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Graduating to a new level of business management

21 December 2012

 

School managers showed a different class when they returned to lectures to complete degrees at Teesside University.

They were the first group of graduates through Teesside University Business School’s BA (Hons) Business Management top up programme, tailored for school business managers. The degree is delivered at the University’s Darlington campus.

Before completing the degree the graduates completed both the Certificate and Diploma in School Business Management, delivered by Teesside University Business School on behalf of the National College for School Leadership in the North East and North West of England.

Among them was Jane Craig, school business manager at Pentland Primary School in Billingham and Jill Huddlestone, admin services manager at Westlands School, which is part of Stockton Borough First Federation.

Jill said: 'Studying for the degree was hard work and time consuming, especially as I work full-time. I never thought I was clever enough, but determination and perseverance helped, as did the support and encouragement from my children, family, colleagues and tutors.'

She added: 'My favourite assignment was project management, which involved planning, strategy, marketing, financial implications and critical paths. It basically covered everything which businesses need to think about.

'At work, the degree enabled me to view things from different perspectives. Graduation day was fantastic and it was brilliant to meet up with my university cohort. I feel very proud and dare I say it, ready for the next challenge.'

Jane said: 'I have been a school business manager for two and a half years and I love every minute of my role. The modules throughout the degree provided valuable insight into strategic operations which I was able to implement immediately to good effect in a role in a very busy and forward moving primary school.

'The learning was at some times intense, though very interesting all the same. Support was offered by tutors and other members of our cohort, with many friendships formed.'

She added: 'Obtaining this degree has enabled me to grow in confidence with an ethos of positive thinking, positive action leading to positive outcomes. I have already recommended this degree course to colleagues in other schools, one of which is now on this year’s cohort.'

Joanne Hughff, Senior Enterprise Manager in the University’s Business School, said: 'We’d like to congratulate the graduates on their success, having completed the Certificate in School Business Management (CSBM), the Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM) and to then go on and be part of the first set of graduates from our new version of the BA (Hons) Business Management tailored specifically for School Business Managers.'

For further information about the next cohort of the BA Business Management top up degree for school business managers contact Megan Cody on 01642 738964 or email m.cody@tees.ac.uk.


 
 
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