Anna Russell – CPT3A
Anna Russell completed the Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements.
She is now looking to study the Dyslexia: Professional Report Writing and complete the full Masters in Education!
Which course(s) have you completed with Real Training?
CCET/AAC and I am now looking to extend this to study the Dyslexia: Professional Report Writing course to give me the Postgraduate Diploma SEND and then the Enquiry Based SEND Practice to get the Masters in Education.
I will study both with Real Training due to the course content delivered and the support I received whilst previously studying with them. I feel the courses are designed so well that I will have the confidence and skills needed to take the next steps in supporting our students even further.
What made you choose the Real Training course(s) over other options?
The course provided by Real Training was recommended by a colleague in another school. She advised me that it is a ‘full on’ course so I went in with my eyes wide open but at no point was I made to feel I was not going to succeed and be very good at my job when the course was finished. The intensive residential route appealed to me because I wanted to get away from the demands of my current job and be in an environment where we were all striving for the same goal. Being away from school enabled me to distance myself from everything else and therefore gave me the thinking space to concentrate on the course and the assessments.
I would recommend this route and using Real Training and their trainers to anyone, to ensure they successfully gain certification in a quick and professionally supportive manner.
What was your experience of learning with Real Training?
Feedback was always prompt; the same day at least and often within the hour. Barry provided professional and constructive feedback and with his help, I feel my work has been of a high standard. His presentation style on the intensive course days is engaging and knowledgeable. He gives you the confidence that the knowledge he is passing on, is valuable.
Barry has been a fantastic tutor throughout. He must work all hours as my feedback was always prompt and informative. He has helped me shape my current practice and has even had an input on my development plan. I can’t thank him enough.
The course was up to date and informative. All of our objectives were met on the day and the assignments ensured the theory was embedded and we are competent with our own practice.
The resource library was useful as a starting point for assessments but also for sharing policies and consent form ideas etc. Access to the e-library for assignment writing was excellent as so many of these resources have restricted access otherwise.
Having the resources available before the start of the course allowed me time to read through the paperwork prior to learning. This was important for me; someone that likes to digest the information at their own pace!
With Real Training you get professional, informative and helpful guidance from start to finish. Don’t go to any one else!
How has the course(s) helped make an impact at school?
Identification of needs has improved and staff awareness of the wave 1 in class intervention that can take place is better. Students feel better supported due to the knowledge staff now have on individual needs and what the assessment data shows the need to be. The knowledge staff have now, based on the training I have been able to pass on, means the class room experience is more inclusive.
I feel we are able to screen more students and even if this means the outcomes are good and no access arrangements need to be in place, at least we are all reassured we are doing the best for all of our students.
How has the course(s) helped develop you as an educational professional and what do you hope to achieve with the new knowledge/skills in the future?
Understanding the statistical analysis has informed my report writing and assessment feedback. I can write and speak confidently about these results now.
Sharing ideas with colleagues in a similar position has saved time and has proved to be a valuable moderation exercise.
The filming exercises were great! Daunting at first but now a useful tool for moderation and for ensuring we have consistency in the department moving forward.
Running through the AA process from start to finish has made me more aware of why we do, what we do!
I am happy now asking staff for their feedback as I now understand the full importance of this when making a valid application for AA.
I have improved the paper trail for AA applications to gather the necessary evidence to make an informed application.
Catrin Brauner – NASENCO, CPT3A
Catrin Brauner has studied the Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements with us, and is currently completing the National Award for SEN Coordination.
Find out more about her study experience with us!
Why did you decide to study with us?
I looked into Real Training as so many people across the UAE had recommended them to me as a good way to increase my knowledge and skills. I initially approached them as I needed to build my skills in understanding access arrangements and assessing learners but quickly realised how much more they had to offer. The range of courses is impressive and it’s easy to plan a CPD route that fits with your interests and other commitments.
The ongoing tutor support is something that made real training a very desirable training provider. I was also very impressed that courses were accredited with Middlesex University which allows people to work towards a Masters Qualification in SEN.
What was your experience of learning with Real Training?
All of the courses I have enrolled on have exceeded my expectations. The first course was a mixture of face to face and online, both parts were delivered seamlessly. The detail and structure that goes into the planning of the courses allows for delegates to feel guided throughout the course, even when there is no face to face element. The course tutors are extremely knowledgeable, approachable and helpful; they respond quickly to any messages and are always willing to help.
I am currently completing the NASENCO course, despite being a UK qualification it is extremely applicable to anyone working in SEN or leadership. The course takes a true 360o approach to ensure delegates have a chance to develop all the skills required to be an inclusive leader of SEND. The course is arranged in a multi-faceted manner which increases engagement and allows people to work to their strengths.
How has the course(s) helped make an impact at school?
The CPT3A course has had a huge impact on the children I work with and the provision we can offer in school, as well as helping me expand my understanding and skills significantly. The skills learnt allow us to understand our pupils in more depth in order to create the provision they deserve. This has been well received by all stakeholders including parents, governors, teachers and the children.
I am currently about halfway through completing the NASENCO course. The course has helped me reflect more on specific areas of what I do and find out what other schools are doing which is hugely helpful. I now have a better understanding of the history of SEN as well as current policy. This has helped me update some school approaches and action plan for the future.
How has the course(s) helped develop you as an educational professional and what do you hope to achieve with the new knowledge/skills in the future?
The CPT3A allowed me to have a deeper understanding of the pedagogy behind a lot of teaching tools and assessments. This has helped me use data to better understand, and therefore support, children’s needs on an individual level.
On the other hand the NASENCO course has taught me more about leadership, strategy and bringing about positive change. I believe both courses have allowed me to be better at my job and allow me to be a better leader and teacher.