to tutor this at GCSE and A-Level standards.