When Christine left school with three GCSEs she was glad to leave her text books behind and never dreamed of studying for a degree.
At 19, all Christine wanted was to work with children. After studying at Buxton & Leek College on the Health and Social Care course followed by an Advanced Apprenticeship Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development, she’s discovered her love for learning.
In fact, after qualifying as an early years practitioner, she’s secured a full time job and is aiming to go on to study for a Foundation Degree.
“I have really enjoyed my college course yet I hated school. What’s so different about the Apprenticeship course is that it’s very hands on.
“I know that I learn a lot more by doing things practically than by reading text books and my college assessors have visited me at my workplace – the Teddies Garden Nursery in Cheddleton – and observed me at work.
“The only thing I’ve really found difficult is my maths, which I’ve had to re-take to get me up to GCSE standard. But the college staff are so supportive and helped me get through it.
“In my job as an early years practitioner I plan activities on a daily basis and I have learned about childcare environments, children’s rights, child development and pre-school learning. College even helped me find a local placement and arranged the interview for me so I’ve been supported all the way.”
