Age: 17
Hometown: Windermere
Why did you choose this course?
Dropping out of A-Levels after AS was the best option for me. I enjoy this a lot more, mainly as I have a direction to go in and I am motivated by it. The practical and theory work is balanced; we do 2 days a week in a school or nursery putting this practical experience into our work at college every week. Its eye opening how much you learn from the practical stuff!
Why did you choose Kendal College?
The idea of working with children appealed to me and the college is local to where I live with an option for me to join.
What opportunities have you had as a student at the College?
The opportunities and facilities are brilliant. I have been able to experience what different schools are like and attend a child based trip to Disneyland Paris. Everyday we get different tutors and do different things and everything is provided for us. Students are helped with equipment and software and I got Microsoft word provided on my laptop.
What is the teaching style like on your course?
All of it is coursework based except for one unit which is exam based and you get three chances to pass this which minimises the stress a lot. We have covered Safeguarding to Development and everything in between. All the units have a different way of producing assignments, we might produce a leaflet or booklet or an essay so you get to use your own creative spin on it.
There is a good mix of individual and group-based work. We help each other on assignments, sharing ideas and have group chats on social media. We did a presentation in a large group on keeping the workplace safe which was nice working with others in a large group.
Can you describe a typical day at College?
I’m the only male on the course and I feel I’ve learned a lot about women in general but it has been fine, I have some friends for life from the course.
How would you describe your College experience so far?
It’s been quite eye-opening. I’ve always been reluctant with education and although no-one wants to get up at 7am, once you get to college it’s so different to when I was doing A-Levels in school and I really did not want to be there. A-Levels are so broad as to what you will do but once you get into college you are with people who want to do the same thing as you; you are on the path to your career and it’s a lot less tedious.
What are you hoping to do after College?
My main idea was to go to university for Primary Teaching with QTS, but through college, I got in contact with an au pairing group in America so now my options include that and university.
If you could give one piece of advice to people considering College, what would it be?
I would recommend this course to males 100% if it’s what you really want to do. There is a huge demand for male teachers at the moment.
