Isobel Elston

During my time at Keresley Newland, I have worked with a wide range of children with a range of varying needs and abilities. This has meant that I have had to be flexible in my teaching methods and scaffolds.

I have created a positive and nurturing learning environment where all pupils feel relaxed, secure and valued. This has ensured that all children made progress academically and socially.

I have integrated creative teaching methods to ensure that pupils remain engaged within their learning. This has included using technology, like iPads and interactive whiteboards, and active learning strategies like classroom learning games.

I have established strong and supportive relationships with families, maintaining constant communication with them to boost children's progress and achievements.

I have used a range of supports to aid SEN children, including visual aids in and around the classroom and concrete resources to assist them with their learning.

Maintained a working knowledge of the British National Curriculum and related necessary guidance.

During my two ECT years, I have had opportunities to critically evaluate my own teaching and frequently observed by senior members of staff to identify areas of improvement.

During my placement at Sharley Park, I was able to balance my university-based studies alongside my teaching duties, showcasing my ability to remain organised and to manage my time effectively. I worked within a Year 6 class and therefore administered assessments and past standardised tests to monitor and evaluate student progress but also to prepare the children for their upcoming SATs tests.

I developed positive relationships with staff and children within this setting. I was able to utilise the teaching assistant effectively within my lessons to ensure that all children were supported within the learning. The relationships I developed within the school allowed me to carry on teaching there after my placement ended as a Supply Teacher.

During my time at Homebase, I was primarily involved in resolving customer issues through using my professional, interpersonal skills and conflict resolution techniques. This has helped me within my teaching career as it has enabled me to develop the skills needed to resolve issues with parents and carers.

I provided a warm, positive and friendly environment for customers from arrival to departure which encouraged return visits. Working with the public and promoting this kind of environment has given me the skills to develop these conditions within my classroom.

I helped create and maintain clean, organised and visually-appealing displays on the shop floor. This is extremely important within the school environment to ensure not only a clean and tidy classroom but displays that are not only informative but visually appealing.