Sarah Woods , Bideford, United Kingdom

I began my career in journalism and wrote for several publications. I started out at a local newspaper The Richmond and Twickenham Times and grew my writing and researching skills during this time. After this, I branched out into trade journalism and worked for Brand Republic and Design Week magazines. I became skilful in researching and interviewing many clients for many topics. Writing both news and features for all publications I grew incredibly passionate about my career and went on to become deputy news editor for Design Week. Once I was nominated for news story of the year for my work on the London Olympic 2012 branding. I left full time work to have my children and decided to freelance while carrying out my English degree. I achieved a 2:1 at 69% at degree level. Following this, rather than rush straight into full time teaching I tutored students as well as working as an SEN teaching assistant for 3 years in order to support students in day to day tasks as well as academic work. Through observing many teachers' practice I then made the decision to start my training as a secondary English teacher. At the same time as carrying out my SCITT training I also completed a PGCE. I achieved outstanding teacher status at the end of my training year. I was fully responsible for planning all lessons, adding to the existing schemes of work, marking and feedback for all year groups up to and including GCSE. I believe that students engage and learn through relevant and creative lessons and it is part of my philosophy to use contemporary resources and engage students through real life issues. I use my marking and feedback to inform lesson planning through focusing on students' misconceptions. I set up a newspaper with my year 9 media group at BDB and we published a copy at the end of the year. This helped these students to build their confidence as well as encouraging them to work as a team, while giving them an understanding of a real life work environment within a modern society. Moving to Devon with my family at the end of the summer I am this year focusing on freelance writing about all things design, education and alternative lifestyles. I am fully committed and passionate about helping clients to get the best results from their business. I write articles, blogs, reports and academic work. I am also a private tutor and offer f2f and online tutoring. I am reliable, always work to deadline, approachable and flexible.