The latest Bethany blog has been written by Mrs Sturrock, Head of DLS, who explores how, with the right support and mindset, the challenges of dyslexia can create resilience, creativity and determination, helping young people thrive both in school and later in life.

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Back in October, my eldest daughter ran her first half marathon to raise money for the British Dyslexia Association. As a dyslexic herself, she was lucky to have had wonderful teachers at her primary school who were able to spot both her difficulties and her strengths, which is not the reality for all young dyslexics. The British Dyslexia Association, in their publication ‘Set Up For Somebody Else’ have described the following reality for young people with dyslexia in mainstream schools in the UK:

• Too many children feel misunderstood, overlooked, or singled out at school.
• Seven in ten say dyslexia has made them feel bad about themselves.
• Six in ten hide their dyslexia.
• Six in ten report being teased or bullied because of it.
• Almost one in five do not have access to assistive technology at school.
• Nearly eight in ten believe people assume they are not clever because they have dyslexia.
• Over one in three describe school support as only ‘fair’ or ‘poor’.

I know that every year, new pupils arrive at Bethany who tell me that this has been the reality for them at their primary school and this makes me very sad.

We work hard in DLS (Dyslexia Learning Support) to support pupils to understand that whilst dyslexia presents some challenges, it can also be the key to a successful future. Indeed, research confirms that the ability to overcome challenges, build resilience and deal with adversity is the foundation for long term success in life. Dyslexic pupils often need to find different ways to learn and may have to persevere through challenges that their peers do not face, but this very act of learning to work hard will be what makes you successful in the future. I remember one of our alumni when they were in the Sixth Form applying successfully for a work experience placement at a prestigious design firm. He was told by the CEO that he preferred to hire dyslexics as they are generally harder working, problem solvers and more creative which are the skills he was looking for in the workplace. This is the kind of recognition of dyslexic strengths that we like to see!

At Bethany, our aim is not simply to help pupils cope with dyslexia, but to help them thrive because of who they are. Through specialist teaching, personalised support and opportunities to develop confidence beyond the classroom, we encourage pupils to recognise their strengths and build on them. Whether in the arts, sport, design, leadership or academic study, we want every pupil to understand that dyslexia does not define their potential; rather, it is one part of a unique set of talents and abilities that can lead to future success.

I was very proud to watch my daughter cross the finishing line at the end of her run. Like many dyslexic young people, her journey through school was not always easy and required the same grit, determination and resilience that carried her through 13.1 miles. She is incredibly tenacious and never gives up, and I am sure that some of that comes from being dyslexic (although perhaps a little of it comes from me too!). Watching her complete that challenge was a powerful reminder that the qualities developed through overcoming difficulties at school can become some of a person’s greatest strengths in later life.

 

Mrs Sturrock
Head of DLS