How Swechchha is turning her dream of teaching a reality

Sometimes, the first step toward your dream career starts with going back to the classroom.

For Swechchha, returning to College has opened new doors, and brought her closer to her goal of teaching in a primary school. She tells us about her experience at EKC Folkestone College and how her Supporting Teaching and Learning course is helping her towards her career.  
 
Swechchha came to the UK from Nepal just over a year ago, when applying for jobs she realised that she needed certain qualifications, such as her Maths and English GCSEs, to be considered for any roles. Her dream is to work in a primary school as she loves the idea of encouraging children to explore the world through learning. That’s when she saw the Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning course and started her learning journey with us at EKC Folkestone College. 

What is Supporting Teaching and Learning? 

Supported Teaching and Learning is a level 3 qualification aimed at adults who would like to work with children and young people in an educational setting. The course prepares you for your next step, whether that is applying for jobs in a school or applying to university to continue your studies.  

Students could also complete a work placement during their course, meaning they will volunteer in an educational setting like a school or nursery. This placement helps students understand what it is like to work in these settings, figure out the age range they would like to work with, and gain practical skills which will help them when working with young people.  

Swechchha’s experience during her work placement 

Swechchha told us about her favourite moment during her work placement: “It has to be when a child came to me for comfort, or support. I enjoyed helping get them back on track and it was really rewarding that they could trust me.  Working with young children was a joy, they are youthful and were really happy when they saw me each day.  

Helping them grow confidence and seeing them think, ‘I can do it,’ gave me such a nice feeling. During my placement I was able to observe my class teacher, I learned how to grab the children’s attention at the start of the lesson. Things like talking about TV shows they watched, or what they did at the weekend can really focus and motivate the children. That was really good for me to experience.” 

Students learn the theory behind classroom practices 

On the course, students are taught how to provide specialist support to children and young people in a range of educational settings. During their lessons students are taught about a range of topics, these include child development, promoting positive behaviour and supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. 

Swechchha commented: “I think every lesson was equally important, especially Health and Safety and Safeguarding. Learning about inclusion was new to me, I found that interesting because I didn’t have any practice or experience with inclusive or specialist education.” 

Returning to education as an adult 

It can feel daunting to return to education as an adult, Swechchha explains how she balanced work and education. “The course is structured in a way that it makes it easy for adults to balance their work life with their studies. There is so much support in place, and the expectations are made really clear from the start of the course. 

“I have felt supported by the lecturers during my time at College and if you are considering a career working in a school there this is the course for you.  It’s really good at teaching you everything you need, and also giving you real experience in an educational setting.” 

Next steps after finishing the qualification  

Swechchha is currently completing her Maths and English GCSEs along with her L3 Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification. In the future she hopes to go to university to continue her learning. She shared: “I want to gain more knowledge and experience, so that maybe I can apply for leadership roles too after university. I like working with young children, but I think I’d also like to teach at university one day, so that I can help older students too.”  

It was fantastic to catch up with Swechchha and hear about her journey returning to education and her exciting plans for the future. With her determination and passion, we have no doubt she’ll be inspiring young minds in the classroom very soon. 

If you’re thinking about a career change, or have always dreamed of working with children, we’d love to help you take the next step. Join us at an Open Day to explore our Supporting Teaching and Learning courses and discover the pathway to your own future success.