Annette and Beverley negotiate new futures

Studying for a degree can be hard work, and combining it with a job and a family can make it even more challenging. Mature students and mothers of two Annette Metcalfe and Beverley Wright have achieved their degrees at the University of Teesside through a different route. The Negotiated Learning Scheme takes previous experience and current employment into account, resulting in a course of study uniquely tailored to the individual to suit their needs.

Both Annette and Beverley have two children and work as Teaching Assistants. They have both successfully completed the BA (Hons) Professional Studies in Education and now aim to qualify as primary school teachers by studying in Ambleside. Although both are employed by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Education Department, the two women had never met before beginning the course and have since become best friends.

Annette, 39, from Yarm, said: “Negotiated Learning is more than just a title – everything is negotiated from the actual modules you do, when you do them and how you are assessed. When you’re working, its great to be able to use your work based skills and experience and have it count towards your degree. I’ve been a Teaching Assistant at Yarm Primary School for nine years so I’ve got a lot of experience and it all counted toward getting the degree.

“For me, one of the most important things this course has done is give me a sense of achievement. I have never had the support of an extended family and have relied heavily on my husband Andrew so I feel very proud to the first in the family to get a degree and I’m really pleased! The ability to study and learn must have been in me all the time, but it’s taken until now to bring it out. But it has been worth it in the end – a degree!”

Beverley, 44, from Stockton, said: “Annette and I are both employed by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Raising Achievement and Performance team, and they have also raised our achievement as well as the kids, so we’re very happy with that! Unlike Annette, I’m based in our HQ in Wrensfield House and work with children within several schools who are referred to us. Our employers, the University staff and families have been very supportive and encouraging. That makes all the difference when you’re returning to education, as both our partners and children have had to make certain sacrifices in order for us to be able to study.

“As well as getting support from work and the family, I’ve found it invaluable to ‘buddy-up’ with Annette. Going through the course together meant we could swap ideas, comment on each others work and also give moral support for the times when we found it difficult to juggle home, work and study. It was good for both of us to know there was someone else at the end of the phone who understood everything we had to deal with.”

Both Annette and Beverley will graduate in November before going on to study their teacher-training course.

For further information about the University of Teesside’s Negotiated Learning Scheme, call the Centre for Life Long Learning: 01642 384223, fax: 01642 342293 or e-mail: lifelong@tees.ac.uk

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