Evie's Diary #5: First assignment of Level 5 submitted!
I sit here writing this having just submitted my first assignment of Level 5. And what an achievement it feels. Whilst it’s not been the easiest of journeys to get it written (not every module or assignment will be our favourite), looking at where I started this time last year to where am I now, it’s unbelievable. It’s difficult to believe the assignments are written by the same person, if I’m honest. It was suggested by my PAT to look back on my first assignment and then read my most recently completed last year, to reflect on the growth and use it as ammunition to keep growing and achieving. It worked. I can’t wait to see where I am at the end of next year, where I am after 3 years and beyond.
We started back this year with face to face sessions, and it was a little weird to start with. Suddenly, there were all these people, some of whom I had only ever seen on a screen in front of me, but it felt like I already knew them. I was a little nervous, I think everyone was, but it soon turned out there was no reason to be. We were the same supportive, enthusiastic and knowledgeable group we’d known for the year already. Everyone at the centre was helpful and welcoming and provided us with all the information we needed, ensuring we felt safe and secure which was especially important considering the pandemic we are living through at the moment. The added addition of snacks, tea and coffee (and the bowls of sweets) available were another bonus.
As we started, we were all bit a quiet and reluctant to share our views but as time passed we soon found our feet and I think we had some of the best discussions we’ve had yet. We could delve deeper and really get to know the other person’s view. There were no barriers like cameras not working and microphones being muted without realising. Whilst this is obviously a limitation to being online, I feel our newfound confidence in this has been beneficial for our degree specific sessions. People are more confident to put their hand up and share their view. We know we aren’t being judged. We weren’t being judged before but having experienced the face to face sessions I feel like I know I am talking to people who care about my view even more now.
Level 5 is certainly going to be more challenging; the work load has taken a step-up, but it will be worth it. I have already got new ideas to implement into my setting from my first Early Years specific module, Creative Pedagogies, and I can’t wait to learn more. To top it off, we are going to have actual conferences which might actually be the highlight for us all! So fingers crossed that I do well with my first assignment and that it sets me off on a good start and that the rest of the year ahead is a positive one but for now I’m going to get back to reading and studying for the next one! Because as we know, learning, progression and growth never stops! To think of all we achieved in a year full of adverse, strange and out of the norm experiences you can’t help but wonder what we can do in year that we will hopefully be more normal? Who knows, but I have a feeling it will be another good one!