BOUQUET OF THE WEEK Teacher went ‘above and beyond’

A TEACHER who went out of her way to help “transform” a young boy who had difficulties at school has been nominated for a bouquet of the week.

Ruth Davies was nominated for going “above and beyond” to help 12-year-old Marcus Venables, a pupil at Ysgol Plasmawr who was having issues at school.

Marcus’ mum Claire nominated Ruth for her dedication to helping her son at school.

Claire, 43, from Fairwater, said: “Ruth has been very persistent with getting him help, and from outside of the school too.

“She’s not given up on him either like some people have done to him before.

“Ruth takes a lot of time out from her own time to help him, or to find out who else could help him better. She’s just great in general.”

Ruth stated that it was very much a team effort to help Marcus, but was grateful for the nomination.

The learning support coordinator, from Rhiwbina, said: “I suppose it’s about giving him time really, because in a big comprehensive school that’s the hardest thing – especially coming from a primary school that’s smaller.

“Going to a school with thousands of pupils can be a daunting thing.

“With this young man the issue was that his emotions were getting the better of him.

“He had so many anxieties about going to lessons and he was getting into trouble of all descriptions.

“I spent a lot of one-to-one time with him, just sitting down with him or giving him a big smile in the morning.”

After working with Marcus during his first year at secondary school, Ruth said she has seen a marked improvement in his attitude and behaviour.

Ruth said: “Now he can deal with some of these issues more independently. He’s just transformed.

“I do still see him, but it’s not as often. But when he needs one of us he knows where to come – it’s all about the relationship with our pupils.”

She added: “Teaching is not something where you get a lot of awards so this does mean a lot really.”

If you know someone who deserves an Echo Bouquet of the Week email your nomination, with reasons, and your name, address and telephone number to echo. newsdesk@walesonline.co.uk. You can also write to South Wales Echo, Six Park Street, Cardiff, CF10 1XR. Usual Media Wales terms and conditions apply and all nominees must agree to be photographed.