Real delegate stories

An Interview with Rachel Trigg

• Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing

“I found the course excellent in terms of materials, assessment and support. The first thing I received was the folder of resources which was great to have as a source of reference that I could look back at if I was stuck on anything. There was a very comprehensive section on statistics that enabled me to understand and explain some of the statistical terminology used in testing. The videos were also helpful in explaining key areas and it was useful to be able to refer to previous students’ work for help with assignments.” Rachel Trigg, a Learning Support Tutor at a university in Newport, Shropshi

An Interview with Tina Thompson

• Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements
• Dyslexia Professional Report Writing

“I enjoyed studying the courses with Real Training, they were challenging academically but I saw this as a positive. If I needed additional support and guidance, it was easy to contact my tutor and the help was always constructive, clear and accessible. I found this gave me confidence in my own development. There was the opportunity for one to one contact either via Zoom or phone. I found this really valuable. Each course did meet my expectations in terms of challenge, professional development and new learning. I particularly enjoyed the library resources and reading academic articles and journals. These led to greater knowledge around subjects such as developments in Dyslexia.” Tina Thompson, an Academic Support Teacher and Assessor for Access Arrangements in an Independent Senior School based in Bedford.

An Interview with Karen Goulden

• Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements
• Dyslexia Professional Report Writing

“Completing the course has improved my confidence in the work I do. Secondly being able to share information with colleagues has led to greater consistency in the team’s report writing. It has certainly made me a more reflective practitioner. I look forward to obtaining my APC but irrespective of this, my overall understanding in putting together all the elements involved in diagnosing Dyslexia has been improved.” Karen Goulden, a Specialist Teacher for the Dyslexia Outreach Service.

An Interview with Samantha Blackwood

• National Award in SEN Coordination (NASENCO)

“The course has helped me to better understand SEND and the role of the SENCO. The modules have allowed me to identify the strengths of SEND in my setting and the areas of development.

Creating an action plan was the best activity for me as it allowed me to prioritise areas to work on over the next year in the most effective way. I have already delivered some training to all staff on the Graduated Approach and I feel like I have a much better understanding of this after working through the modules. Prior to the course, I don’t think I would have felt so confident!” Samantha Blackwood, a SENCO Teacher at a primary school in South Shield.

An Interview with Sadie Wilkinson

• Access Arrangements Course
• Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements
• Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing - Intensive

“This course, and my completion of AAC, will make a huge impact on our school. Being the only member of staff holding this qualification at present I will be able to promptly assess any students who require it without having to wait for the specialist assessor. We currently pay for an external specialist assessor to come in and assess our students, having me in school able to do this will greatly reduce the wait time and cost, and give the SENCo relevant information on these students as quickly as needed.” Sadie Wilkinson, a Science Teacher in a selective secondary school in Lincolnshire.

An Interview with Lisa Pongpiriyaporn

• Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements
• Cognition and Learning
• Psychology for Education

“The course has definitely supported my professional growth and enabled me to be a more informed instructional coach and leader of teams. As an ELL Coordinator, part of a multidisciplinary student support team, I have a deeper understanding of my context and feel up-to-date with current research and evidence-based practices, meaning I feel better skilled to impact others.” Lisa Pongpiriyaporn, the K-12 ELL Coordinator at the KAUST IB School in Saudi Arabia.

An Interview with Sharon Drinkwater

• Social Emotional and Mental Health

“I found the course interesting and easy to engage with and the course material was set out well. My tutor Katie was extremely helpful and quick with communication, always sending supportive messages. I feel that the course material was informative, will be useful in day-to-day practice and in developing my professional practice and understanding.” Sharon Drinkwater, an assistant SENCO and member of the safeguarding team.

An Interview with Patricia Henderson

• Access Arrangements Course
• Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing
• Dyslexia - Leadership & Intervention

“I have gained a lot more confidence in dealing with data and how it can support students with SEND. This has also allowed me to direct more useful interventions and supports for these students.  I have improved my knowledge to such a degree that my work was used as a case study in the Global Assessment Conference 2020 with Matthew Savage, which then led to me writing a blog for GL Assessment.” Patricia Henderson, a Learning Support Teacher at a secondary international school in Malaysia.

An Interview with Lena Ramzi

• International Award in SEN Coordination (iSENCO)

“The iSENCO qualification has allowed me to obtain a broader overview of how SEND is managed and supported in other international schools in Dubai. This is due to the opportunity to complete a placement in another school which was a highly beneficial part of the course.” Lena Ramzi, an Inclusion Teacher for years 6 and 7 at an International British School in Dubai.