My first impression when I came to College was that everyone was so friendly and welcoming.
I started on a Level 1 Health and Social Care course, and worked my way up to a level 3. I progressed in Functional Skills English & maths while I completed my Level 1 and then onto Level 2 when I also studied towards my maths and English GCSE, where I achieved a grade 4 and 5 so that I could progress to the Level 3 programme.
We've covered a range of topics including looking at anatomy, physiology, body systems, how people grow, development milestones, how those with additional or complex needs can be cared for, which really gives an insight into residential care as well as infection prevention and control in a health and social care setting. The course will give you a foundation study of what you’ll be doing if you were to go onto Uni or an apprenticeship.
I really enjoy the practical sessions because you get to know your class better. We’ve been doing lots of demonstrations using the hospital room and mannequins that we have here. We look at care plans, how to wear PPE properly which gives you an insight into what to expect in the health and social environment.
It terms of work experience, I started volunteering at Medway Hospital as a dementia buddy, then a support worker for an organisation called Voyage Care. I am now working in a residential home for young adults with learning disabilities. When I'm working, I get to apply what I have learned in College and put it all into practice!
My tutors have been great and are helping me get ready for my next steps. They are training and guiding me with meeting deadlines and keeping on top of coursework. I always feel that I can ask questions. There are also libraries where I enjoy the quiet study and social zones where you can make new friends.
Everyone is treated like an adult here. College is a different experience compared to school, whereby if you don’t do your work, it’s up to you. This is on you as it’s your career.
The next step for me is Greenwich University to study midwifery in September. As part of the course, we visited Canterbury Christ Church and were shown around by the student nurses and midwives which gave me an idea of what I wanted to do.
My advice for anyone thinking about going to College is even if you haven’t quite got the grades, it’s worth applying as the tutors will gauge what level is best for you and you can progress from there. Good luck!
