FdA Learning Support
Student profile
Beth Norris - Foundation degree in Learning Support
What made you decide to come to the University of Portsmouth to enrol on your course?
Having left school at 16 with only GCSE’s I thought any chance of me attending university had escaped out of the window. I began working in my current special needs school on the Isle of Wight and fell in love with my job. I knew I had found a career I wished to pursue and decided to start my training. I was told about the Foundation degree in Learning Support being run at Portsmouth and thought that it sounded ideal as it was only across the water and that I could also continue working whilst studying. I also felt happy with the course content and thought I would learn a great deal over the duration of the course which would have a positive impact upon my practice.
How have you found the course?
When I first started the course in 2009 I was very shy and uncertain about things. Over the years my confidence has definitely grown and I now feel that I understand a lot more about the workings of a school and also the role of the teacher. The course was fun and I really enjoyed meeting the other course members. I feel I learnt a great deal from the other course members about how their school works and also from their own experiences. The tutors were always on hand to help either face to face or by email which was great as I am sure I would not have got through the course without the help of the tutors. Learning the things we did has had a remarkable impact upon how I work. I am now more informed about what I do and have the knowledge to back my views up. I also earned a promotion in 2011 which I am certain is down to the knowledge and confidence I gained from studying on the foundation degree.
How have you found life at the University of Portsmouth and what aspects of being a student here have you valued?
I really enjoyed meeting like minded mature students who all have enrolled because they want to learn and improve their work.
Would you recommend your course and/or studying with the School of Education and Continuing Studies to others?
I would definitely recommend this course to anyone wishing to pursue a career in education whilst working as well. It has been a really enjoyable and beneficial experience that has already changed my life. It has enabled me to learn whilst earning and also has helped me further develop my career and laid out a clear progression route for my further study.
Student profile
Diane McEwan - Foundation degree in Learning Support
What made you decide to come to the University of Portsmouth to enrol on your course?
I was working in an Infant School and had previously obtained my NNEB and NVQ 3 qualifications in childcare. I decided I wanted to study further and progress with my career. The foundation degree in Learning Support at Portsmouth University seemed very appealing as it was part time (one day a week) in a good University located near to my home.
How have you found the course?
I have found the course very exciting, enjoyable and very hard work. I have learned academic writing skills and the knowledge learnt has helped me in my work. At the start of year 3 my growing confidence and knowledge inspired me to apply for a position in another local Infant School as a HLTA. I was successful in my application and I am using my knowledge in everyday practice.
As a working Mum it has been challenging to fit the studying in, however I have had support from my family, colleagues, tutors and friends. Sometimes the assignments looked impossible but taking them one at a time and seeing my results improve motivated me to carry on. The University sessions were great; these included lectures, speakers and presentations. Over the last 3 years I have made some life long friends.
How have you found life at the University of Portsmouth and what aspects of being a student here have you valued?
I have enjoyed my time spent at Portsmouth University and have spent many hours in the extensive library searching for much needed books. It has given me an insight into University life that I will pass down to my own children. I feel proud of myself for being successful in writing essays and writing my own bibliographies.
Online discussions with colleagues have been very valuable and I have confidently taken part in them. The online resources such as Victory, The Library, Portal and Email have been very useful and help is never very far away.
Would you recommend your course and/or studying with the School of Education and Continuing Studies to others?
Yes I would recommend the course to colleagues wishing to extend their knowledge and careers as although hard work the course is achievable. The course is also a solid starting point to those who wish to go on and become a teacher.
Finally I myself have decided to use all my knowledge and experience gained from the Foundation degree into developing my role as a HLTA.
Student profile
Debbie Oakerbee - Foundation degree in Learning Support
What made you decide to come to the University of Portsmouth to enrol on your course?
The course fitted in around my job, was relevant, was close enough to travel to, and offered the progression to full degree status.
How have you found the course?
It has been extremely useful in my role in learning support, it has been enlightening and informative. At times the work has been tough but certainly not impossible!
How have you found life at the University of Portsmouth and what aspects of being a student here have you valued?
Life at the university has been different as I am only studying part time, therefore there are many aspects of university life that have not been experienced. However part of university life that has been invaluable is the support of my peers and out course tutors.
Would you recommend your course and/or studying with the School of Education and Continuing Studies to others?
I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who works within education or learning support, and definitely if they wish to progress to full degree status whilst working.