|
Wanting
to support their own children through school led a group of Gloucester
mothers to learn some classroom skills.
Now
many of them are making new careers for themselves as professionally
qualified Learning Support Workers.
The
course has given me so much more confidence when I am in the
classroom. I feel I know what I am doing, and I am happier communicating
with the teachers and the head. It
has also helped me to help my own children to learn.
 |
| A
member of the Starvael Centre |
The
women first took part in a 10-week course designed to help anyone
working or wanting to work as a classroom volunteer helper.
Some
of those taking part were already helping out at their children's
schools, and welcomed the confidence and sense of direction that
the course gave them.
In
fact, they enjoyed it so much that they decided to work for a professional
qualification.
This
involved work placements at local primary schools, and compiling
a portfolio of evidence of their learning.
One
of the group members explained: "It was a lot of hard work, but
also a lot of fun. We supported each other through the course, and
kept people going when they felt like giving up.
 |
|
The
Starvael Centre is training mothers to be school learning
support workers
|
"School
has changed so much since our day, not just in the way teachers
teach, but also in the way they communicate with the children.
"For
myself, the course has given me so much more confidence when I am
in the classroom. I feel I know what I am doing, and I am happier
communicating with the teachers and the head.
"It
has also helped me to help my own children to learn."
Now
some group members are considering taking the qualification to the
next level.
"This
would involve attending one of the main college sites, rather than
a centre close to home.
One
of the group members added: "Most of us first got involved in learning
because it was available on our doorstep.
"Going
to college was not something we would have considered before. Now
it is definitely an option."
>>Back
to Adult Learners Week 2003
|
