Graduation

Graduation – Meet our Graduates:

Niamh Taylor

Programme of Study: BA Hons Working with Children in Early Years & Education

After doing her A-Levels at Cardinal Newman in Business Studies, Economics and Drama & Theatre Studies, Niamh secured a job working as a Teaching Assistant at Euxton Balshaw Lane Primary School. When she saw that Newman were offering Foundation Degrees in Teaching & Learning Support, Niamh thought this was a great opportunity to learn more and give her more confidence in her role. Niamh said: “I feel like the course has enabled me to have an advanced knowledge of how schools work, their policies and procedures and has really helped me to grow in confidence. The teachers here are really understanding and are always there to give any extra help or support where needed. I have thoroughly enjoyed the HE experience at Newman as I have been able to gain practical experience in the workplace alongside traditional HE study.”

After graduating with the Foundation Degree at Cardinal Newman, Niamh took a year out and continued working in her role as a Teaching Assistant, before returning to Cardinal Newman in September 2018 to complete her top up degree to give her a full BA honours degree.

Brad-Leigh Corlett

Programme of Study: BA Hons in Working with Children in Early Years and Education

Brad-Leigh attended Cardinal Newman College in 2008 to study a BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts. After finishing his course at Newman, Brad-Leigh gained employment as a Teaching Assistant at Ashton Primary School and was looking for a way to boost his career, when he heard about the Foundation Degree in Teaching & Learning Support at Newman. After graduating from The Foundation Degree in 2017, Brad-Leigh returned to Newman in 2018 to complete the BA Hons top-up degree. Brad-Leigh says: “The benefit of this course is that you get the opportunity to gain experience whilst you are studying. Teaching is not just a job, it is a vocation so you have to be prepared to put the work in. It is a brilliant close-knit and supportive environment at Newman and I’d recommend it to anyone.

Rebecca Whalley

Programme of Study: BA Hons Working with Children in Early Years and Education

Rebecca studied a BTEC in Health & Social Care alongside an A-Level in English at Cardinal Newman in 2013 before going straight into the world of work as a Teaching Assistant in Key Stage 1.

She returned to Cardinal Newman to study the Foundation Degree in Teaching & Learning Support in in 2015 before embarking on the BA Hons Top up Degree in Working with Children in Early Years and Education in 2018.

Now that she has graduated, Rebecca plans to continue working as a Teaching Assistant at Harris Primary School, working in Reception and Year 1 to gain more experience, before hopefully qualifying as a teacher.

Rebecca said: “For me, the greatest part of this experience has been being able to link what you learn at College with your work in the classroom. It has given me a greater insight into the classroom work that I do.

“I feel like there is a lot more support than at other universities, you form really good relationships with your group and the staff. I would totally recommend this course to anyone and throw yourself into it as you only get out what you put in.”

Alison Burrow

Programme of Study: BA Hons Working with Children in Early Years and Education

Alison had been working as a Teaching Assistant for a number of years when she decided to take the plunge and return to education to complete the Foundation Degree in Teaching & Learning Support, before embarking on the BA Hons top degree in Working with Children in Early Years & Education. As a result of her hard work through studying, Alison has gained more responsibility at the school she works at as the School’s Pastoral Care Leader, which means she works across the entire school with all age ranges. Alison said: “From the first contact I had with the College to enquire about the course, I have had a thoroughly positive experience. The staff here are so positive, enthusiastic and encouraging and really put you at ease. It can be daunting to return to education, but here it has never felt like that. The best thing about the course has been the acceptance; everyone is accepted for who they are and respected for the knowledge and experiences that they can bring to the group.”

Nichole Prince

Programme of Study: BA Hons Working with Children in Early Years and Education

Before embarking on her studies, Nichole was working for an insurance company. After deciding that she wanted a change of career, Nichole began working as a Teaching Assistant at a Primary School. Now that she has graduated from Cardinal Newman, she is completing a post graduate degree with the Catholic Teaching Alliance (CTA). Nichole said: “It has been hard work balancing work and studies with a young family but it gas been so worth it.”

Hannah Cowell

Programme of Study: BA Hons in Working with Children in Early Years and Education

Hannah volunteered throughout her time studying on the BA Hons at Newman. She said: “You need to be self-motivated as the course is hard work and requires lots of hard work, but the size of the course allows you to be a close-knit group. I would definitely recommend the course at Newman to anyone, as it is s beneficial as you can work and gain experience alongside your studies. It also allows you apply your experience from the classroom to your assignments.”

Victoria McElhone

Programme of Study: BA Hons in Working with Children in Early Years and Education

Victoria studied the Foundation Degree in Teaching & Learning Support prior to undertaking the BA Hons top-up degree. She works as a Teaching Assistant in Year 3 at Brookfield Primary and has really enjoyed being able to work alongside her studies. Her plan for the future now includes continuing her work as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant before embarking on a PGCE next year to become a fully qualified teacher.

Kayleigh Durkin

Programme of Study: Foundation Degree in Teaching & Learning Support

Kayleigh works as a Teaching Assistant in Year 2 at Benjamin Hargreaves Primary School and plans to start the BA Hon Top-up degree in Working with Children in Early Years and Education at Newman now that she has graduated with the Foundation Degree. She says: “It has been challenging at times, but it is really supportive at Newman which helps you to manage.”

Rebecca Rawstron

Programme of Study: Foundation Degree in Teaching & Learning Support

Rebecca is also a Teaching Assistant at Benjamin Hargreaves Primary School but working in Year 1. Rebecca says: “It has been a really exciting challenge and a real chance to develop myself not just through education but personally too. I would encourage anyone to go for it, because you will be glad that you did!”

Caroline Mulholland

Programme of Study: Early Years Foundation Degree

Caroline worked in the preschool room at Carr Manor Nursery when she decided she would like to further her career with a qualification. She has enjoyed her time at Newman so much, she has already enrolled on the BA Hons Top Up Degree in Working with Children in Early Years and Education. She said: “I’ve found it really good and enjoyed the course. I’ve made new friends and enhanced my knowledge too.”

Steph Foster

Programme of Study: Early Years Foundation Degree

Steph also works at Carr Manor Nursery, as the Toddler Room Supervisor. She said: “The teachers here have been so supportive, especially with our family commitments. I can’t recommend it enough, if you are considering applying you should definitely go for it! There is lots of support which make it manageable, so you can do it.”