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A Mother and Daughter Higher Learning Experience

Monday, 10 August, 2020

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Higher Education Childcare & Early Years

Nicola and Georgia, Mother and Daughter studying at Wakefield College

 

 

There are families that work together and then there are families that study together!

 Johanne Child, Care & Early Years Lecturer introduces us to an inspirational story from two of our HE students who have both had to face personal barriers and obstacles and just so happen to be mother & daughter.

 “Nicola joined the foundation degree in Young Children’s Learning and Development first and a year later her eldest daughter, Georgia, joined. The two have been a pleasure to teach and share a similar drive to succeed, the ability to join in class discussions and infectious personalities. Both worked incredibly hard and achieved excellent results. We look forward to watching them graduate soon,” said Johanne.

 Georgia Burns’ story (Daughter):

“My path of enlightenment came from my inspiring mother, she was a Higher Education student at Wakefield College and her excitement and fervour for theories of early childhood that she’d learned with the aid of the Early Years staff at Wakefield College struck a chord with me.

“The staff at Wakefield College facilitated my learning and inspired my progression expertly. My final year of the BA honours course began with what, potentially, could have caused a slight distraction from my studies. I was 2 months pregnant at the start of the first semester and faced the daunting prospect of a 10,000-word dissertation atop this. Despite this, my course tutors and peers were exceptionally supportive, and I managed to thrive under the numerous pressures surrounding me.

“My studies faced a number of potential barriers to learning, however I attained a first-class honours degree despite the adversities and setbacks that I have faced. I attribute much of this success to the staff at Wakefield College and their kindness, to my mother’s inspiration and wonderful advice, and to the College’s facilities and motif that education is for all.”

 Nicola Anne Shelton’s story (Mother):

“In 2015, I took a leap of faith and began my learning journey with Wakefield College's University Centre, studying Young Children's Learning and Development at Foundation Degree level, followed by the BA Honours Top-up course in Early Years and the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). I have recently qualified as a teacher with a specialism in Childcare, completing my wonderful 5-year educational journey with Wakefield College. 

“Through my own journey with Wakefield College's University Centre, I have been able to experience university life on campus with my new friends, peers, tutors and my daughter. As a mature learner, returning to education after such a long time, I presented numerous barriers to learning (for example, my age and my lack of confidence). However, my self-esteem grew with every successful module passed and allowed me to progress to the next level. My learning journey has been truly amazing, and I am indebted to the support of my partner, my four exceptional children, family, friends and - of course - the wonderful Early Years lecturers at Wakefield College's University Centre. I would not be about to embark onto the Level 7 Master's degree in Childhood and Early Years studies alongside my beautiful daughter, Georgia Burn, without the incredible facilities and facilitators of learning at Wakefield. 

“I have always known that Georgia was destined for greatness and I never doubted her ability to achieve whatever she sets her mind to. I am extremely proud of the hard work and determination that Georgia has applied to her studies. In November 2020, we will both be awarded our certificates at the same graduation ceremony in Wakefield Cathedral.”

If you want to aim higher, we still have places available on some of our university-level courses for this September, for more information telephone our Clearing hotline on 01924 789 111 or visit https://www.wakefield.ac.uk/study-with-us/higher-education/clearing