I will start off by saying that I really love the summer.  I love everything about it – the light evenings, the BBQs, days out at the seaside and the weather.  I spend the winter counting down until the summer comes and compile a list in my head of all the things I’m going to achieve during those precious few months.  So, what have I been doing?….

Dyslexia Assessing

I was extremely busy during July and didn’t stop assessing all month.  It is tiring and because I like to spend so much time on my assessment reports, it took a while to complete each one.  Having said that, I loved meeting all the new people and I’m really impressed with how organised they are by thinking ahead to the new term and how they want an assessment to ensure that their DSA support is in place.  By getting their assessments done and sent off, they should be in a good position to start the new term, knowing that their support is arranged and there if they need it.  I see so many 3rd students who have spent their whole degree struggling and for whatever reason, haven’t had a dyslexia assessment or even made use of the study skills service in their university.  That’s why I feel so pleased when I see new students being proactive and taking control of their learning.

Spending Time With My Boys

Unfortunately, I don’t have all of the summer holidays off (or maybe that’s fortunately considering how exhausted I would be!) but I have managed to spend some time with my two boys.  We learnt how to fish, went to countless zoos and arcades and made the most of the weather before the dark nights set in 😦

Saying Goodbye To  A Traditional University Campus

I have worked, studied and even had my wedding reception at this lovely old building.  It’s been very hard saying goodbye to it and I really hope that the main building (and the other period buildings) get listed and used for a useful purpose for the community.  Newport Council don’t have a good track record when it comes to preserving historical buildings (the Lyceum Theatre for example).  Even central Newport has been a victim of ‘modernisation’ that hasn’t stood the test of time and has been at the cost of the removal of buildings that were full of character and history.  I’m not against progress, in fact, I love Friars Walk and pleased that Newport has been invested in.  I’m just hoping that public pressure and support from local residents will ensure that Caerleon Campus main building is saved and its features retained.

So autumn is coming and I love Halloween so I’m focusing on that now.  I have already started receiving some requests for support and assessments so before I know it I will be back into the swing of things.