It is my ambition to teach in a secondary school. Having already gained valuable experience working with and supporting young people, I would like to begin my career in education. Gaining experience in schools is really important to me, and I would love to further develop the natural skill I believe I have when it comes to interacting with children and young adults in a learning environment.

After finishing school, I was a resident assistant in an outdoor education centre in Wales. We received many school groups with children who had both physical and mental health needs. I was debriefed beforehand by parents and teachers, to ensure their stay was safe and enjoyable, and they felt no distress. I was also the first port of call for students during their stay, as well as leading outdoor extreme sports sessions, while the evenings were spent arranging supervised entertainment. During university holidays, I worked at an outdoor education centre in Dorset. I ran the day’s routine, and ensured the children’s experience was enjoyable, yet educational. After graduation, I completed a season in the Alps as a nanny, undertaking a tailored itinerary of indoor and outdoor activities that catered for younger and older children. Whilst travelling South East Asia, I taught English to children in Chiang Mai, with very limited resources; a good imagination was key! Lastly, during my spare time, I provided temporary respite care for a teenager foster boy, who suffers from a variety of special needs. These roles have developed my interpersonal skills in areas of communication, as well as ensuring I can organise and manage people, particularly in an environment amongst young people and children.
I think that children, particularly those with mental health needs, need a safe and stable environment to thrive; they should be supported but also given the space they require to undergo unique learning experiences through their own ideas and decisions. I believe my practical experiences both in and out of work, have helped me develop relevant and transferrable skills for working with young people, as well as developing my personal qualities. Aside from working with young people, travelling is another great love of mine, and my experiences abroad have not only immersed me in different cultures but taught me the importance of communication and versatility. I spent two months backpacking South East Asia, two months in Kenya, and another in Malawi. During my time in South East Asia, I was teaching English to young people using limited resources; there were no whiteboards, laptops, books etc. I compromised, using creativity and an imaginative mind to come up with games, songs and activities that practised English language and skill. I wrapped coloured paper around sticks to teach colours and used clothing to teach body parts. I planned lessons every day to cater for changing age groups and rehearsed these with fellow volunteers. To see the children at mealtimes attempting to practise English with each other was extremely rewarding.
My work in the Alps originally involved teaching young people how to ski: communication and teamwork with my other colleagues was vital here, as was patience, adaptability and constant enthusiasm coupled with a creative mind. Correspondence with parents took place regularly, and I carried out dynamic risk assessments where appropriate.
I have completed work experience and I have also undertaken work experience. Here, I observed a range of lessons, from KS3 to GCSE.
I can say with confidence that teaching is the career path for me. From observation in school, to working in education centres, to teaching and nannying overseas, I loved every minute. I especially feel that due to my fair amount of travelling and working abroad, not only has this immersed me in a variety of cultures, it has taught me the power of communication, a profoundly key concept in the world of teaching.