Sarah

I am a very enthusiastic and positive tutor with over a decade of experience within in a number of diverse educational settings. I have worked up to Senior Management Level in one of the largest Special Educational Needs schools in Europe; with a primary focus on those with Specific Learning Difficulties such as Dyslexia and Autism.

HAVING FUN AND BUILDING POSITIVE RAPPORT IS CENTRAL TO ALL OF MY SESSIONS :)

Before you read on.... my primary focus in all sessions is for us to HAVE FUN!!!! I really believe that this underpins every successful lesson and you will hear lots of laughter and fun. Please see my reviews as proof of this!!!!

My skills and experience working with students with PDA and the importance of student-led learning: I have worked with every extreme of behaviour in settings across Ireland and the UK. I particularly enjoy working with and getting to know students with challenging behaviours. There is always a reason for this and it is key to get to know what makes each student "tick". This is why I spend so long getting to know the student and building that essential rapport. The key thing here is control and it is essential that the student feels empowered to make choices that are presented to them (with each of these choices being favourable to our session).

My skills and experience supporting students with Autism (including high functioning): I have vast experience in working with students who have Autism in both classroom and 1-to-1 tuition settings in both Ireland and the UK. I really enjoy getting to know each student and I plan highly-personalised sessions for each student’s individual needs; using a variety of methodologies to promote focus and engagement. I also work with the student’s unique interests in order to promote a positive working rapport. I have an in-depth working knowledge of working with students across the entire spectrum and I really enjoy getting to know them and their unique interests.

My skills and experience working with students with anxiety: Anxiety is an incredibly common and complex part of our society and it really effects across a wide spectrum; differing in each individual. Most of my students exhibit traits of anxiety, each and every one unique. This is why establishing a positive and solid connection is so important to me as a SEN tutor.

My skills and experience boosting students’ self-esteem, confidence, learning and independence: As this can be a very anxious time for students, I ensure that the pastoral and wellbeing fundamentals of exam preparation are addressed; embedding stress and time management. My sessions are light-hearted and fun. Unlocking potential needs to start with boosting one's self-esteem and confidence and I work hard to ensure a positive and happy working relationship with each client. However, instilling independence is essential and I ensure that I empower each student to give everything a go!

My skills and experience supporting students with Dyslexia and/or Dyspraxia: During my Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (in which I obtained a First Class Honours), I completed a thesis specifically on Dyslexia. Here I learned about the wide-ranging Interventions and Strategies that can be implemented including the importance of a multi-sensory learning environment to find out what "clicks" for the individual. Some interventions include: providing support with additional recording mechanisms such as appropriate literacy software, charts, diagrams, dictaphones, electronic dictionaries, models, voice recognition software and word processors with spellchecker, and the use of line trackers and/or coloured overlays as appropriate. In terms of Dyspraxia, it runs along a wide spectrum; affecting each individual in a unique way. It may be necessary to work on gross and fine motor skills during the session. Speech and Language may be affected. Again, organisation and planning skills need to embedded throughout the sessions.

My skills and experience supporting students with processing, focus and concentration/, or working memory challenges: This is a case is seeing "what works" for the individual. Most of my clients come to me with at least one of these issues and we work together to see how we can successfully move forward. It is essential to use approaches that appeal to the unique senses of the student and again a multi-sensory learning environment is so vital! Time is of the essence here and it is imperative to ensure the student has enough time to process what is asked in a very clear and concise manner. It is so important to 'chunk' the work into manageable amounts to foster self-esteem which will in turn boost their confidence in themselves.

My skills and experience boosting students' motivation and engagement: I have a successful track record (please see reviews) in boosting students' motivation and engagement in learning. I firmly believe that each and every student has tremendous individual potential and it is my job to unlock it! As well as teaching across the Curriculum

My skills and experience delivering the core subjects of Maths and English: I have extensive experience delivering these subjects in both classroom and 1:1 settings. When it comes to the fundamentals of these subjects I never make any assumptions as every student is so deeply unique and varied in their knowledge. I will always start with the basics; embedding confidence in the student at first. I have taught every type of level you can imagine, from teaching an older student to read to delivering sessions boosting writing and comprehension to addressing key gaps within spelling. In terms of story writing, I use a structured approach to boost confidence and visual planners in order to break in down into chunk-sized parts. I use a range of strategies and interventions to boost confidence in more challenging areas such as writing and spelling in particular.

My skills and experience preparing students for Entrance Exams (11+ ISEB, GL, CEM etc): I also have experience in preparing students for the 11+ exams for entry to a number of Grammar Schools both in London and the Home Counties. A personalised approach ensures individualised targeted sessions across the areas of Maths, English and Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning. I have a successful track record in working with students to achieve their potential in preparation for these exams and I have had a number of students gain successful entry to some of the top schools in London.

My skills and experience teaching organisational skills: As a former Exams Officer and Exam Board Assessor, I have a clear understanding of not only Exam Protocol but the fundamentals of Study Skills and simple yet effective Revision Techniques and Organisational Skills. I really value the importance of Self-Assessment so that students can see what they have achieved, what they are currently working on and where they need to go in the future! Clear and effective organisation is key!

My skills and experience supporting students with Sensory Processing Disorder and other Processing Challenges: It essential here to employ a multi-sensory approach; using stimulating resources unique to the student's interests. Time is of the essence and it is important to ensure that enough time is given for the student to process what is asked of them and how to complete it in a reasonable timeframe. I also work with schools to ensure appropriate measures are in place to aid the student with the provision of extra time and assistive technology where appropriate.

My skills and experience working with students with ADHD: I have worked with a large range of students with ADHD and it is so individual in it's effects. It could mean difficulties with concentration, focus, organisation and planning. Or it could affect behaviour in ways that it can present as very challenging..However, again building that rapport with the individual is essential in planning how to proceed.

My skills and experience delivering Science: I am also a qualified Science teacher with a First Class Honours PGCE in the subject as well as studying a variety of Sciences at Honours Degree and Diploma Level. I have a successful track record of engaging students in what can be seen as quite an intense subject with quite a vast range of subject material. I bring the subject to life using animations, simulations, videos, quizzes and many more methodologies. I have successfully prepared students for both AQA and Edexcel GCSE Sciences.

My skills and experience teaching social skills: I have significant experience in developing students' Social Skills; having delivered many sessions embedding real-life scenarios and how to deal with them. It is more important than ever to work on these skills and how to adapt and evolve with this ever-changing world! In my time working in one of the largest special needs schools in Europe, I worked with a wide variety of needs which also included those with specific medical challenges.

In my time working in one of the largest special needs schools in Europe, I worked with a wide variety of needs which also included those with specific medical challenges. This included working with young people with conditions such as cancer, brain injuries, those with seizures, genetic abnormalities and many more. I was therefore trained in a number of medical areas

However, every student is so unique that I spend significant time understanding what works for them and not to make any assumptions on what will or won't work!