Profile
Natalie Neal
My CV
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Education:
Wickersley School and Sports College,
university of York
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Qualifications:
I got 9 GCSEs grades A* to C but the only ones I’m ever asked about are my maths and English! I needed them to become a teacher.
I did psychology, film studies, geography and biology at A level and got As in all of them. These helped me get on my psychology degree course. Biology was helpful because it helps me with the neurological parts of psychology.I got a first class degree in psychology from York university which taught me the research skills I need to do my job as a psychologist.
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Work History:
I was a secondary school teacher of psychology and health and social care for 8 years after university. This helped me to learn how people learn best and how the school system works.
in my spare time, I have worked for a children’s helpline and leading the children’s group at my local church.
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Current Job:
Assistant Educational Psychologist. This has helped me get a place on the educational psychology doctorate course next year.
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About Me:
I’m a friendly and open person who lives and breathes psychology! My mission in life is to make sure children’s voices are heard in education.
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I live in Sheffield with my husband and our 3 year old daughter. I love watching Netflix and movies – Parks and Recreation always makes me laugh! We like going to theme parks and long walks as a family. I also lead the children’s group at my local church every Sunday.
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After university, I worked as a secondary school teacher of Psychology before becoming an assistant educational psychologist. My work involves meeting children, teenagers, school staff and parents/carers to help support their learning. I also do assessment work to find out if children have special educational needs like dyslexia or other learning difficulties by using different games. I usually spend my days going around different schools with a big bag of activities to do. My favourite work to do is helping children move from primary to secondary school and make sure they settle in well.
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My Typical Day:
I drive around schools meeting with children, their teachers and families. I watch the children in their lessons and chat with them afterwards to find out more about them. We sometimes play games to find out how they learn best.
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I pack my bag of games into my car and set off early to my first school of the day. I listen to my favourite podcast as I drive. When I get there, I watch a child in their numeracy lesson before talking to them about what helps them to learn best. Afterwards I meet with their mum, dad andclass teacher to come up with ideas to support them better with their learning. I grab a coffee through a drive through on the way to my next school. Here I deliver training to teaching assistants about a phonics intervention and how to measure their learners progress. I finish in time to pick my daughter up from school on the way home.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would use the money to support our local youth council with their research project into supporting students from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds in schools.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Rainbow haired psychologist
What did you want to be after you left school?
Counsellor
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Yes, for talking too much in lessons!
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Fall out boy
What's your favourite food?
Cookie dough ice cream
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To write a book, to meet fall out boy, and to make a difference to schools
Tell us a joke.
How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb? One, but the light bulb has to want to change!
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