Mother of three Kate is one of 8 students who still managed to achieve top grades whilst having to attend all teaching and tutorials online, access all resources through the University online library and home school children during lockdown.

Lockdown meant the usual mix of remote and face-to-face teaching all went online and tutorials happened from home via the internet. Finding time and a quiet space in a lively locked down family home to continue her studies makes Kate’s achievement even more impressive. Study for some of the specialised modules rely on the student’s experience in a school placement to apply theory to practical learning situations to include in assignments. Lockdown school closures therefore added further challenges to completing assignments, let alone achieving such high grades.

Attending online teaching once a week whilst continuing to work as a support worker in her local primary school has allowed Kate to work towards achieving her FdA Inclusive Education with the Learning Institute.  This involves careful planning to balance studying, working in school and being a full time mum.

“I had no idea that the award existed so it was a lovely surprise. It was a real boost academically to help me keep on with the work when it was getting difficult, and the financial side of it was also really useful as we really needed a new laptop as my eldest is going into her GCSEs now and we only had one computer for the family. So the award enabled me to buy another. And lots of books without feeling guilty!! “ says Kate. During lockdown she also managed to write several blog posts for the Learning Institute website, detailing her experiences as a student during lockdown.

Since starting the degree Kate has also become a Student Ambassador, attending online information sessions advising prospective students considering the course on what to expect from student life with The Learning Institute.