Task 6A - Part 1

So I am skipping a few tasks in order to get things done :) 

After reading Reader 6, I have decided to do a trial interview with some members of a dance teacher Facebook group that I am a part of and also I am going to ask the same questions to my SIG groups to see what kind of feedback I receive.

I am very interested to know what everyones views are on this subject, and hope this will help guide me in the right direction to really get the best out of this topic.

More on this soon....


xxx

Task 5A - Professional Ethics

Even though I have been a dance teacher for a little over 2 years now, I still find areas that I need to work on and improve in regards to some of my teaching methods, but I feel this is a good thing, because I want to be the best that I can be as a dance teacher, and also as I want to go into mainstream schools as a teacher of GCSE/A LEVEL dance, I need to be ready for anything.

When I looked up the meaning of 'ethics' - this is the answer that came up:

'moral principles that govern a person's behaviour or the conducting of an activity.'

In my workplaces, there are set principals and guidelines that not only I have to adhere to, but also the parents/students have to as well for a safe, encouraging environment for children to learn.
While they are in my care, the children should feel safe and valued with respect while also giving the teacher respect. The ways I do this are:

• To do a visual risk assessment of the area I am working in, making sure there is nothing for the children to fall over or cause an injury to themselves.
• Also doing a good warm up/cool down for the children to prevent risk of injury to their bodies.
• Talking to the children (dependant on age) in a respectful but also authoritative way so the children will learn.
• Also treating the children the way that they would like to be treated, as they learn this at mainstream school so the principle should carry on throughout.

For my enquiry, I am looking at the ways teachers act around children with autism, and seeing if dance is a good way for children with autism to grow up and prepare themselves as they grow older. The ethics here are quite a sticky subject, as on the one hand you have to treat these children the same as the other children in fear of risk of favouritism, but on the other hand there will be a sense of favouritism as you need to nurture and encourage these children probably more so than others. In my enquiry I will not name any schools, teachers, or students. And any information I get will be kept by me and disposed of after the end of my enquiry. The research I do will remain professional and anything I need approval for I will seek. Any photos/videos I record I will gain permission from the dance school used, but also the parent/guardians of the children for security reasons.

By doing this, I feel I will achieve my enquiry by doing the correct things to ensure a safe environment.

xxx

Only the start of Task 4D

I know this will start blossoming into me posting so many videos/articles etc, but this subject I am thinking of doing is really letting me get my teeth stuck into something that I am enjoying as I am learning something new every time I research something, but also things I can put into my everyday practise as a dance teacher.

The first piece of literature is from this link and it did take me some time to find, as it wasn't on the first page of Google :) I really enjoyed reading this piece, and one comment struck a chord with me

'The practice of dance is highly structured and very ritualized, a selling point for children with autism.'

Which I totally agree with. On the saturday class I covered in my previous blog, the helper of the child in question actually praised me after the class for the way I taught and said that she liked the fact that I was 'structured, and also was strict and clear with the children on what I wanted' which is beneficial for the child. 

Also on this post it mentioned James Hobley - a child who competed on 'Britains got Talent' back in 2011. He had battled with autism and was homeschooled by his mum, and it was only a leaflet on a dance school that inspired him to dance and his confidence grew also. Here is the youtube video on this.

This actually sent shivers down my spine... his passion and also enthusiasm for dance is an inspiration to not only other children with autism, but also any dancer in general, that anybody can do anything if they believe in themselves.

Another thing I found online was a link with an article on which a mother who has two children (one with autism, one with Aspergers Syndrome) has released a dvd with the help of Pineapple Studios to help children with certain aspects such as co ordination, confidence, communication skills etc. Here is the link.

I liked this as she was really passionate about doing this for not only her children, but children everywhere with this condition. Debbie Moore - founder of Pineapple Studios said this in the article:

'Every child is different but experts agree that early intervention helps with development and dance aids children with autism.'

Which is great as that is how I feel about this subject, if the child does it early on then their confidence and communication skills especially will flourish and for a teacher, that is the best part of the job seeing children flourish :)

xxx

 

Task 4C

So, as I was thinking about my questions, I was told I had to cover some other lessons on saturday as the teacher was sick. And as I was about to start baby tap, I had forgotten that there was a child who came who has severe autism. 

