Pippa Discovers Her True Educational Calling

What started as an interest in teaching hairdressing changed into a life-changing journey for Pippa, who is now pursuing a career in Special Educational Needs (SEN) education.

In May 2023, Pippa decided to explore a new path in education. “I wanted to teach hairdressing and spoke with Emma Marshall (Early Years Lecturer and Programme Lead for Professional Studies),” she recalls. “After that conversation, I decided it had to be worth taking the chance.”

She enrolled on the FdA Education in Practice course and right from the start, Emma, played a key role in helping the group settle in. “Emma went out of her way to make sure we understood what was expected of us over the next two years. She’s also helped guide us toward our next steps in our individual journeys.”

Initially set on teaching within the hair and beauty sector, Pippa’s goals shifted after experiencing a new placement in a SEN setting. “That’s when I realised this is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” she explains. “Emma supported and guided me in the right direction. I’ve learned so much from this course—it’s given me a new insight into life and helped me become a better person.”

One of the most unexpected highlights? The theory of education. “It really surprised me how much I enjoyed it. Group discussions and hearing different perspectives from people of various educational backgrounds made the experience even more rewarding.”

With a new passion for education, Pippa has now been accepted onto the BA (Hons) Education in Practice top-up course at Bishop Grosseteste University and is excited to continue building her career in the education sector having been offered a full-time post in her current school.

“I’m really looking forward to the future. This course changed everything for me.”

If you’re inspired by Pippa’s story and want to learn more about education pathways check out our course here: https://www.grantham.ac.uk/courses/education-teacher-training/, email Emma emarshall@grantham.ac.uk at or come to our next Open Event on 3rd July.

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