Heather Marshall
My name is Heather Marshall. I am a mature
student in my final semester of the third year of studies
undertaking a Joint Honours degree in Education Studies and
Languages.
Leaving my full-time career as a Nursery Nurse to do the degree
was probably one of the biggest decisions of my life. Was it
worth it? Absolutely, it has been great fun and I have made
life long friends along the way as well as gaining knowledge and an
in-depth understanding of education.
The course has opened my eyes to current issues within
education, to the complexities of how we learn, both as adults and
children, a contested concept on its own and has encouraged me to
consider values within education. I have been encouraged to
critically consider theories, be reflective and develop a creative
approach to demonstrating my insight into a multitude of
topics. Freedom of choice allows you, as a student, to choose
which modules you want to do, so as to build on your own interests
or to tackle a new and unknown topic. Lecturers are highly
supportive, facilitating your learning through varied lectures and
seminars with feedback being given in a constructive way throughout
the course. The learning environment is a mixture of
architecturally beautiful old buildings with a twist of modern
newer buildings. The emphasis is very much on social learning
but I would say to succeed you have to be organised and develop
excellent time management skills.
Is this the end of my learning? No, I have been offered a
place on a PGCE course specialising in lower primary
education. I know that with my increased confidence,
intrinsic motivation, in-depth knowledge and my now developed love
of research, this is only the beginning. My aspiration to
become a primary school teacher is one step closer and I now have
new aspirations of studying for a masters or even a PhD.
I would recommend York St John University to anyone who is
considering doing an undergraduate or postgraduate course, but be
prepared to work hard, use the well stocked library, and put your
heart and soul into your work as the rewards are outstanding.