Are you concerned that you wouldn’t be able to study for an Early Childhood Degree because you lack a background in early years? If so, you might be interested in the story of Phoebe Baylis, who graduated this year with a First-Class Honours degree. Phoebe left school at 16 and went to the British Horse Racing School for 2 months; she then got a full-time job working at a yard in Worcestershire. She still loves working with horses and racing remains a big part of her life. When she had a baby daughter, however, Phoebe became increasingly intrigued as to why her little girl was doing what she was doing and how she could support her development. This led to Phoebe’s interest in a career working with supporting young children and their families and she was pleased to be accepted onto the Early Childhood degree at the University of Worcester.
Phoebe’s advice to new students is to try not to stress out and panic too much! She says, “the first year is really daunting and a lot of new vocabulary gets thrown around which you might not understand to start with (I didn’t anyway). I know for me being out of education for some time made me feel like everyone else would know what they are doing and be so much better than I am, but you soon realise you are all in the same boat and all a little bit confused and somewhat terrified at the prospect of having to obtain all this new knowledge. However, keep going and it will all make sense and become easier in the end.”
It certainly worked for Phoebe; she is now enjoying studying for QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) through School Direct with the intention of taking up a post of a primary school teacher in the future.
Phoebe graduated from the BA(hons) Early Childhood in Society degree. You can find out more about the course here: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/early-childhood-in-society-graduate-practitioner-ba-hons