Life at Farnham College
Lauren studied her Childcare and Education Level 3 Diploma at Farnham College from 2012 to 2015. She has now returned to Activate Learning to work as a Schools Partnership Executive.
Lauren always dreamed of working as a teacher and decided to study this course to pursue her career ambitions.
She said: “I chose to study a Childcare and Education course to help me embark on my future career goal of being a Primary School Teacher for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.”
College Highlights
Lauren shared some of her favourite things about studying at Farnham College and how it helped her personal and professional development.
She said: “I really valued and enjoyed my experience whilst studying at the college because of its warm community and smaller learning environment.
“This made me feel happier at college and helped me become more confident. I loved how I could tailor the college life and learning environment to how I learn best, which helped me achieve my own personal goals.
“I enjoyed the experience of having many opportunities by attending lots of extra-curricular activities outside of class.
“This gave me the chance to express myself to ensure I was achieving my true potential,” Lauren added.
Life after college
After college, Lauren attended the University of Chichester and qualified as a Primary School Teacher with SEND students and worked as a teacher in various schools before returning to Activate Learning to work as a Schools Partnership Executive.
“Working as a SEND teacher in Primary Schools allowed me to explore different career pathways within education and led me to join Reading College within Activate Learning as a Schools Partnership Executive, where I have been in post for over a year now.
“I thoroughly enjoy my new role and feel very fortunate to help young people make their own choices about their options or goals when they leave secondary school.
“This has become a very rewarding role where I feel my courses I have studied, in particular at Farnham College can help me transfer my skills and knowledge to Further Education.”
Proudest achievement
Lauren shared her proudest achievement since leaving college:
“My proudest achievement so far is achieving my Level 5 qualification in Supporting Students with Learning Difficulties and SEND.
“Having this qualification helps me feel more confident in my current role and when supporting any student in their own personal journey.”
Advice to college students
Lauren had some words of wisdom to share with college students that are about to embark on their next steps in their career.
She said: “My advice to current students would be to make the most of every opportunity within college and to ensure that they are proud of what they have achieved so far, as this can help them gain more confidence in their own decisions moving forward in their lives.”