Awaiting Information
Emma PlattEmma is an Academic Development Lecturer at UCO, supporting students with their academic skills development. After graduating with a BA (Hons) in Linguistics, Emma spent two years working in educational research, first at the University of Lancaster on two Leverhulme Trust funded projects: Academic Literacy Practices: students’ experiences of difference, and A Multimedia Corpus-based Longitudinal Study of Children’s Project Work. Subsequently, Emma worked in the Centre for English Language Teacher Education at the University of Warwick on the research project, Investigating the Language Assessment of Learners with EAL.
Emma was subsequently awarded a scholarship from the University of Lancaster to study for an MA in Language Studies, specialising in Adult Literacy. During this time, she was an active member of the Lancaster Literacy Research Centre and developed a keen interest in writer identity. Her MA dissertation focused on the discoursal construction of writer identity, analysing the ways in a writer’s discoursal self is constructed by the subject positions available in the voice-types they draw upon, and the implications this has for the teaching of language and literacy, e.g. Critical Language Awareness (CLA).
After completing her PGCE in FHAE, Emma worked as a literacy tutor at Blackburn College, both within the college and out in the community. During this time, Emma worked with researchers from the Lancaster Literacy Research Centre on the Relating adults’ learning and lives project (Barton et al, 2006) which focused on how an understanding of language and literacy as a social practice can aid practitioners to work with their learners.
Prior to moving to UCO, Emma worked as a senior lecturer in teacher education for nine years at the University of Bolton and was the pathway leader for the CPD: Subject Specialist Teachers of Literacy and ESOL pathway.
Literacy and language as a social practice; academic literacy practices; discoursal construction of writer identity; Critical Language Awareness.
BA (Hons) Linguistics (Class I)
MA Language Studies (Distinction)
PGCE (Further, Higher and Adult Education)
Associate Member – Dyslexia Guild
Rea-Dickins, P., Gardner, S. and Clayton, E. (1998) Investigating the Language Assessment of Learners with EAL. Unpublished report for Minority Group Support Services, Coventry City Council Education Service, University of Warwick.
Sarah HowleySarah is based in the UCO library and is a qualified librarian. She graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2017 with an MA in Library and Information Management. She also has a BA in English and Creative Writing.
Sarah worked as a customer service team leader in a law firm while completing her studies, before exploring business analysis, operational process improvement and compliance. However, her goal was always to join the library and information profession once qualified.
Sarah’s subject specialisms are Early Years, Children and Young People, and Teacher Education. She is a professional organiser, natural problem solver and learning enthusiast. She is particularly interested in developing digital literacy, student engagement and student organisation strategies in the HE environment.
Lucy CollinsLucy’s role as HE Student Services Officer involves maintaining course documentation and ensuring accurate student records- this involves maintaining information systems and handling all student data. Our Student Services team are here to help in your day-to-day enquiries.
Jill TaylorJill’s role includes the supervision of the HE Student Services team, the coordination of our Graduation ceremony, Enrolment, Clearing, UCO Hardship Fund, EBS and Examinations.
Jill is responsible for updating and maintaining the HE Student Services SharePoint site and administers the Teacher Training courses from applications to the orgainisation of the teacher training placements and DBS.
Laura MacmillanLaura Macmillan is the Disability Officer at UCO working as part of the Academic Support Services team.
Laura offers support, advice and guidance in all aspects of disability support available at UCO.
Laura assists in Disabled Students Allowance applications, ensuring reasonable adjustments for students are put in place, as well as writing Learning Support Plans and delivering initial dyslexia screenings. Laura also ensures all students who attend a screening and whose results indicate a possible diagnosis of dyslexia, are referred for full assessment to gain an official diagnosis.
Laura also offers general pastoral support and can offer advice and guidance on external support agencies and general wellbeing support.
Laura has a wealth of experience in Special Education Needs Provision offered in compulsory and post 16 education, having been an Assistant SENCO, Literacy Co-Ordinator, Reading Support Facilitator and Advanced Practitioner in writing Education, Health and Care Plans. Laura has also worked as a Student Mentor and Safeguarding Officer as well as teaching students with specific learning difficulties, behavioural difficulties, severe and profound learning difficulties and mental health issues.
Laura has a background in Film Studies in addition to her thirteen years’ experience of working in support and teaching roles, with a particular interest in Psychology in Film.
MA
Current projects include:
Effective Transition for Students with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC):
BA (Hons) Film Studies and Creative Writing – Cumbria Institute of the Arts, Carlisle
MA via Independent Study (Research) Film Studies – DeMontfort University, Leicester
Member of NADP (National Association of Disability Practitioners)