She also has noise sensitivity, so has to wear headphones so it doesn't hurt her ears. But her tap was incredible. For a child her age (7) her concentration skills were second to none, compared to some other children in the class who were not concentrating at all. 

In the class she has a helper who takes her to and from lessons, and also supports her in the class incase she doesn't understand fully what I am saying. And to my surprise, the lady who turned up was my friends mother!

I spoke to her for about 15 mins after the class, and asked some of the questions that were mentioned in my previous blog, and also asked her if there was anything I could improve on. I was really grateful for all the answers she gave me, and she said if I needed any other help/advice etc then I could contact her :)

Which has given me a massive boost - and it also got me thinking. Could I set some of the questions based from the teachers point of view? And also maybe the child/parent point of view? So have a case study (which could be the child in question) and see how far she comes in a 12 week basis (which is the length of a term)? 

One of the good points is that I don't teach her on a regular basis, so I have a teacher I can ask at the end of the class how she got on, also can ask the helper how they felt they got on too!!


Decisions decisions!!

xxx

Task 4B - SIG Group

I personally thought creating a SIG group would be really difficult to start, but to my surprise it was easier than I thought!

I am included in a Facebook group for all Module 2 students, which is great because as I found out in Module 1, most people (especially dance/drama performers/teachers) have Facebook as a point of contact.

I am also included in a number of communities on Google+

Teachers of Performing Arts

Dance Teachers Community

Notifications on

Performing Arts Teacher & Coach Community

Teaching professionals within the Arts

Which is great as it is like minded people, and we can share our feelings, questions, opinions from all different areas. 

And I am looking forward to really getting involved and starting to share ideas with everyone :)

Steph xxx

Task 4A

Oh my goodness time has flown! In all honestly I have found this module a struggle, due to having to pick a certain topic to ask questions about and also finding the time to write things down! But I'm not going to be beaten by this!


As some of you may know, I have been a dance teacher now for a while, and have taught so many students. But very recently, I have joined a school that a lot of the students have various forms of autism, some very subtle, some more noticeable. And it got me thinking...

- Have you taught children or adults who have a form of autism?

- Do you think that dance/drama/singing is a good outlet for them? If so why?

- What difficulties have you faced when dealing with problem situations regarding children with autism?

- What is the best thing about teaching children/adults with autism?

- Should mainstream schools be promoting activities like dance to help the children who do have some form of autism?


I have done a bit of research on autism recently, as my partners child has suspected Aspergers syndrome, and just reading the article on symptoms it all made sense. This link shows probably just some of the symptoms of autism but this link shows some treatments the NHS recommend. And one really rang true for me. 

'cognitive skills – such as encouraging imaginative play'

I immediately thought back to some of my kids that I do teach and do have autism and how they were when I first started to how they are now, and I do believe that dance and also drama and singing really does help the children learn new skills and also helps them with everyday life (eg. interacting with other children, being in a large group etc)

I want to see how far I can go with this enquiry, as it is something that I feel I can really get my teeth stuck into and also see what other teachers, and maybe also the children's feedback on certain topics. Obviously these questions are only draft for the moment, but with the help of various contacts, I'm sure I will get some good solid questions to help me progress into module 3.

Back into the swing of things

Happy October everyone!

I cannot believe its October already! The year has flown by. But now it is back into working mode, and starting on module 2 and I cannot wait!

Hope everybody is well in my group, and to the new intakes - good luck and enjoy the ride!

Task 3A

Hello!

So current networks that I have:

Twitter/Facebook

I think these are probably everyone's most used sources of networking these days. You can keep in contact with people who you may have thought you would lose contact with. As well as that, I have found a few of my teaching jobs via Facebook. I am a member of two groups on there that are 'Dance Buddies' and also 'Dance teachers in need'. This is another network in a network as I have lots of contacts should I need cover for any of my classes, help on some of the work etc.

Meeting People

I think this is also a very good way to network and build lasting relationships and contacts. I mentioned this above regarding various groups on Facebook that I am part of. Also back in the day when I used to audition, meeting people and helping each other, in regards to other auditions we had seen that would be good for them and other things. Also the majority of my stable teaching jobs in 3 of my schools are from recommendation and word of mouth, which is great for my self esteem, as I must be doing something right!

