ANGELINA RICHARDSON
BA in CHILD AND YOUTH STUDIES
"Without Barnet and Southgate College I would not have the work experience as well as the qualification I have. I worked in a private nursery alongside doing my foundation degree and BA degree which worked perfectly for me.
The course has an intense workload - but it is doable if you make a study plan and allocate enough time to study. Balancing my studies, working 30 hours a week and a life was difficult at times but with determination and focus it can be done.
The best thing about the course was the quality of the teaching. All the teachers on the degree were amazing, they go above and beyond to support you, and were incredibly helpful and supportive.
I am inspired by the children I work with - in five years' time I would like to be a qualified primary school teacher working in a Reception or Year 1 class."
JAKE HUGHES
Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science
"My experience at sixth form did not go as planned, which led to me not achieving the grades I needed and put me off going to university. I was going to take a year off to figure out what I was going to do, but then I found the sport course at Barnet and Southgate College which has now led me back to going to university.
Not only was the curriculum interesting, but most of the topics suited my personal interests and preferences within sport. The relationships built with the lectures was also another positive, because unlike university the class size is a lot smaller meaning more attention is focused towards your work as a student.
Although the workload is heavy, the lecturers do their best to make the work spread out and do allow for time extensions if needed. The work is equivalent to university standard and takes time to complete. The lecturers were always available on Microsoft Teams or in person to ask questions if there is an area of the topic you are stuck on. Because the class size is not big, they always focus a lot of attention on your work to help provide as much support for you to achieve the best grade.
Trying to achieve the highest grade possible is what motivates me - sport has always been my interest and strongest point within education, therefore I always expect higher achievement in sport than any other subject.
I will hopefully successfully complete a degree and possibly a masters, but I have multiple options career-wise, so I will see what doors open after university. "
ROXANNE BIGWOOD
Level 5 Therapeutic Counselling
"As I struggled at school, I was worried I would find it hard to keep up with others at college. I found Barnet and Southgate College really supportive and understanding. They helped me achieve my goal and I’m really glad I chose to go there.
The College showed me I could achieve my dream of being a counsellor. Learning from tutors who are also counsellors helped me understand how counselling works from people who do it every day. They believed in me which inspired me to work hard. The tutors were really helpful and friendly. They were happy to go over things with me when I found something hard and they explained the work in a way that was easy to understand.
It was hard at times, but the College and tutors were so supportive and I was able to speak to them when I was struggling. I found being organised helped me keep on top of my work. I am a full-time mum and worked part time, but was still able to keep up to date with my work.
In five years' time I would like to be running my own private counselling practice."
SAMANTHA WATSON
Foundation Degree in Business Management
"I think my tutor is the best teacher I've ever had in my whole life! She is a very understanding lady and she’s more than happy to give you a help and advice. I found a lot of the teachers and staff very helpful and gave me confidence in my own abilities.
At times it could be challenging, but when the College is open you can always go there and find a quiet safe comfortable space to work.
The best thing about my course was learning about business law and infrastructure of businesses as a whole. I’m inspired to keep on learning about this field and apply my skills to a new job or career. On this course I found I have a love for the subject and I want to continue.
After I graduate I would like to find a graduate job for an international company, and use my skills that I have learnt on this course to build a career. "
SHIDEH DANESH
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
"During the lockdown we had an amazing online lessons and my tutor was very supportive. I really like the course because I have experienced a very positive environment and had the opportunity to receive guidance from experienced tutors and mentors.
I have learnt more in the PGCE course than the four years of my degree and other courses I have done previously. It has prepared me, both intellectually and socially, for my future career, and I have learnt a lot about myself - about my strengths, weaknesses, and my priorities in life.
The workload was quite manageable, and I’ve still been able to spend with family and friends, but you need to be prepared for hard work and independent study.
My tutors were quite approachable, fair, and helpful. Without their support and encouragement, my success would not have been possible.
My training at the College focused on putting theory into practice and supporting me to gain the confidence I need to become a great teacher.
It is quite inspiring that, as a teacher, you can sculpt the minds of the future. There is nothing more satisfying than to motivate students to open their minds and reach their goals and become productive members of the community.
After I’ve achieved my Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), I may go on to complete a master's degree to help me extend my knowledge, and enhance my teaching skills."
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