Roxanne

I am a fluent welsh speaker and have had since graduation in 2010, over two years experience working in primary school contexts. Before applying to complete my PGCE at Cardiff University my role as a Music and Drama specialist teaching a range of ages from reception to year 6 pupils namely Key Stage 1 and 2 gave me the experience needed to apply. My role as a specialist was to promote team work through these subjects and to improve on the children’s confidence skills. The experience gained through my previous post has taught me many valuable skills that I am able to use as a teacher. I have acquired good behaviour management skills and also learnt how to adjust my lesson delivery and approach, depending on age, ability and aptitude. I have recently completed a 5 months teaching placement in a Welsh secondary school in Cardiff and have gained many valuable skills during this time.
To date I have worked in 15 different schools within the south Wales and Bristol area and have been responsible for an after school “Glee Club” that operates one day a week in different schools. I have been responsible for 30 plus children and at the end of each term I was required to choreograph a performance showcasing the children’s performing arts skills. These performances have been widely appreciated by pupils, parents and staff .I always strive for pupil inclusion in the shows I organise and this feature contributes to their success with Head teachers using them often for other occasions and celebrations in their schools. I have taught lessons using established schemes of work for the secondary phase and have familiarised myself with the requirements needed for KS4 and 5.
Working with a heterogeneous range of children including pupils with Down’s syndrome, Autism and Asperger’s syndrome has been rewarding. Sensitive differentiation for statemented pupils is always possible and I have benefitted professionally from valuable discussions with SENCO teachers. To further understand school processes I have also worked as an LSA and took time out to observe variously experienced teachers delivering their respective national curriculum subjects. I have also during the past 5 months helped with the reading scheme in my placement school and found that I was able to build rapport with pupils thus aiding me with the behaviour management during my own lessons as students had become familiar with me.
I have excellent communication skills and always find myself able to interact easily with school staff of various levels. Being bilingual has enabled me to work in a number of Welsh and English medium state primary schools using both languages. I hope to bring this additional skills to your school and use it to promote bilingualism. Performance training and ABRSM qualifications in singing and piano have all contributed to my confidence in lesson delivery. My university experience of touring a show, writing my own scri pt and putting on a production are valuable skills for a secondary school teacher. Furthermore, my academic studies in psychology and sociology at Masters level 7 have contributed valuable knowledge about children’s cognitive development and language acquisition.
I am very pro active and recently participated in children’s book week events in local libraries I designed a morning session for local pupils which involved “bringing stories to life”. I know that reading is an essential life skill and recognise why literacy has to be a ministerial priority in Wales. I find promoting reading to children hugely rewarding.

During the my time on the PCGE course I have been able to trial different pedagogical approaches and have been able to work with a vast range of students. Recent classroom activities have confirmed my desire for a career as a teacher. I have completed paediatric first aid training and have CRB clearance.
I have thoroughly enjoyed working as a drama teacher and realise that a teaching career will require a great deal of stamina and commitment. This hard work, however, is rewarded by seeing children progress both educationally and as individual citizens prepared for the decades ahead. I am a committed, reliable person who enjoys a challenge. I believe that I have the qualities that are necessary to become an effective teacher.

Availability: Available MONDAY-FRIDAY

Willing to travel: 15 miles

Experience: I have worked in a secondary school context and have also delivered voice workshops for Cardiff University.