Linked In

Now I have an account for this, but I have probably been on it once. During the rest of this study, I would like to be more involved in this as my dad has it, and he is living on it 24/7.

Middlesex Uni

Obviously this is only recently, but I have become part of an online network which is this study. Its great, and I spend lots of time reading the blogs of some of my college friends who I didn't even know were doing this, and I hope to do more networking and make more friends!

The main thing that you have to consider in these sites, and especially in front of people is how you act towards them, or what you put on your sites. As I said, a lot of my work has either come from Facebook, or from word of mouth, and I probably wouldn't have got those jobs if my behaviour was not correct. In my old job (Screwfix/B&Q) they actually employed people just to watch what you put on social networking sites in case you put something that you shouldn't have. I always believe you should watch your behaviour on those sites, as I have seen people come and go from jobs due to what they put. I believe in that, and also punctuality :) (I hate being late for anything - it makes me worry!)

As well as them, I would like to have my own website, showcasing my abilities as a dance teacher/choreographer. It could include status updates from my Twitter/Facebook. I need to do a showreel as well, which I could put on there then. I think these are going to be my ongoing goals which I can record on this blog.

Steph xxx

Task 2D

Hello! It has been a while, but life has gotten in the way but I have now found some free time so I am going to write to my hearts content as I feel I am WAYYYYYY behind!


What in your daily practice gets you really enthusiastic to find out more about? Who do you admire and who also works with what makes you enthusiastic?
In all honesty, I find I get really enthusiastic about music. I can listen to a certain piece of music, and I see myself performing steps or I can see a group dance and where the patterning should be on certain counts. I use Shazam a lot on my phone, if I hear a piece and think to myself 'oooo that would make a good dance solo/group etc' and need to know who it is by so then I can look them up at a later stage and see what else they may have recorded. I also spend a lot of time looking on Youtube on 'So you think you can dance' and now also 'Dance Moms' and see what songs they are choreographing to. I think one of my favourite pieces of music from 'Dance Moms' is this piece which Maddie and Chloe dance to called 'Confessions' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf4eFNXkTCU  My dance teacher at my local school I went to, before embarking on dance college, still makes me admire her even now. Just watching her choreograph a class, or picking music for a show or competition, is incredible. She can choose a piece of music and it will be perfect for the dancer or group, and her choreography imitates that also. I am so pleased that I had the opportunity to dance for her, and she is someone that not only I look up to, I inspire to be like her. Here is one of her pieces that she did 2 years ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjRr62vh5BU

What get you angry/sad? Who do you admire who shares your feelings or has found a way to work around the sadness/anger?
I have read a few blogs now to see what everyone has written on this task (a sneaky bit of concrete experience!!!) and there is a similar theme to this question which I do agree with. What makes me angry/sad is the way this industry has become. I am not the tallest person in the world (coming in at a petite 5"2!) but I have always been determined to prove what I'm worth. I think that got drummed into me when I was slightly younger, in my last years of dance school where I was auditioning for colleges. My dance teachers would always say 'steph you are short, make yourself known and GET TO THE FRONT!' And I kept that throughout my college years and when I was auditioning. I knew some point down the line I would teach, as I have always enjoyed it in the past, but as I left college I had dreams in my head that I would do a cruise or something that would allow me to travel the world! But that was short-lived, as some days I would get right down to the end, and then no one would contact me, or I would get into the room and be cut after 8 counts. I knew what I was letting myself in for doing this career, and you have to learn to be strong and not take these fallbacks personally. At the end of the day, that casting director/employer is looking for a certain type of person, some days you'll fit the typecast, some days you won't. But I am fortunate that I have a job now that doesn't require me to be a certain height, or hair colour, or have a particular skill. The person I admire the most in this certain situation is my best friend and old housemate. She was in the same category as me regards to height wise, and we used to spend a lot of time together wondering what we would do after college. But she is such a determined woman, and will seek out her dream job, and that is what she is doing now. She is on her fourth cruise now and is living her dream, and I couldn't be more proud of her.

