Learning Coaches

Cymraeg

Lois Morgan, Trainee teacher of English , Barry Comprehensive, South Wales

Who are your typical clients?

Boys aged 11–16.

What do you do all day?

In the past two years I have worked as a behaviour support officer and LSA/cover support officer at Barry Comprehensive, and from September I will be starting training as a teacher there on the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP).

What's the best bit of your job?

Working with young people, building effective relationships with them and watching them develop and become a success.

Are there any downsides?

It can be hard to deal with the sad situations some young people have been in.

What are your work history highlights?

The way I have developed and all the skills I have gained thanks to the great support from the school I work in. Being accepted to do my GTP at Barry Comprehensive.

What is your dream job?

Teaching – I’m doing it! And in the distant future being a mum!

What do you like to do in your leisure time?

Swimming, keep fit, holidays, going out, reading.

Which modules have you done so far?

Legislation, Study Strategies and Referral Methods and Systems. I’m picking up The Mentoring Process and Coaching for Learning at Summer School.

What do you hope to get out of the course?

New skills, new ideas and knowledge. Meeting a variety of new people.

What have you got out of the course so far?

Meeting lots of different and interesting people. Finding out how learners learn and the different ways we can help them.

How has the course improved your work with young people?

I have learnt how to identify the different learning styles and the different ways to facilitate learners’ individual needs. This has helped to emphasise the point that all learners are different and they should not all be treated the same – variety is the spice of life after all!