About this case study
Taking SWiS level two has enabled Sarah to learn about the school environment during her first role in a school. It has also helped her to realise how the importance of her role in the school and given her confidence in her own strengths and abilities.
Sarah says:
"SWiS made me realise that I'm a key member of the team at Saxon Hall. And I'm much more confident about my ability to do my job. It's given me theory to back up the practice. Now I know that what I'm saying is right!
"Saxon Hall is a Pupil Referral Unit, catering mainly for boys aged 14-16. These boys have lots of behavioural problems and often there are problems at home too. They really lack motivation and belief in themselves. I find that the best way to motivate them is simply to show an interest in them. A lot of them come from backgrounds where no one does that.
"I found out about SWiS at a local training and development fair, and it sounded perfect for me. This is my first job in a school environment and I wanted a bit of background and context to help me understand my role a bit better. I got my level two certificate earlier this year. I was able to do the work in school, which was great. All the staff here get Friday afternoons off for what we call the 'Expert Trail'. It's a time when people can work on developing their knowledge and skills and building up their portfolio.
"One of my colleagues in the office was working towards the level two certificate at the same time so I had someone to compare notes with and if either of us got stuck, we'd talk it through. We also had regular contact with a lady from the assessment centre. She came into the school, and we could e-mail her if we needed to. Sometimes, I wasn't sure what would be the best scenarios to use as examples, and she helped me with that. Our key stage four coordinator acted as our expert witness and she was brilliant. It's lovely getting statements from people telling you how good you are at your job!
"I've just started the level three certificate course. Level two gave me a good strong foundation – now I want to find out more. SWiS has shown me that I'm an important member of the school team. Because I've got a better understanding now of what everyone else's roles and responsibilities, I can see how my work in the office really underpins what they're doing and makes it all possible. I'd find it much easier to put a CV together now, and to paint a positive picture of my strengths and abilities. I also supervise a colleague and I've got a much better idea now of how we can work together effectively. In future, I'd like to work in a mainstream school and I hope SWiS will open up opportunities for me.
"I'd advise anyone who's interested in SWiS to go for it. Don't be put off by the work that's involved. The whole qualification is focused on the things you do every day, so you'll find that you know a lot of the subject matter already. Sometimes it's just a case of organising your thoughts and putting them down on paper."