What do you love about what you do? Who do you admire who also seems to love this or is an example of what you love?
The thing I love the most about this job is when I see a student progress not only in their technique but also their confidence. It is such an amazing feeling which bounces off the whole class. The person who I admire that also I feel loves their job for the same reason I do is not only 1 person but I think every teacher in whatever industry. They do that job for the same reason I do it, because it is their passion and they love to see their student achieve and reach for their true potential.

How do you decide the appropriate ethical response in a given situation? To what extent are disciplinary responses different to that you might expect more generally in society? (Eg. What level of physical contact would you deem appropriate/inappropriate from another professional that you would find unacceptable more generally and why?)
I like this question as everyone can have a different answer as they have a different perspective on it. For example, in my opinion, I think that in our profession, we are very confident with our bodies and wouldn't find it a problem to get changed in front of each other. However, in another group of friends disassociated with the profession, they would find this situation a little awkward. In regards to discipline, in dance it is very different to say in a normal school class. In a couple of schools that I teach at, we don't have the best facilities, so sometimes in order to show the students how to feel a certain position so they can use their muscle memory to remember it, I have to move them physically with my hands. In a normal school this wouldn't happen, but as my kind of teaching is more physical, that is my reasoning towards it. In any given situation, I have to respond with professionalism and tact, which is probably similar to a school teacher. As we are both employed by someone else, it is not only our names/reputation's on the line, it is the company/school's as well. Sometimes it isn't the answer that the recipient is looking for, but unfortunately you cannot please everyone.




Steph xx

Task 2C - Reflective Theory

Hello,

I've been pondering over this Task for a number of days now, reading and rereading Reader 2, and also other peoples blogs to see what ideas they have come up with, and also trying to think to myself, do I really know what reflective practice is?

I do think I have a better grasp on the concept of reflective thinking, as I am trying to see what I do in regards to it in my everyday life. Being a teacher of such a skilled disciplined genre, I see now not only how I see reflection, but also how much students that I teach see it and also other teachers around me. 

When I was younger, at school we were educated on VAK (Visual, Auditory, Kinaesthetic learning) Gardner, 1983. I think initially, my thoughts were that because I danced and did something physical, that automatically made me a kinaesthetic learner. However, reading Reader 2 and especially Kolb's 'learning cycle, it teaches me that what I originally thought I used to do in regards to reflective practice I don't actually do, but I do a lot more. For this Blog for example, I was using concrete experience as I was looking at other peoples blogs for inspiration. If I myself am dancing, or am learning a new dance, I use reflective observation as I used to find it easier if someone did it first and I copied, or active experimentation - I tried to achieve what my teacher wanted and she would reply with a yes or no answer :)

Now, years on from dancing, as a dance teacher, I think I use both reflective observation, abstract conceptualisation and also active experimentation However it does depend on the type of students I am teaching, one school I teach at on a Saturday they are slightly older, so active experimentation is great, as I can say 'lets try this' and they go for it. However some on my classes earlier on in the week they rely on reflective observation due to the fact also that they don't have mirrors and so cannot correct themselves by looking but by feeling. 
Schon's idea of reflection IN action (RIA) and reflection ON action (ROA) is displayed in my everyday teaching as well. If I am choreographing for either my self or others, i tend to use RIA as I like to make the steps up 'on the spot' and then change if it doesn't look right as I see it. To me, the steps may look good in my head as I'm making it up at home, but not to other dancers who are not the same build, height or the same technically as me. I think I have some students who use ROA as they like to know what music I am using, so then they can practice steps they have learnt, and also gives them great opportunity to improvise and make their own ideas to share with me. I really encourage student participation, I want 'my' dance to rather be 'our' dance and I think as some of my schools that I teach at haven't has the chance to do this it makes them more focused and engaged with the class.
Tharp's idea of muscle memory I really enjoyed reading. 'The second time though, however, or trying to explain the steps and patterns to the dancers, she will hesitate, second guess herself, question her muscles, and forget.' I enjoyed this part as I feel very similar to her. As she has been employed to 'Walk into the room and come up with the goods'. Muscle memory I feel is quite difficult to achieve, especially for a young dancer. A school I teach at do not have the luxury of mirrors, and therefore, are having to rely on my imagery that I use to describe how they should feel when in a certain position and also muscle memory. 


