ABOUT
Karen Sprunt
The Winchester Tutor
I grew up in a small village just out side Winchester. I graduated from Homerton College, Cambridge, with a teaching degree and then went on to complete a Master's degree in Sport Science at Loughborough. After a brief spell working for the Sports Council I finally began my teaching career in Leeds. When I moved home to Hampshire I taught at infant schools in Netley Abbey and Horndean before taking a post at a leading girls' independent prep school in Winchester. After 27 years at the chalkface I still love teaching!
I became interested in maths when I started teaching the subject to primary aged children. I realised that for some children the abstract nature of maths and the pressure to recall facts at speed caused high levels of anxiety. This led to the creation of Flipp Flopps, a small booklet designed to help children practise their tables without anxiety. There is a growing awareness of the need to present children with visual models of mathematics to promote their understanding which I wholeheartedly embrace. I also believe it is vital that children are given the chance to explore and investigate mathematical problems and patterns.
Dyslexia and other learning difficulties
When I was asked to become Head of Learning Support I jumped at the chance! A year's training at the Helen Arkell Centre provided a solid grounding in assessing and teaching dyslexic students and I haven't stopped learning since! I have applied for and maintained EHC Plans, supported children with Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, weak memory skills and those on the Autistic Spectrum. I love the challenge of helping children overcome their difficulties so that they can realise their potential.
Every child can flourish
Not all children find school easy and there is not aways time in the school day for them to receive the help they need. Sometimes a short series of extra lessons can reverse a dip in confidence. Sometimes regular, longer term support will be needed to help a child consolidate their learning. Let's start a conversation about the support that your child needs in order to flourish.