UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENT

EDUCATION EXAMPLE

Education is defined in its broadest sense as any act or experience that has a formative effect on the mind, character or physical ability of an individual, but it is greater than the pursuit of academic excellence and knowledge. As educators, we are trusted to direct and shape young minds; providing a safe harbour for the growth of individuality, opinions, courage and conviction. The desire to be a more knowledgeable educator has been my drive to apply for the BA Education.

My first gateway into working with children was in a Private Day Nursery. I initially started at the nursery as a Nursery Assistant but was promoted to Team Leader of the Baby room (aged 3 to 18 months). My role was to check staff planning and to train and guide new staff into becoming skilled at doing the planning independently. I also had to organise the Birth-to-Three-Matters Framework training for all the staff. Whilst working at the nursery, I was sent on a number of courses related to child protection, allergies, and physical intervention.

In my current role as a Teaching Assistant at Gifford Primary School, I rotate between years 2 to 6 helping children with their work and various projects; for example I assisted a group of children from year 4 in building an electronic car and contributed to the year 6 leavers' assembly by examining the quality and progress of their work. This involves me working as a team member and as an individual, which I can do very well. On many occasions I work with groups of children on numeracy (simple addition and subtraction equations) and literacy tasks (reading and writing and spelling). Whilst working with them I try my best to adapt the tasks to suit their understanding levels. I enjoy being able to interact with the children and finding out about how they see things. I enjoy caring for them and also answering their questions as by doing so I am helping them to develop their confidence and self esteem.

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UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENT

EDUCATION EXAMPLE

During my voluntary work as a TA in St Vincent’s Primary School, I support the teaching of year 6 children, dividing my time between helping out the class as a whole and providing extra support for pupils with learning disabilities, such as Asperger Syndrome. In addition to this I supervised children of all ages in the after school club.

As an independent, self-motivated and tactful individual I feel such personal qualities have enabled me to be an effective practitioner, along with empathy and honesty when working in partnership with parents and carers and in multi-disciplinary team working. I feel I am also enthusiastic and creative which are vital assets when working in Primary Education. I enjoy the responsibility and the challenge of working with children and I have a good deal of patience with children who are slower to learn. I am able to communicate well with both children and adults. In the classroom I have learnt to communicate effectively, emulating the methodology of the staff and observing the responses of the students. Taking note of the invaluable feedback from the staff and students, I have built upon my capabilities and feel prepared for the academic journey ahead.

Throughout the FD in Supporting Teaching and Learning I have experienced several work based interventions which has given me the opportunity to extend my theoretical knowledge with practical application, thus enabling a more holistic understanding of child development and relevant curriculum's. Also over the duration of the course I have had to undertake the analysis of journals which I believe are imperative to best practice, as it enables the practitioner to develop reflective practice to identify strengths and weaknesses and areas needing change both personally and setting wide. I carried out a dissertation in the area of emotional literacy, which is hugely focused upon children's rights and the right to be heard and the impacts this can have if not respected.

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UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENT

EDUCATION EXAMPLE

My recent part time employment at Tesco has allowed me to deal with various customer enquiries and given me many added responsibilities, helping me to develop my communication skills. I also had to manage my own time keeping which is an important part of the job. I am a very calm person; this I have found helped a lot during the stressful times of year. I believe these skills I have learnt will be of benefit to a primary classroom.

I have many interests including listening to a diverse range of music genres, going to my local gymnasium, walking, reading around history, and playing computer games. The skills gaining from these hobbies can add an additional dimension to activities in school. For example, teaching the children map reading skills and in the IT club.

For me, a degree in Education is the next logical career step; bringing together the tangible experience of employment as a Teaching Assistant and the benefit of a university education to further develop my theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.

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