Im going to end this blog post with a quote from Tufnell and Crickmay (2004) 
'Without a sense of the body, of sensation and feeling, we lose connection to what is around and within us, to the immediate and present moments of our lives.'


Steph xxx

Dance exams

Hello everyone again,

Well yesterday one of my dance schools were doing their dance exams including me as I was going in with little pre primary ballets - and I'll tell you, I was more nervous I would mess up than they were! 

Everyone was great, all came out smiling and saying how nice the examiner was. There was a few saying they messed up on certain things, but I'm sure it wasn't as bad as they say as these children are passionate about dance almost as much as I am!!

I do enjoy the exam days however, all the children look so nervous before hand, and it's up to me and the other teacher to relax them and reassure them they know what they are doing. And then the next emotion is relief when they finish and leave the room, and a sense of joy and achievement when they receive their results.... So I am looking forward to when they arrive :)

Steph xxx

Task 2a

Hello again,

So writing a journal. When I was younger I always wanted to keep a diary from jan 1st to December 31st but I could never seem to do it. Either I used to forget where I put the diary or got bored of writing exactly the same thing day after day! 

But this time it's different. I've been reading reader 2, and looking at all the different ways we can put across out feelings and thoughts on paper. And I am looking forward to showing you some excerpts :)

I just wanted to finish by showing you a photo of a thankyou card a student gave me yesterday - this justifies why I love and do this job :)

Steph xxx

TASK 1c - Youtube Video

PHEW!!!!!

THANK GOD THAT IS OVER!! I don't really enjoy talking on a video, as I start talking really fast and then stumble over my words. So this was my 8th attempt hope you all enjoy :)

Steph xxx

http://youtu.be/gUy8JEbQJUM

Task 1d - 2d Images

Hi again,

It's Friday! Horray!! I'm at home, fire blazing, glass of wine and a chocolate eclair! What could be better!

Anyway... lets get back to the matter in hand. 2d images. I always believe in the phrase 'A picture is worth a thousand words' as I have so many picture frames of collages of pictures that remind me of good, fun times with friends. They also could remind me of special times with family members, and they also help in regards to advertising - in regards to performers headshots, which in my case need updating all the time as I have a fascination in changing my hairstyle/colour all the time!

I do think it is a shame in this day and age that we have to be careful who we record/take pictures of, especially in regards to dance teachers. I would love to show you some of my dancers work, but now you have to have so many rules and procedures it is a shame. I used to participate in dance competitions, and my parents would have loved to record me to show family/friends, but unfortunately we had to have a fully qualified professional photographer in the theatre, and recording was strictly not allowed. But these rules are set in place for a reason, and they must stay.

So I have instagram, which probably everyone in the world has at the moment until something else slightly better comes out :). With Instagram you can edit pictures to your hearts content and post them on Facebook, Twitter or another social networking site. At the moment the majority of my Instagram is of cakes that I have made (another pastime I have) but I do have some pictures of the 2012 Olympics which I was so fortunate to participate in :) so I will post some of these up on here now for you to all have a look and comment if you wish. My instagram name - SJONES2810 :)

http://instagram.com/p/ORUoqxgYjB/

http://instagram.com/p/ORUoqxgYjB/

http://instagram.com/p/ORUoqxgYjB/

Steph xxx

Leap of Faith

Hello again,

I'm sat at home on a weekday... and I'm not working! This is like finding a chocolate bar in the back of a cupboard, a rare treat!

So yesterday was my last day at my day job, I have taken the huge leap of faith to become fully self employed and just do my teaching which is feeling weird as I have been somewhat employed since I was at college. But at the same time, I am so excited!

I finally have time to do the things I wanted to do but couldn't due to work commitments, and this feels great! I have more time to blog (which is excellent for all you guys) and more time to see if I can get more teaching work in the mornings so my days are completely filled with me doing something that I have wanted to do for so long and I love doing!

But there is a niggling feeling in the back of my head. My family and friends all know that I am a bit of a worrier, and this is starting to show. Millions of questions and doubts are whizzing round my head 'I won't get holiday pay or sick pay now' 'What happens if I lose my job?" and many more are starting to question my doubts if leaving the stability of having a monthly guaranteed income was the right thing to do?


