Emma – Education & Teaching (HE)

I was working at St Josephs Primary School as a Specialist One-to-one with children with special needs in a mainstream setting, which led on from being an LSA in a classroom. I had my son who is now 6 and my headmaster has asked me when I was going to do my degree. I had no confidence in myself that I’d be able to achieve a degree, but I decided it was the right time and I felt like I wanted more in my career and to challenge myself.

I came to an open day and met the lecturers. A few of my friends had also taken this path, I’d seen their journey and felt it would be a good fit for me and my family.

The course was intense and I felt very anxious about submitting my first assignment. The lecturers encouraged me to keep going and I managed to achieve a good grade. It just got better from there.

It was hard with three kids, a full-time job and doing the course. It was a big juggling exercise but I knew I was doing it for me. I needed to do something for my career progression. You’ve got be organised and motivated, and if you can do that it is achievable. Being able to come to the campus and the library and access the resources was really beneficial.

The course ran one night a week where we had our lessons. You only have to organise childcare for one night and I found the way I could utilise that time. It was a really good fit for me because of my family. I’d considered doing an open university course but I wouldn’t have had that escape and that time that was purely about my assignment. The tutors were really helpful and so happy to answer questions and help you.

It was a really good course for a route into teaching. I’ve found now going into my teacher training that those who don’t have the degree don’t have the basic knowledge of behaviour management and the things you get from doing the degree.

If you’re thinking of getting into teaching this is the course you should do. When you’re doing the FdA, having to be in school and gaining experience is key. Actually putting it into practice and understanding why you do that. I don’t think I would have got that from an online course and working while studying.

I’m now a Key Stage 2 Class Teacher with the same school and I absolutely love it. I’m still learning every single day and it’s all fit into place.