Claire Sargent

I am currently studying a PGDip in Computer Science through the University of Essex, I am learning how to use python programming and the fundamentals in coding. I will compete this course in October 2024 and will look for employment in this sector, in the mean time I am eager to work and get some experience as I go.

The online PGDip conversion course has covered essential themes within computer science as well as more specialist topics such as:

• how to contextualise and develop information systems using object-oriented approaches in languages such as Python and SQL
• underpinning concepts and skills of Software Engineering Project Management, including traditional and contemporary Software Development Life Cycle models
• computer networks, network security fundamentals and information security governance principles

Throughout the course I have developed a number of programs and applications, and developed technical skills that will be an asset in whichever area of computer science I gain employment in.

• I worked full time in a SEN school in Norther Ireland, teaching children with a range of special needs, including ASD, SPD and other cognitive learning difficulties
• I had several children in my class, which I planned and prepared varied, multisensory lessons tailored to the individual needs of these children
• I taught from the School's Core Curriculum to further develop their life skills and set appropriate and achievable targets that allow children to progress and grow in confidence and assess the progress they have made all while maintaining a safe and fun teaching environment
• Work with classroom assistants daily to help children access the curriculum and write reports outlining progression made
• I also liaise with parents, allied health professionals and Medical Health Care practitioners regarding the children's needs in order for them to fully access the curriculum.

• I worked for the RNLI on East Strand beach as a Senior Lifeguard, my duties where to prevent to monitor and advise beach and water users and to co-ordinate rescue activities while organising a small team of four lifeguards, keeping moral up and encouraging guards are fit for duty
• Assess conditions and to place zone flags / warning signs in appropriate positions on the beach
• Advise public as to the correct zone for their particular activity and monitor all persons bathing or surfing in designated areas
• Carry out a rescue response to any persons seen to be in difficulty in the sea and to inform other services if backup is required and carry out other duties such as: first aid, lost children, giving advice, reporting of hazards etc
• Be thoroughly conversant with the lifeguard service Standard & Local Operating Procedures.

• I worked as a surf instructor at a local surf school in Portrush, teaching beginner surfers and taking kids camps
• I had to plan lessons and ensure equipment was safe and ready to use for every lesson
• At the beginning of each lesson I planned warm-ups and beach games and would finish on a mini beach clean to educate and encourage participants to keep the beaches clean and safe.

• I would attend university once a week and teach independently for the remaining days
• This allowed me to continually work on my classroom management and build relationships with children and staff
• I planned lessons for a range of subjects and had weekly observation and targets to meet
• I had to plan and evaluate schemes ensuring they are inclusive for all children in my class
• I also have experience working in both key stages
• My school adopted the nurture approach, alongside a creative curriculum: which encouraged outdoor learning
• I organised and ran sports day for the whole school, which required risk assessments, class lists, and medical information
• I also organised two school residential trips, which included sole responsibility for a group of children
• I gained experience in supporting SEN pupils in my class by creating a one-page profile, which outlined their needs and how they would like you to help them in class
• I have experience using IEP (Individual Education Plan) to assess and identify various development stages.

• Within this role I was accountable for the progress that children made through physical activity in class, this required setting targets and small goals that were achievable for them
• Plans were differentiated and included targets that each child felt confident in achieving.

• Having the responsibility of working with a SEN child; in a mainstream primary school, I was responsible for: Planning lessons, supporting literacy and numeracy development, toileting needs, recording progress (photographs and summary of his current work and activities), keeping parents and Medical Health Care Professional up to date on progress made and promoting social and emotional development.

This was a seasonal job form June to September that I did for 3 summers.

• During this time, I was responsible for planning, leading and implementing core and non-core programs and experiences for children within the camp environment
• Worked as part of a team to overcome difficult situations
• 24-hour supervision of up to 12 children
• I developed a caring and stimulating environment that promoted learning through play
• Daily training
• I assessed the environment to ensure the safety of children
• I developed problem-solving skills whilst working towards ensuring all children are comfortable, safe and included.

• In my role as a swimming teacher I worked with children from age 5-11 to improve their water confidence and develop their swimming strokes
• I planned and prepared lesson plans and teaching materials
• I assessed children's progress and communicated with parents
• I managed class behaviour.