From a very early age I always dreamed of being a teacher.

Supportive family
taught me to realise that you don't have to be the best at everything, as long as
you can put your hand on your heart safe in the knowledge that you have tried
your best. There are always things to be learnt and having the confidence to try
things without ridicule or mockery has given me the confidence to inspire others.
My Deputy Head teacher inspired me with her passion and love of teaching in the
primary sector, installing in me her work ethic, compassion, enthusiasm,
boundless energy, dedication and understanding. She allowed me at the age of
10 to plan and deliver simple start of day activities in her Year One class which I
enjoyed immensely and found very rewarding. Following my routine work
experience in two schools, I took every opportunity to return to the Church
School on the outskirts of a city where deprivation is high and there are a large
number of children with English as a second language and to Pear Tree Specialist
School where repeated volunteer work in Early Years, Key Stage One and Two has
enabled me to gain a paid position at the Holiday Club. I get immense pleasure
from sharing skills and knowledge with children, witnessing their delight when
they achieve or learn something new as well as encouraging them when they are
finding something difficult. I have often had to find alternative ways to help them
face their individual challenges whilst supporting their sometimes complex
needs. Outside of the formal school environment, I am part of a care team that
helps to look after a young adult with Cerebral Palsy; he requires 24 hour care
with personal and physical needs whilst ensuring his social and emotional needs
are met. Having grown up in Scouting, I am a very active volunteer and
participant; I have received my Chief Scout Gold, Platinum, DofE Bronze and
Young Leader Awards, actively working towards higher levels. Being a Young
Leader with Cubs, I help to organise and run Pack Nights, Camps and
International adventures. Being a Young Spokes Person chosen to represent my
peers at Scout County level, I have given numerous interviews on the radio and
last year I was invited to London to be a Youth Editor for a special edition of the
National Scouting Magazine which is distributed throughout the UK, this included
several of my own articles based on evidence gained from interviews and youth
participation. At the end of my time at high school, I was awarded the prestigious
Head teachers Special Award for my organisational skills, commitment and
dedication to the school and extended community and for services above and
beyond the call of duty! A true honour in recognition of something that comes
natural to me and supports my principals that you only get out of life what you
put in. To my amusement, my peers voted me the most ambitious female! I
strive to be the best that I can be and to help other people to be the best that
they can be, to work with peoples strengths and not criticise them for their
weaknesses. I like to encourage open mindedness and try to encourage people
to have respect for themselves and other people. I take great pleasure in what
may seem the smallest achievements to some like, when, impromptu, I sat on
the floor and used my basic sign language skills in the middle of the restaurant
where I work and sung Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star with a partially deaf and mute
child, who had previously looked distant and isolated. The child was delighted,
the mother cried and I got a round of applause from my work colleagues. Skills
learnt though working under pressure, prioritising whilst ensuring strict health

and safety regulations are met, standards kept and targets reached, are all those
that I can transfer into the teaching profession. I believe that my qualities and
extensive experience working with children and young adults will enable me to
thrive as a future Educator.