Bronwen has severe dyslexia and mild autism and is undertaking a Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship.
We spoke to Bronwen and Adam Doherty, one of Bronwen’s tutors at Ixion, to talk about her experiences and how the team adapted the apprenticeship to suit her needs.
“I was nervous about getting my assignments done on time and whether my technology would work but the support has been brilliant.”
I’m on a Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship with Ixion. I have severe dyslexia and mild autism and a full EHCP health care plan.
I am a one-to-one teaching assistant at Madeley School. I work with a young man with Down’s syndrome and also other children with special educational needs and disabilities. When working with the children I use a range of strategies. I always look at the individual child not the diagnosis.
I find that suggesting strategies to the children that I used myself to help with my autism or dyslexia is useful. By using myself as an example I show students that they can achieve. I try to show them that having a diagnosis of autism, dyslexia or ADHD does not mean they cannot be successful.
I decided to start an apprenticeship in a high school to help children with special educational needs to view school and education in a better way. Also, I wanted to show them that even though they may have to do things in a different way, they are capable of achieving.
I do all my work digitally by using iPads and talk to type technology. So, I can just talk and the technology types up my answers. One adjustment I needed was because I can’t use my talk to type technology on the software to submit assignments. Therefore, all my assessors put the assignment questions into a Word document for me so I can use the technology to input my answers.
Before starting the apprenticeship, I was nervous about getting my assignments done on time and whether my technology would work but the support has been brilliant.
Adam Docherty: I think a really good thing that Bronwen has identified through previous learning is that she can use technology to support her. The standard of work that Bronwen completes using technology is brilliant. She works to a high standard, and the work is really detailed. The main change that we made is allowing Bronwen to utilise those different bits of technology.
The apprenticeship is having a really positive impact. I am learning new skills and different teaching techniques and styles. I have recently applied to do my teacher training to become a Makaton teacher. Additionally, I am hoping to do my level 5 apprenticeship with Ixion.
My confidence has also improved thanks to the apprenticeship. I am more confident delivering lessons, standing at the front of a class and talking to parents.
Adam: I have seen a big change in Bronwen. I started working with her over two years ago. At the start we had observations and Bronwen was reserved and quiet. When I came back to Madeley School recently the differences I observed were fantastic. She is managing different behaviours with students in the classroom, showing her authority and delivering Makaton lessons.
My tutors are all brilliant and make good adaptations for me. I cannot fault their support at all. The only time there was ever any confusion, I contacted Adam and it was sorted within an hour. My school supported me with a maths tutor for one hour a week also.
Once I have completed my level 3, I am planning to move straight onto my level 5. By that point I’m hoping to have my Makaton teacher status. So, with the level 5 and Makaton teacher status I can then do my Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) qualification. My long-term plan is to become a SENCO lead or a SENCO teacher within school.
Adam: I can definitely see Bronwen becoming a SENCO lead. There is nothing to stop her with the way she has progressed so far. I think she would be absolutely brilliant at that.
Yes, definitely. It’s been really good, really enlightening and allowed me to get to know the personalities and children behind the diagnosis.
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