But then I was teaching last night at one of my schools, and the children has come on so much in confidence and technique since I started there in September that it squashes these doubts back to the back of my mind. And I know I have done the right thing! They make me realise that I have done the right thing :)

Does anyone else know what I mean? Or I am just a tad crazy :)


Steph xx

Task 1B - Professional Communication Technologies

Hello,

Right I've got a MASSIVE break now at one of my teaching schools, so I'm using this time productively and writing the second task! (I then got busy, so thats why the delay is HUGE!)

Ok, so Professional Communication Technology. We all use this on a day to day basis whether we are performers, or bankers, or office workers etc. I don't actually know what we would do now if we didn't have the internet at our fingertips!

What I have learnt however, is that all of this is put into an umbrella called 'Web 2.0' and as I say to all my students that I teach 'you should learn something new each day!'

Anyway, I'm going to tell you the main uses of Web 2.0 that I use on a day to day basis:

Facebook

I honestly think I need some help weaning myself off this. I use this everyday, whether to check someones wall out, or to wish someone a happy birthday, and I have even gotten work out of Facebook! Everyone has it now, and it is great to find new things out, or find lost friends that you haven't seen in ages, and see photos of great times with great friends :) 'Facebook was not originally created to be a company. It was built to accomplish a social mission - to make the world more open and connected.' Zuckerburg,M. (2013) And i agree - he has definitely  accomplished that. HOWEVER - what I don't like is people putting random videos/pictures that clog up my newsfeed!!! ARGHHHHHHH!!!!!

Twitter
I only joined on this bandwagon when I was at college, and to be honest, I didn't really know what I was doing! But now I use this on a daily basis as well. Its great to network with people, and also ask for any help/advice/feedback etc. I remember asking for a cake decoration course for my mum as a birthday present, and was inundated with replies! It is slowly becoming as popular as Facebook.

Dancers Pro
This little gem I found by chance when a friend of mine recommended it to help me find work when I was a bit down on my luck. I found this a great way find jobs/auditions - and 9 times out of 10 I got the job I applied for :). Yes you have to pay for this, but at £18 a month, it's not to shabby.

Google
I think everyone uses this to research, find answers, or ask it to do silly things like a barrel roll (just type it into the search bar and see what happens ;) ) but I don't know what we'd do now without this at our fingertips.


So there you have it, these are great everyday examples of Web 2.0 that everybody uses. What I would like to start looking into is my own website - and also linkedin. I have an account for this but I don't really know what I am doing with it! So if anyone can shed some light that would be great :)

Steph xx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHcSS56ukGM

Task 1A - Professional Profile

Hello again :)

I was meant to do this task a lot earlier, but teaching took its toll on me so I'm doing it tonight while I have some time to myself :)

So Task 1a... Professional Profile. As I have seen from other blog posts, most professional performers have two CV's - a performing CV and a 'Proper Work' CV. So I'm going to share both and I would love it if you could give me some feedback on it.


Performing CV
Normally I would have a picture as well, but I need some new head shots so I will leave it out for the time being.

Stephanie Jones      

Training: Bird College National Diploma in Dance and Theatre Performance 2007 - 2010

Height: 5’1’’                             Mobile no: xxxxxxxxxxx

               Hair: Blonde                                                          Email: xxxxxxxxxxx

               Eyes: Blue                                    Ni no: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx                                               Nationality: British                                                           Driving Licence: Full UK Clean

Theatre:

                                  

                                    Dance Teacher                    2013 - Present             Diamond School of Performing Arts       

                                     Dance Teacher                              2013 - 2014                Funstar Education

                                      Dance Teacher                              2013 - Present              The Kelly Marie School

Dance Teacher                   2012 - Present               Beacon Arts 

  Volunteer Dancer - Spirit of the Flame    08/2012       Olympic Stadium

      Cover Teacher                               2011/2012    Leanne Hughes Theatre School

Tesco Advert                   Extra               08/2011               Extras Broadcasting

Isme Advert                     Extra               08/2011               Extras Broadcasting

Barcardi Advert               Extra               04/2011               Extras Broadcasting

Range: A below top C - F below middle C

Special Skills - Dance : Ballet, Tap*, Jazz*, Contemporary*, National, Greek, Contact*, Jazz pas de deux*, Choreography, Fdi in Tap, Over Adv 2 in both Tap and Modern ISTD.

