Student Spotlight: Meet Jane, an education degree student studying at University Centre Rotherham
Faces of University Centre Rotherham: Jane Galley, degree student within the education department
At almost 60, Jane Galley is proof that learning never stops.
Currently in her second year of the part-time BA (Hons) Education and Professional Development (Top-Up) at University Centre Rotherham, she is balancing her studies with her work as a community lecturer, running her own textiles business, and a lifelong passion for creative teaching.
Jane’s journey into higher education
Having spent years teaching others the art of textiles and quilting, as well as home educating her two children and working at RNN Group as a learning support assistant, Jane began to wonder what made her able to pass on skills so effectively.
This curiosity led her back into education herself, first completing the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, a 12-week course for adult learners run by the RNN Group.
“I knew I was good at what I did, but I didn’t know why. That was the springboard to me pursuing a qualification,” says Jane. “I’d never done the university route before, so doing the Level 3 Award meant there was no pressure on me, particularly as a mature learner.”
After completing the 12-week programme, Jane decided to progress onto the Certificate in Education (CertEd) at University Centre Rotherham.
With no professional qualifications that met the entry requirements, Jane’s application to study the CertEd was backed by industry experience. She’d spent ten years in a learning support role and had vast experience of home schooling her two sons.
“Without that encouragement and intervention from the education department here at University Centre Rotherham, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. The team have been so supportive from the beginning and were able to prove I had the ability to study a higher education course. The assurance from them that I could do it was a big deciding factor.”
Having completed the CertEd, Jane is now undertaking the BA top-up on a part-time basis to bring her qualifications up to full degree level.
Why Jane chose University Centre Rotherham
Jane was drawn to University Centre Rotherham because of the smaller class sizes and quieter environment compared to larger universities.
“I don’t like crowds so I find University Centre Rotherham more comfortable and easier to learn in,” she says. “Due to the nature of the course, we’re also not on campus during normal hours.”
As both the CertEd and BA top up course are offered on a part-time basis, the CertEd classes are held once a week in the evenings, while the BA course lectures are one Saturday a month. Students then book a personal tutorial in each month around their other commitments, with the addition of self-led study for each module.
This has allowed Jane to study alongside running her own business, working at RNN Group, and also spending time with her young grandson.
Jane“The support from the staff here at University Centre Rotherham has been one of the biggest things to come out of it. Their feedback has been brilliant and given me ideas I’d not thought of.”
Academic life
The BA Education and Professional Development course has enabled Jane to explore the theory behind her practical experience in a wider context. She particularly values the opportunity to connect her day-to-day teaching in community settings with research-led perspectives.
“I have always enjoyed learning and it’s something that has been a lifelong thing for me. I have found it interesting going into some of the psychological reasons why people learn and how to help people learn.”
Modules on creativity and innovation in professional practice have encouraged her to think critically about her teaching style, while also inspiring her to adapt her approach in the classroom.
“It’s been interesting to see the change in how people learn, how there is now more integration and inclusion in learning. That was one of the reasons why I taught my boys at home. On this course, we’re learning how to facilitate learning rather than forcing it on learners. People learn in different ways; it doesn’t have to be sat down with a book.”
Beyond the classroom
Alongside her studies, Jane continues to run her successful textiles business where she delivers online tutorials. She also works part-time as one of our community lecturers, hosting community workshops in quilting, sewing and dressmaking.
Focusing on English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), Jane delivers eight classes each week at venues across the Rotherham borough.
She’s been able to put what she’s learnt at University Centre Rotherham into practice, bringing innovative ideas that integrate language with creative skills.
“One of my favourite CLIL classes is a group of Chinese students who are doing machine and hand sewing alongside learning English. The creativity module I did last year on the BA gave me the idea of giving each learner a notebook that became like a sewing dictionary to put examples of words they are picking up. I can see now that some of the learners who come to my studio would also benefit from it.”
Balancing study, work, and family life alongside some personal health issues hasn’t always been easy, but she credits the part-time structure and the support of tutors and peers with making it possible – as well as making sure to book in a massage to coincide with monthly lectures!
“The support from the staff here at University Centre Rotherham has been one of the biggest things to come out of it. Their feedback has been brilliant and given me ideas I’d not thought of.”
Highlights and achievements
For Jane, one of the greatest rewards has been finally doing something for herself.
“For me, it’s the personal satisfaction more than anything that has steered me on. Proving to yourself that you can do it.”
She has also valued the opportunity to study alongside peers from different professional backgrounds, exchanging perspectives and building a supportive learning community.
The small cohort of learners is mixed, all with different aspirations. Some work in schools, others work in the NHS, and one learner runs her own hairdressing business.
While there are some younger learners currently working in teaching assistant positions aiming to advance their careers, there are also older adults who, like Jane, are doing it to challenge themselves.
“Because I’m older, I’ve got a lot of experience to bring which does help, particularly with the backgrounds of some of the learners I teach. I understand the benefit of being relaxed, allowing them to think and develop, and not being afraid of silence. I have this little voice in my head that reminds me to ask the question ‘how do you think that went’ rather than telling them how it went.”
Looking ahead
Having just started the second year of the part-time BA, Jane will be spending much of it writing her dissertation which she plans to do on the topic of CLIL.
Looking to the future, Jane hopes to continue developing her teaching practice and inspiring others to discover new skills through creative learning.
She is also considering further study at postgraduate level, doing the Masters degree in education and professional development.
“Both of my sons have been to university and now it’s a race between me and my eldest to do the Masters. My youngest is a primary school teacher and he did a PGCE at the same time as I did the CertEd so it was good to be able to compare notes.”
Jane’s advice to those thinking about doing a degree at University Centre Rotherham
Jane encourages others – particularly mature learners – to take the leap into higher education if they’re curious about becoming a teacher.
“If you’re unsure, do the Level 3 Award first as it gives you an introduction to it. It’s an opportunity to meet the tutors and talk about what’s involved if you decide to take it further. There’s a microteach involved, so it’s a bit like a taster session.
“If you are serious about learning, then make the most of the tutorials. And if you want help, ask for it.”
Learn more about what education courses are available at University Centre Rotherham here.