[senco-forum] In response to Message 1, Senco-forum Digest, Vol 51, Issue 6

Barbara,

I just wanted to add that you are completely right in
thinking Dyslexia and other specific learning
difficulties are still being undetected in schools,
and even Universities.

I know this from my own personal experience. I
undertook my Law Degree and managed to obtain a 2.1,
but had to do enormous amount of work far greater than
my peers to achieve this. I only discovered i was
dyslexic in my last month of my time at my second
university undertaking the Bar Vocational Course, when
i failed an exam as i was studying for it using my
auditory memory, which is very poor compared to my
Visual and Kinethetic, which fortunately are
excellent. I did not know this at the time.

I believe i may have created my own coping strategies
without even realising.

There was always a huge difference in my results from
coursework or exams throughout my school life. This
maybe something to look out for. When i say huge, an
example is achieving a 1st in Coursework and 3rds in
exams!

I achieved good marks academically 2 A*s, 7 Bs and C
at GCSE. I felt overwhelmed at GCSE level doing 10
subjects, i guess from 'seeing the bigger picture' and
felt i achieved far less than my potential, i even
cried on results day! I got very distracted in my
English Exam by an invigilator walking up and down
behind me, and failed it as a result, but because i
got A*s for speaking and my coursework i averaged a B
overall. I did tell my English teacher this at the
time, but it fell on deaf ears.

I obtained 3 A grades at A-level, but it came at a
cost. I by no means had a healthy work life balance. I
used to come straight home from school sleep and then
do homework until 9 - 10 at night and always worked at
the weekends. I got ill a lot as a result of my hard
work, and still do to this day (I am now 25). I guess
i was just naturally driven and my parents never had
to tell me to do my homework and never helped me.

I always remember repeatedly trying to communicate
with my teachers that something was wrong, but nobody
would listen as i was doing well academically. I would
tell them, .'..but you don't understand i am having to
work so hard to achieve these results'. I was not
heard.

I never had time for many extra-curricular activities.
I hated PE, i think i am also dyspraxic.

I actually believe i have dyscalculia, not dyslexia,
but after being given the diagnosis of Dyslexia i did
not have an opportunity to speak to anyone about the
report. I did not want to go back to Uni to discuss it
with them as they had already told me that if i had
dyslexia this would undermine my confidence! I
retorted that it make me understand my strengths and
weaknesses and play to my strengths. 

Am I right in thinking there is not a recognised
Dycalculia test?

I guess i am writing this because Teachers need to be
aware that people like me are common, and although i
doubt i would have needed that much extra support at
school, i never understood why i was different, and
really would have appreciated support with studying,
using my strengths my visual and kinesthetic memory. I
appreciate teaching is difficult, but please try and
listen when students tell you they think they have a
problem, even if their performance indicates to the
contrary.

My best friend who is a journalist, similarly has only
recently discovered she is dyslexic too, she is also
25 and went to Uni.

I have set up the Nottingham Dyslexia Support Group
and i am actively involved with the Nottingham
Dyslexia Association. They are currently supporting
quite a few University students who only recently
discovered they are dyslexic.

This forum has been extremely helpful. My mum is quite
badly dyslexic and it has provided me with ideas of
ways i can teach her in the future. It is now my
intention to re-train as a teacher and then become a
SENCO.

I hope this is useful and relevant to your
discussions.

Thank you.

Suzanne Mallabone

Suzanne Mallabone

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