Catherine

I am a former secondary school teacher, who has a huge enjoyment of learning and sharing knowledge. Books and drama are hugely important in my life, and outside of my university studies I was part of The Rose Company, a Lancashire based theatre company. I took a leading role in Lady Jane Lumley’s translation of ‘Iphigenia’. The production went on a nationwide tour. I also took on smaller roles in the following performance, A Speech of Fire.

During my three years as a full time member of Lancaster University’s hiking club I took the opportunity to lead a short expedition in the Glencoe area of Scotland. I was the Treasurer of Lancaster University Karate Club, a role that required me to be organised. As well as maintaining physical health, karate has proved very beneficial in terms of self-discipline and balancing work and recreation.

I have come to have a very good understanding of how health (both physical and mental) issues can affect learning, and have developed ways to overcome these.

Prior to university I took part in the Duke of Edinburgh award, completing bronze, silver and gold awards. I also gained my Summer Mountaineering Proficiency qualification through the Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training.

In addition to my outdoor pursuits, I also play the clarinet to a high standard, having gained my grade 7 before leaving school.

Tutoring Experience

During my time teaching at Heysham High School Sports College I also tutored two year 11 pupils, who were struggling with preparation for their examinations. They were predicted (and ultimately gained) As, yet had been falling far short of their targets in mock exams and practice papers. I helped them to focus their revision, and simplify and condense their notes into more manageable portions, to go into the exams with confidence.

I have taught a range of ages and abilities at different schools around the country. I have experience with SEND pupils and pupils with sever physical and mental health issues. I have taught across several different exam boards, and have experienced first hand the challenges that schools and pupils face regarding changes in teaching policy as set out by the government.

Below is outlined my teaching experience in schools:

Heysham High School Sports College (Employment): 1/7/15 – 5/6/16
After qualifying as a teacher I became employed by a secondary school as a teacher of English. I taught years 7 to 11 inclusive, and was a form tutor for year 11.

Dyke House Sports College (placement):
As part of my PGCE course at Durham University I have done a ten week teaching placement and Dyke House Sports College. During this time I took over a low ability bottom set year 10 fully; two middle ability year 7 groups, each for three lessons per week; a top set year 8 and a bottom set year 8, each for two lessons per week; and a middle ability year 9 group for two lessons per week. I also team-taught some year 11 and sixth form classes.

South Shields Community School (placement): 06/10/14 – 11/12/14
As part of my PGCE course at Durham University I have done a five week teaching placement at South Shields Community School, with a four week observation period before hand. During this placement I took over a top set year 9 and a second set year 8 for all their English lessons, and one lesson a week for a very low ability set 4, and a middle ability set 2 year 7.

Lancaster Cathedral Catholic Primary School (placement): 30/06/14 – 11/07/14
In July 2014 prior to starting my teacher training I did a two week placement at Lancaster Cathedral Catholic Primary School. While there, I observed year 5 lessons, helping small groups or individuals as the teacher requested. I provided one-to-one teaching for pupils who were struggling, and for pupils who were excelling. I also assisted at rehearsals for the school’s end of year performance.

Carnforth High (placement): 21/01/13 – 18/03/13
As part of my undergraduate degree at Lancaster University I took the Schools Volunteering half module which placed me in a secondary school for one day a week for a term. I had two roles during my placement at Carnforth High. Firstly, I assisted one of the teachers in her year 7 Literacy lessons. I also worked as a reading assistant, giving one-to-one help to a dyslexic year 8 pupil. This role required me to use my initiative, as at first she was uninspired by the book she had been given. I gave her a different and more challenging book. Her improvement in a very short space of time was gratifying, and served to remind me why I wish to teach.

Childs Hill Primary School (placement): 13/06/12 - 17/06/12
In June 2012 I did a week’s work experience in Childs Hill Primary School in London. Each of the five days I was there was spent between the different sections of the school, from year 6 down to the nursery. I also spent time in the school’s Pathways section, an area for pupils on the Autism Spectrum. This week taught me how to communicate with younger children. To see the challenges faced by teachers in a school where the pupils came from a wide range of backgrounds, with many having English as a second or third language provided an eye opening experience.

Bellan House School (placement): 10/09/08 - 22/05/09
Prior to university I worked with the year 3s and 4s at Bellan House School in Oswestry, listening to the pupils read for one afternoon a week for the academic year 2008 to 2009.

Tutoring Approach

All lessons will have objectives and outcomes. However, it is the pupil who determines how these are met. I am willing to adapt plans to fit the tutee's needs and abilities, rather than sticking to rigid one-size-fits-all methods, as I know from experience that every person has varied ways or understanding and retaining knowledge. I have the ability to adapt quickly to unforeseen problems and requests.

I have a wide range of recourses from my time as a teacher that I can draw upon and adapt to the tutee. Learning should be fun and engaging for all involved, and I aim to provide good lessons that are memorable and useful for the tutee.