Name: Jo

Course: Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning, BA (Hons) Professional Practice (Education) top-up degree

Year of graduation: 2020 (should have been!)

 

Tell us a bit about what you are doing now?

I am currently a HLTA at a Cornish primary school, which I love. I enjoy being able to teach in all different year groups, as it gives me a massive confidence boost and enables me to further my knowledge and experience in the classroom environment. I am hoping to go on to complete my teacher training year in the next couple of years

 

How did you find the process of returning to education/study?

I loved returning to education, the whole experience was really positive. The Learning Institute ensured our workloads were manageable, and the course was exactly what I was looking for. I enjoyed the challenge of studying and completing assignments and I also made some lifelong friends too

 

How has your life changed since you graduated?

I feel more confident in my own practice, I have definitely been able to relate a lot of theory to my working practice and understand it more because of the knowledge the degree gave me.

 

What did you enjoy most about studying for your degree?

I enjoyed expanding my knowledge, especially in my specialism subject of child and adolescent mental health. I loved researching this topic and finding out lots of information that I never knew before studying, it has made me realise that this an avenue I would like to explore further in the future

 

What was your biggest challenge during your study, and how did you overcome it?

I think studying in a pandemic, it was challenging at times especially when we were unable to go into Roche and have lectures, but the staff were always really supportive and would ensure we were offered phone tutorials for advice, and we had a great support network on social media. I lost my mum suddenly towards the end of the final year and nothing was ever too much trouble - my PAT Mary would always check in on me and check the workloads were manageable.

 

What’s the one piece of advice you would give to someone thinking about going back to education?

Do it! Take the leap, it will be the best decision you make. I never in my wildest dreams believed that I would come out with a first class honours degree but the support I received from The Learning Institute was amazing. You could not wish for better lecturers and staff, nothing is ever too much trouble, and they really take the time to get to know you as individuals.