Work Experience at Wonder Words
Written by Hannah - Yr 10 Student at Ashwood High School
Doing work experience at Wonder Words was an exciting and fulfilling experience! I had the opportunity to engage with different aspects of being a Speech Pathologist and working in a clinic. In this piece, I will tell you a bit about my experience and what it was like being part of the clinic for a week.
Observation of Client Sessions
I was able to observe many client sessions, allowing me to learn about and experience what speech pathologists do. Each client was very unique, helping me understand the wide range of people who use speech pathologists for assistance. I was able to gain knowledge about how each session is structured, as well as the preparation and planning that goes into running a productive session.
Different Areas of Communication
During my time at Wonder Words, I learnt about different challenges that affect someone's ability to speak, communicate and swallow. I also gained knowledge about different factors that affect people's speech, such as language delays, stuttering, lisps, dyslexia, ADHD and autism. This helped me understand why people would access assistance from Speech Pathologists and how support can be given to individuals.
Experience what it’s like to be part of a professional team
The team was lovely, giving up their time, making me feel welcome and allowing me to observe their sessions. I was able to learn about what is required when working as part of a professional team, which can help me in the future. I also observed how the team used collaboration, encouragement and respect to create a functioning and positive professional team. My time at Wonder Words gave me a clearer understanding of the qualities and skills required to work in a professional setting.
Personal Development
This experience helped me grow as a person. I was able to gain confidence whilst around the clinic, develop my communication skills when talking to adults and new people, and practise my professionalism when in front of clients. I developed skills that will help me in future professional settings, like time management, organisation, integrity and communication.
Offsite visits
On one of my days at Wonder Words, I had the opportunity to go with one of the Speech Pathologists to a school visit. This helped me broaden my knowledge about different settings in which speech pathology may take place in. It enabled me to learn about how sessions can adapt in a school setting and how speech pathologists work with staff and teachers to assist students in a school setting.
Exploring both clinic locations
During my week at Wonder Words, I got the chance to visit both the East Malvern and the Clayton clinic. This allowed me to meet a wider range of speech pathologists and clients and gain a broader knowledge of how speech pathology works. Being part of a clinic helped me see how small organisations work together and function.
The Wonder Words’ Core Values
We find the fun
Whilst in client sessions, I was able to observe the various ways that Wonder Words makes Speech Pathology fun for their clients by utilising games and interactive activities. I was able to view different strategies the Wonder Words team used to make client sessions fun and engaging for younger people. They also made my time at Wonder Words fun, allowing me to get involved in some of the activities.
We’re it it together
The team at Wonder Words made me feel like I was part of the team, chatting with me at lunch, answering all my questions and involving me in their daily schedule. Being treated like part of the team helped me learn about collaboration and support in a professional environment. I was able to observe how the team worked together to ensure everything runs smoothly.
We hustle
As a work experience student, I was able to view the hard work that Speech Pathologists put in each day. I learned about the preparation and planning that goes into each session, as well as all the notes taken during and after sessions. I was able to learn about the dedication and effort that Speech Pathologists put into their work every day.
We respect and connect
The Wonder Words team made me feel welcome and connected, asking me questions about myself and allowing me to ask them questions. They showed me the importance of connecting with clients to make them feel comfortable, welcome and supported in each session.
Written by Hannah - Yr 10 Student at Ashwood High School
