Begona Sarmiento Fernandez

After completing my degree at University in Computer Science Engineering, I embarked on a teaching career, and it was at this time that I realised I had found my true vocation in life. If someone were to ask me what the best thing, I could do with my life would be, I would undoubtedly answer "teaching".
I have been teaching since 2002. For over 10 years, I taught Computing and ICT in secondary schools and vocational studies in Spain. Since relocating to the UK, I have been delivering a range of Spanish courses tailored to different needs at a large General Further Education College in North Warwickshire. Additionally, I currently work for Elea High Online School, delivering Spanish and Computer Science (GCSE and KS3). As part of my responsibilities, I have developed and implemented schemes of work, lesson plans, and assessments. Beyond my college and school teaching roles, I run my own company, providing tailored Spanish courses to other non-native Spanish teachers, individuals, as well as GCSE, A-level, home-educated students, and university students. I have had the privilege of working with prominent organizations such as The National Crime Agency, The Ministry of Defence, and Jaguar Land Rover. To promote independent learning, I have developed my own website where several resources are available online.
As a qualified Computer Science teacher in Spain, I completed my Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training at the University of Warwick in 2016, with Spanish being my area of expertise on this occasion. Alongside my DET, I volunteered as a Spanish teacher at Sidney Stringer Academy. This experience provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the British Educational System, particularly in secondary schools. I am familiar with several GCSE and A level awarding bodies, including AQA, Edexcel, and WJEC. My repertoire of teaching, learning, and assessment strategies has contributed to the high level of success achieved by my students.

My teaching practice has consistently received outstanding grades based on Ofsted criteria, both in DET and QTLS, as well as in NWSLC and Elea High Online School. I have consistently demonstrated the ability to deliver lessons, which are student-centred lessons that are tailored to meet individual needs including those of students with Autism. I include a range of active learning strategies to engage students and ensure they make progress and reach their full potential. This approach has had a positive impact on students’ attendance, achievement, satisfaction, and retention, all of which are key performance indicators used by Ofsted, NWSHC and my own company. I have an excellent ability to critically reflect against professional teaching standards, and I have a keen interest in evidence-informed practice and research. Moreover, I effectively collaborate with my colleagues in the language department, sharing teaching and learning strategies. I have also demonstrated my commitment to continuous professional development by undertaking several courses, including QTLS and a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism.