Page 22 - Seaford Sixth Form Experience 2019

James Gisby Oxbridge Adviser
Education
A Levels - History, Politics, English Literature, Maths University of Kent, War Studies, 1st
Best History Dissertation
Why do you enjoy teaching at Seaford?
I enjoy the energy of our students; I am a passionate Historian so I love to see this enthusiasm reflected back in the classroom. Also, I love our ethos of striving for personal bests regardless of where you are on the ability spectrum. I am just as proud of our Cs at History A Level as I am about our many A/A*s!
Role:
My role is to guide our students through the Oxbridge application process. Alongside their subject mentor, we make sure they are reading the right books and doing the right things to put them in the best position for success. We stretch students beyond the curriculum and work on interview skills, as this is still a crucial part of the selection process for these courses. We have 18 months to prepare and make sure the students are saying and doing the right things on their application form, interview and admissions tests.
My favourite part of the role is seeing our students develop
a fanatical passion for their subject inside and outside of the classroom. To see them reading, talking and debating higher order concepts of their chosen subjects and getting excited about them reignites my passion for education - especially when we have people applying for History! Really, it is my role to help facilitate their passion, point them in the right direction for further research and help them convey this enthusiasm to others, including a potential interviewer.
Sheila Butler
Head of Academic Access and Support Education
BA History Cardiff University PGCE Secondary History University of Exeter
Masters in Inclusion and Special Needs University of Birmingham National SENCO Award University of Middlesex
Why do you enjoy teaching at Seaford?
The students are unlike any other students I have come across in other schools. They are funny, individual and immensely caring. I enjoy teaching here, because our students are a pleasure to work with. They are incredibly self- motivated and always grateful for
any help we offer. On top of this, as an added bonus, we have the great privilege in working in outstanding facilities, overlooking the beautiful South Downs countryside.
Role:
My role is Head of Academic Access and
Support; ensuring all learners fulfil their
potential, regardless of academic profile or
difficulties. Specifically in the Sixth Form, my
role is to support all Sixth Form students
and to facilitate their studies. For the most
part, this involves organising and
coordinating 1:1 Learning Support lessons.
However, a common opinion we hear from our students is that by the time they reach the Sixth Form, they are able to implement techniques learned in their LS lessons into the classroom independently and often don’t need additional support at this stage.
Informal support, however, is always available via the Academic Confidence Clinic; a drop in clinic, hosted in the group study room of the Learning Resource Centre. Ongoing support with study skills and time management is provided through “Purple Time” and the department works closely with Mr Follows to ensure this is successfully implemented.
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