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If you’re passionate about working with children and would love a career working in a nursery or even a primary school, our vocational Childcare course here at Stockton Riverside College could be the perfect step for you once you leave school. Our hands-on course gives you the chance to work with local employers as part of your placement, plus you’ll get to cover subjects including development, safeguarding, health and safety and activity planning during your time here.
We got the opportunity to chat with 17-year-old Martina, previously of Bishopsgarth School who is now studying on a Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning course here at the college, to discover more about what she gets up to on both her course and placement, plus find out about her plans for her future career working with children and young people.
Why did you choose to study on your course?
I always knew I loved being around children and helping other people, so when I was thinking about my options after leaving school I knew I wanted to do something along those lines. Although I originally applied to study Health & Social Care when I first came to the college, I was given the opportunity to work with children through my course which I loved, so I made the decision to swap over to Childcare. At first I wanted to do Child Psychology but after working on my placement for a few months I’ve found I really enjoy my teaching assistant role so this is something I’m now really interested in pursuing – there’s so many opportunities within my course that I’ve been spoiled for choice!
Why did you choose SRC?
For me it was mainly because the college was slightly smaller so it suited me better, plus it was a lot closer to home so it was easy to travel to and from. A few of my friends had already come here but I settled in really quickly and have made some great friends here already.
Are you enjoying it? If so, why?
Yes, I’m really enjoying my course, I like the environment that I’m studying in and the people that I’m working with every day. I also think the support and help that we all get from our tutors is amazing and I know they’ll always be there if I need any advice or guidance. What I like most about studying on the course is how fun it is. It doesn’t feel like hard work as I really enjoy being here, plus I love knowing that I’m helping others and doing something rewarding with my time.
What’s the best part about your course?
I’m really enjoying my placement which is organised as part of my course, I’m getting some great experience that I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else so it’s giving me a great head start in my chosen career. Thanks to my placement I now also feel really comfortable working in a professional environment as they treat me like an adult and really make me feel like a valued member of the team. Before taking on my placement I never thought I’d have been able to do something like this, but over time my confidence has really grown and I’ve proved myself wrong – I’ve achieved so much more than I ever thought I could! I also get so much support on my course so I never feel rushed or pressured to complete something, we’re always given more than enough time to complete assignments or given help if we’re struggling.
Tell me more about your placement?
I’m currently working as a teaching assistant at Billingham South Primary School and I help look after two separate classes for children aged 6-7 on a Wednesday and Thursday. When I arrive on a morning I help set up the rooms and the tables for the day, plus I help the children with their Maths and English. I also help with any marking and filling in books, making copies of worksheets to use in the lessons and sitting with individual groups providing extra support.
Would you recommend the college and your course to other people? If so, why?
I would definitely recommend my course to anyone else hoping to work with children or wanting a career in Childcare or teaching, it’s opened so many doors for me and given me loads of opportunities that I would never have had if I’d not studied for on a vocational course.
What’s your ultimate aim for the future and where do you hope your placement to lead?
Next I’d really like to progress on to the Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning course here at the college. I’m still not sure whether I’d like to go to university but it is something I’m currently thinking about - once I’ve built my confidence even more I know I could even go on to study a degree through the college. Eventually I think I’d really like to work in a school as I’m enjoying it so much at the moment, and I know the college will help give me the help and opportunities I need to get me there.
If you’re interested in joining our Childcare course ready for September 2018 or would like to find out more about what the course offers, just head to our website at www.stockton.ac.uk/apply and get your application in ready for the new term!
We got the opportunity to chat with 17-year-old Martina, previously of Bishopsgarth School who is now studying on a Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning course here at the college, to discover more about what she gets up to on both her course and placement, plus find out about her plans for her future career working with children and young people.
Why did you choose to study on your course?
I always knew I loved being around children and helping other people, so when I was thinking about my options after leaving school I knew I wanted to do something along those lines. Although I originally applied to study Health & Social Care when I first came to the college, I was given the opportunity to work with children through my course which I loved, so I made the decision to swap over to Childcare. At first I wanted to do Child Psychology but after working on my placement for a few months I’ve found I really enjoy my teaching assistant role so this is something I’m now really interested in pursuing – there’s so many opportunities within my course that I’ve been spoiled for choice!
Why did you choose SRC?
For me it was mainly because the college was slightly smaller so it suited me better, plus it was a lot closer to home so it was easy to travel to and from. A few of my friends had already come here but I settled in really quickly and have made some great friends here already.
Are you enjoying it? If so, why?
Yes, I’m really enjoying my course, I like the environment that I’m studying in and the people that I’m working with every day. I also think the support and help that we all get from our tutors is amazing and I know they’ll always be there if I need any advice or guidance. What I like most about studying on the course is how fun it is. It doesn’t feel like hard work as I really enjoy being here, plus I love knowing that I’m helping others and doing something rewarding with my time.
What’s the best part about your course?
I’m really enjoying my placement which is organised as part of my course, I’m getting some great experience that I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else so it’s giving me a great head start in my chosen career. Thanks to my placement I now also feel really comfortable working in a professional environment as they treat me like an adult and really make me feel like a valued member of the team. Before taking on my placement I never thought I’d have been able to do something like this, but over time my confidence has really grown and I’ve proved myself wrong – I’ve achieved so much more than I ever thought I could! I also get so much support on my course so I never feel rushed or pressured to complete something, we’re always given more than enough time to complete assignments or given help if we’re struggling.
Tell me more about your placement?
I’m currently working as a teaching assistant at Billingham South Primary School and I help look after two separate classes for children aged 6-7 on a Wednesday and Thursday. When I arrive on a morning I help set up the rooms and the tables for the day, plus I help the children with their Maths and English. I also help with any marking and filling in books, making copies of worksheets to use in the lessons and sitting with individual groups providing extra support.
Would you recommend the college and your course to other people? If so, why?
I would definitely recommend my course to anyone else hoping to work with children or wanting a career in Childcare or teaching, it’s opened so many doors for me and given me loads of opportunities that I would never have had if I’d not studied for on a vocational course.
What’s your ultimate aim for the future and where do you hope your placement to lead?
Next I’d really like to progress on to the Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning course here at the college. I’m still not sure whether I’d like to go to university but it is something I’m currently thinking about - once I’ve built my confidence even more I know I could even go on to study a degree through the college. Eventually I think I’d really like to work in a school as I’m enjoying it so much at the moment, and I know the college will help give me the help and opportunities I need to get me there.
If you’re interested in joining our Childcare course ready for September 2018 or would like to find out more about what the course offers, just head to our website at www.stockton.ac.uk/apply and get your application in ready for the new term!