Kasey Windle-Heath

Kasey Windle-Heath

Occupation:
Programme Leader, Media and Photography, Teacher Level 1-6

UCR degree:
BA Hons Media, Moving Image and Photography and PGCE

Kasey’s Story

I started at the RNN Group as a student in 2014, enrolling in level 3 (when it was BTEC). I completed one year of level 3, and due to excelling in my grades and being a mature learner, I was uplifted to do my HNC. I completed this in one year, and again, was placed directly into the second year of the degree programme, where I completed my final two years up to level 6.

After finishing my degree, I was asked to return and teach some photography sessions to new level 2 and 3 learners. I enjoyed this so much that I enrolled in a two-year part-time PGCE programme while working as many hours as I could during those two years. I then progressed to work in learner support and work experience. When a full-time lecturer position in photography opened up, I applied and was hired, eventually becoming the Programme Leader of the department the following year. This academic year marks my sixth year of teaching at RNN and my tenth year as part of the RNN family.

I started college later in life, at the age of 24, because I wanted to feel more fulfilled in what I was doing for a living. I have always enjoyed photography, and when searching for courses in my local area, I found Rotherham College, also part of the RNN Group, and liked what it offered. I came in for an interview, and from that initial meeting, I knew I wanted to enrol on the course.

A mature student doing level 3

The level 3 course offered me much more than just an education. The tutors were respectful and very knowledgeable about the subject and specialisms. Sara Pearman, especially, offered me a great deal of support and help throughout my level 3 studies and provided me with a safe space whenever I needed one. Being a mature learner, I felt more understood by the staff than by the students. I also made friends with some great people who offered support when needed. I felt at home here and knew I was excelling in a subject I enjoyed immensely.

Doing a degree

When I first started level 3, I had no intention of pursuing a degree. However, this quickly changed. My tutors fully encouraged me to continue my education, and due to my higher-than-expected grades, I was able to skip a year, moving from level 3 year 1 to the HNC (the degree programme hadn’t been written yet). Once the degree was established, my tutors encouraged me to advance to the second year, where I completed levels 5 and 6, earning a BA (Hons).

Throughout my courses and time at Rotherham, my tutors pushed me to excel and achieve my best. They made me feel capable of completing the degree and encouraged me to further my education. I am really glad I did!

Being a teacher

My teachers, my tutors, and the team I worked with (and some of whom I still work with today) inspired me. I enjoyed my own educational experience so much that I wanted to give back. I realised I was good at something (photography), and I wanted to share this with other like-minded people. Additionally, I am very much a people person. I enjoy working with others and being able to work with young students who share my interests.

Being a teacher allows me not only to teach new skills and knowledge but also to help students develop as young people. I strive to help them progress, just as my tutors did for me, by providing encouragement and instilling the belief that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to, as long as you don’t stop trying.

Completing the PGCE

The PGCE was hard; but I enjoyed my PGCE, met some great people, and received encouraging feedback and support from my tutors. I learned a lot about educational theory, different teaching and learning styles, assessments, and what it takes to be a professional educator. The course was challenging, especially as I am dyslexic and it involved a lot of written work. However, with the support and feedback from my tutors, I was able to pass and earn my teaching qualification.

My best memory so far

As a student, my best memory would have to be our trip to Paris. We went on a residential trip and spent three days in Paris. As a staff member, some of my best memories are from teacher training days and team days, where the entire staff comes together to celebrate what we have here at RNN. Last year’s dragon boat race was great – an opportunity I wouldn’t have had if it wasn’t for this event.

And finally…

I have always been encouraged, both as a student and as a staff member, to try my best and strive for the next challenge. I have worked hard here and have been given amazing opportunities throughout both my studies and my career. I enjoy being a part of the RNN family, and the team I work with feels as close as family. The courses I have completed have provided me with a vast amount of knowledge and understanding, not only in my specialism of photography but also in the confidence to know that with enough effort, I can achieve my goals.

Opportunities are created and seized by those who are willing to take risks and are not afraid to stumble a few times before reaching their final destination. You just have to keep trying!

Find out more about the Media, Moving Image and Photography degree and the Education courses that we offer at University Centre Rotherham.