Early Childhood Studies: Rachael’s story
My name is Rachael and I started my degree in Early Childhood Studies in 2014. I knew that I wanted to work with children from the start of my GCSEs. However, I had really no idea what profession that I wanted to go into. All I knew is that I didn’t want to be a teacher.
When it came to choosing what to study at university I decided I needed to do some research and I came upon the Early Childhood Studies course at Northampton. This course focuses on children and could lead on to several different child focused professions. This meant that I had three more years to decide what I wanted to do and would allow me to make a much more informed decision.
One of the things that drew me to the course was that it was very practical, and I knew that is how I learn best. I took part in three very different placements which gave me experience of working in a number of settings with different types of children. The course also provided me with lots of positive experiences including learning from lecturers that were genuinely passionate about working with children and following guidance that ensured that I became the best practitioner that I could be. Additionally, the course also gave me opportunities that went way beyond education; it gave me the push and confidence that I needed to make the important decisions in my life. It also made me understand the impact that you can have on a child and how important it is that the impact you have is positive.
“It also made me understand the impact that you can have on a child and how important it is that the impact you have is positive.”
After three years at Northampton University, three eye-opening placement experiences and lots of different types of modules, I came to the decision that actually primary school teaching was the career I wanted to pursue. As a result I am currently completing a teacher training course in my local area. I am classroom based and am combining everything I learnt at Northampton with the new skills I am developing which will hopefully lead to me being an outstanding teacher.
