Cherith Robinson, 31, from Eston is currently studying for her BA Honours Degree in Education and Training at Redcar & Cleveland College, whilst working full-time as a Teaching Assistant at a local primary school.

We caught up with Cherith to ask why she chose to study her BA Honours Degree at the college, how studying part-time fits around her busy schedule and what her plans are for when she completes her degree in July.

 

When did you first start studying at Redcar & Cleveland College?

I enrolled on to the Foundation Degree in Early Years (Sector Endorsed) in 2015/16 and after completing it, I took a short break and then decided to return to my studies and move on to the BA Honours Degree in Education and Training.

 

Why did you choose to continue your studies at the College?

It seemed like a natural progression from the Foundation Degree to go on to study my top-up degree here too. I know all of the tutors, the set up and the atmosphere is really friendly. The staff are helpful and so supportive.

The facilities here are brilliant. The library is easily accessible and the online resources are great. I found all sorts of information needed to complete the course through the library and online.

 

Why did you decide to study Teaching?

It sounds cheesy, but it was a natural calling. When I was 14, I completed a three week work experience at a nursery and I really enjoyed it. At 17 I got a job doing an out of hour’s club, running sports at a school. The more I did, the more I enjoyed it, but I didn’t do any childcare qualifications and whenever anyone mentioned whether I had considered going into teaching I wasn’t interested.

It wasn’t until I was older that I decided teaching was for me. In 2011 I fell pregnant and had my little girl, so I decided to take two years out of education and worked in a chemist part-time. After the two years I got back into supply work and I got a job as a Teaching Assistant in a local primary school. I decided to start training and pursuing a career path in what people had been saying to me all along about becoming a teacher.

I think now is the right time for me to go into teaching. I have a strong background knowledge, the experience needed and a secure job to be able to work full-time whilst studying. Everything has just fit into place quite nicely.

 

What is your everyday role as a Teaching Assistant?

The role of a Teaching Assistant can vary from school to school, but where I am, I deliver teaching either 1:1 or to half the class at times. I’m involved in a bit of everything really. We sometimes do our own planning, assessments and delivery of the lessons. This role has given me lots of experience and I thoroughly enjoy my job.

 

Would you encourage other people to apply and if so, why?

Yes, definitely! This is a part-time course, so it’s ideal with me working full-time and it’s practical attending the class on an evening too (Thursday evenings 5-9pm). It means the lessons, sessions and online learning better fit around my life.

 

What are your plans for when you have completed your studies here?

I am doing a Redcar & Cleveland School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme in September. I’m hoping to teach Primary School children.

 

To find out more about the Higher Education and Professional Qualifications that we offer at Redcar & Cleveland College, visit https://www.cleveland.ac.uk/adultcourses/highereducation/