Reaching for Teaching Ambitions at SERC

Following her GCSEs, Katie Simpson (from Dundonald) went on to do  A-Levels but, three weeks into the course, she decided that the A-Level route didn’t suit her.   Still not sure what pathway was best, she worked for a year, and then decided to it was time to get back into full time education to realise her ambition to become a teacher.

She said, “I live close to SERC Newtownards Campus, so I knew about the college but not everything that was on offer.   It was a few of my friends who had progressed to SERC who recommended I find out more.   I did most of my research online and after applying for a couple of courses, I came along to the enrolment day and firmed up my offer for a place on the Level 3 Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development."

She added, “One of the best things about the course has been the placement.  I study at college three days each week and then go to my placement, at Regent House School Preparatory Department, where I can put everything I am learning into practice in the childcare setting.   I assist in the classroom, helping both the teacher and other classroom support with all the children.   It has been an amazing experience to see the classroom setting and the teacher at work as I would like to become a teacher myself.

“As part of the course, we learn all aspects of child development - physical, emotional, social.   We also learn about a range of disabilities and how to engage and support children with additional needs.   I have found the subjects very interesting – if I hadn’t been doing this course, I wouldn’t be aware of a lot of issues that affect children and their development.”

Speaking about her ambitions, Katie said, “I will do another year on the Level 3 Extended Diploma – the equivalent of three A Levels - so I will be eligible to apply for a range of degree programmes that will take me into teaching.”

Katie concluded, “I have made new friends on the course - everyone is very friendly. I would recommend coming to SERC and the course for anyone who wants to work with children.   I have found the mix of placement and learning in college very enjoyable. There is a lot of course work, so you do have to be organised, but the tutors are very supportive, and there is a bit of flexibility if you need it.”

SERC offers real learning for real life. Applications are still open, and places are still available on some courses commencing September 2025.