At the Cabot Learning Federation, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. Our team of dedicated educators works tirelessly to ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive. Among these passionate individuals is Jake Dempster, a teaching assistant at Lime Hill’s Academy, a specialist Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) provision in North Somerset. In this article, Jake shares his journey and the impact he’s making in the lives of his students.
Jake’s journey to becoming a teaching assistant is deeply rooted in his own experiences as a student. Growing up, he faced challenges within the education system, struggling to find the support he needed to succeed. However, it was the moments of encouragement and guidance from mentors that made a profound difference in his life.
“I spent the key years of my teens within the CLF,” Jake reflects, “so it’s where I had all of my major moments, whether they were good or bad.” These experiences shaped his understanding of the importance of tailored support in education. Now, as a teaching assistant, Jake is determined to provide the same level of mentorship and guidance to his students.
One of the core principles Jake follows in his role is the belief that education should be tailored to fit the needs of each student. He emphasises the importance of bending the curriculum around the child, rather than expecting the child to conform to rigid standards.
“We provide extra activities here and activities that are still within the curriculum but a little bit different,” Jake explains. “It makes it easier for them to learn, and a lot more of their actual interests are involved within the learning.” By incorporating students’ interests and strengths into the curriculum, Jake creates a learning environment that is engaging and inclusive.
Beyond the classroom, Jake goes the extra mile to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed. He recognises that some students may struggle with traditional teaching methods, particularly in subjects like science and maths. To address this, Jake provides personalised support through one-on-one sessions and additional activities.
“I try and find the kids that need extra support,” Jake says. “So, I feel like we bend the curriculum around the child rather than the child needing to fit the curriculum.” By adapting his approach to meet the individual needs of his students, Jake fosters a sense of confidence and achievement in each child he works with.
For Jake, the most rewarding aspect of his role is seeing the impact he has on his students’ lives. Whether it’s helping a student overcome a learning obstacle or witnessing their pride in their accomplishments, Jake finds fulfilment in knowing that he’s making a difference.
“It’s nice to see the kids smile when they really take to something,” Jake shares. “I was doing a bit of creative writing with one of the students here, and we did a superhero origin story. He was so proud of that.” These moments of joy and achievement reaffirm Jake’s commitment to his work and inspire him to continue making a positive impact.
At Cabot Learning Federation, we’re dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and want to join a team of dedicated educators like Jake, we encourage you to explore our current job opportunities.