Other: Basic Gymnastics, Basic Roller skating/blading, Athletics, Flute - Grade 3, CRB Checked.

WORK CV
So this is my CV that I hand out for 'normal' jobs (so to speak)

Stephanie Jones

Mobile –  xxxxxxxxxxxx   Email –   xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Personal Information

D.O.B – 28/10/1990

Driving Licence – UK Full Clean

I am a hardworking individual who can work well in a team, as well as alone. I can supervise other members of staff as this was shown in my previous job. My experience is mainly retail, but I have done other jobs at some time or another. In my spare time I enjoy performing, teaching dance, taking longs walks with my dogs, exercise, baking and cross stitch.

Skills Profile

·         Knowledge of MS word, excel, and powerpoint.

·         Strong communication skills.

·         Can work well in a team or alone.

·         Good office based skills.

·         Good customer facing skills.

·         Self motivated.

Employment

Screwfix – November 2012 till present.

·         Trade supervisor – managing two members of staff on a daily basis.

·         Customer facing duties.

·         General office duties.

·         Sales driven role.

Beacon Arts – November 2012 till present

·         Teaching dance to children ages 6 to 14 in tap and modern.

B&Q PLC – April 2009 – November 2012

·         Customer sales assistant – helping members of the public.

·         Working on a till, handling money on a daily basis.

·         In charge of training new members of staff.

·         Sales driven role.

Education

Bird College – September 2007 – July 2010

Station Road, Sidcup DA15 7EB

National Diploma in Musical Theatre – Merit Plus.

Cedars Upper School – September 2004 – July 2007

Mentmore Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2AE

GCSE

English Language                      A                                  French                          B                                

English Literature                       B                                  Business Studies          B

Maths                                       B                                  World History                C

Science (Double A                   C                                  Drama                          B

Reference

Lisa Sabatini (Owner of Beacon Arts) 

Lee McLaughlin (Manager of Screwfix Bletchley) 

So there you go - in my dream world that I like to go into sometimes, i would really like just one CV that I could use for both, but I don't think it would be possible?? Or does anyone have any ideas on what I could do?? Answers on a postcard please :)

Steph xxx


Just deleted some important info - as of the words of the scarecrow 'If I only had a brain.....'
(The Wizard of Oz, 1939) Thanks guys :) what would I do without you :)

Feeling Nostalgic

Hello again,

I can't believe I'm already writing again! I thought it would be a lot harder, but I felt I had to share this :)

So as I'm sure everyone is aware, Facebook is 10 years old today. It is my most used social networking site (Twitter is a very close 2nd) and I can't go a day without checking to see what has happened or if I have any notifications! I'm an addict!

So for their 10th birthday, the workers at Facebook have done a 'Facebook Movie' for everyone showcasing all their favourite posts, when they started using Facebook, most liked things etc.
And I love mine, it brings back some really good memories that must have been lodged in the back of my mind as I wouldn't have remembered them otherwise. Everyone is sharing them, and its nice to watch everyones - I got a warm fuzzy feeling inside which was lovely!


I feel better now I've shared this - I think it's always good to share things with other people - except chocolate :)


Steph x

Beginning

Hello Everyone,

This is the beginning of my Blog which I hope that you enjoy reading my posts over the next 15 months. 
Welcome to all the 'Newbies' who are just starting the course today like me, and hello to everyone else who is already doing the course.

So unfortunately I didn't go to the induction day, which I am quite disappointed about, since I have read some other blogs (bit of research :-)) and they described it as a really beneficial and enjoyable day. However, I did find my conversation with Paula reassuring so I think I will be fine and I'm sure I will find some people who will be in the same boat as me if I ever get stuck!

So what do I expect from the course? In all honestly I haven't got a scooby doo! I have read the module and other things, but I'm excited and curious in how I am going to decipher all the information into my own words, feelings, observations etc.


I'm pleased I took the decision to do this course, thanks to a few friends giving me some gentle persuasion(!) and encouragement that I will succeed, I hope to do them, myself and everyone proud of the achievement that I hope to have at the end of this course :)



Steph x