This is my first official Blog. With my lack of IT skills, I am nervous and frustrated but hey, that’s never stopped me before. 

I would like to take this opportunity to explain further, why I have joined Middlesex University. I believe Middlesex University and BA (HONS) Professional practice in Arts & Creative Industries course will be the perfect platform to help me achieve my dream of becoming a fully qualified teacher. It will help me to continue to develop my teaching skills within school, but also enable me as a student to be reflective and gain new knowledge and experiences that I can put into practice on a day-to-day basis. 

Furthermore, with the range of experience I have had, working professionally in the performing arts industry and my varied experience in the education sector, this has enabled me to develop a wide range of teaching styles to support pupils to achieve their full potential and provide the guidance and support they need through their journey.

I am a strong advocate in engaging pupils, and like to demonstrate how teaching has the power to inspire pupils and staff in both creative and academic areas. Dance, sport and drama offers all pupils the chance of academic achievement through a creative and inspirational path. Whether pupils are in Year 1 or studying a post 16 course as a standalone qualification, education can culture pupils in experiences that may not be accessible to them in everyday life. A creative and well-planned curriculum allows all pupils to attain personal goals and develop their self-esteem, enabling them to build independence in their learning.

Studying at Bodyworks Dance College was a fantastic opportunity, which allowed me to test my own skills and resilience. I learnt so much about being a professional performer as well as who I was as a person. Not only was I able to develop my performing and choreography skills; but also through the creativity, challenge and specialism of the course, I was able to develop a range of practical and theoretical knowledge of musical theatre and dance.  Over the three years of studying, I was able to experience technique classes, choreography workshops, rehearsals and theory sessions. The course really helped broaden my knowledge of professional dance and extend my critical skills. This was crucial, I believe, in enabling me to secure positions within the industry in the years after I graduated.

I have had a varied range of work experiences and used my work with young people in educational settings as a constant update for my professional development. I have been lucky to also work on a variety of projects within the entertainment industry such as modelling, acting, singing and dancing. I have been featured on the X-Factor,Fame Academy, pop videos and have modelled for some well known industry names such as Clarins, BT and DFS.

 

Opportunities then opened up, which led me into teaching dance and drama across a secondary setting, then leading to teaching PE within my current primary school. I am a very enthusiastic teacher, who believes in setting high expectations for my pupils and myself.  I have a clear determination and strong belief in aiming for goals that I set myself. This is why I constantly set targets to succeed as a practitioner. This is why I believe Middlesex University and this course will be the perfect platform to help me achieve my dream of becoming a fully qualified teacher. It will help me to continue to develop my teaching skills within school, but also enable me as a student to be reflective and gain new knowledge and experiences that I can put into practice on a day-to-day basis.

With the support and guidance from our supervisors, I know I will not only enjoy the course, but I will develop further both professionally and personally.