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Geoff Link runs a private boarding school that specialises in pupils with dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia. He talks to Trevor Averre- Beeson.
Q: How did you find yourself in this specialised field?
A: I started as a PE teacher in Wimbledon, then moved to Devon to become head of PE in a school with a large dyslexia department. To my surprise, I found working with children with learning difficulties really interesting. I also enjoyed working with more challenging children. I then became deputy head at Stanbridge Earls School, before becoming head four years ago.
Q: It is not the most obvious of career routes?
A: Again, it started in an unexpected way. While a PE teacher, I did a masters degree. I worked with Mike Golby, an inspirational lecturer at Exeter University. He encouraged me to undertake action research on pastoral care. It opened a whole new area of interest.
Q: What do you think is your major impact on children at Stanbridge?
A: The key to helping children with specific learning difficulties is making them feel safe and respected. In mainstream schools, such children often suffer from bullying and isolation. With us,...