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Jackie Fitzwater Wins The London Higher Level Vocational Learner of the Year 2009 Award

Saturday 16 May 2009Comment on this article Permlink

L-R Graeme Hall, Executive Director WL LLN, Jackie Fitzwater, Award Winner, Mary Suantah, Level 2 Lecturer in Childcare and Education, West Thames College

Jackie Fitzwater has won the London Higher Level Vocational Learner of the Year 2009 award, sponsored by the West London Lifelong Learning Network.

The London Regional Adult Learners’ Week 2009 Awards, co-ordinated by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) and supported by the European Social Fund (ESF), was held at The Museum in Docklands, West India Quay on Tuesday 12 May 2009.

The award recognises Jackie’s achievements as a work-based higher level learner. Jackie, studying the Foundation Degree in Early Years Care and Education at West Thames College (ran in collaboration with Kingston University) said: “I first returned to education in 1996 to complete the NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing at West Thames.

“I had worked and cared for children and adults for more than 18 years and have three children of my own. I applied for a position as a teaching assistant in a special needs school, a job that I was already working in but on a temporary contract.

“After being told that I had not got the job due to a lack of experience with children, I decided to get the qualification I needed to carry on with the career that I found so rewarding and thoroughly enjoyed.

“I qualified in 1998 and was employed by a primary school in which I still remain today. I undertook the Foundation Degree in Early Years Care and Education as I wanted to learn more and further my education – since qualifying for the NNEB education and government legislation have changed dramatically.

“But I feel the biggest reason for going back is that I can help and support the children I look after, teach and care for. I know what the changes are and their reasons like special educational policies, every child matters and child protection laws.

“I have also learnt about children’s rights, other educational professional roles, past child theorists and their beliefs.

“The course has helped me catch up with different documentation, legislation and policies and encouraged me to research, read and investigate all areas of the UK’s education system as well Italy’s and New Zealand’s.

“It has made me a more confident and less cynical person. I am more understanding, patient and less judgemental. I have also taught myself how to use the computer – something I would never have done. My ICT skills were so basic I think a very young child could have done a lot better than me. Now I can help and advise my children and friends.

“I have been accepted by Kingston University to study for my BA Honours in Early Years. I am contemplating a teaching career and am sure that whatever happens, further educating myself will help to improve my practice and keep me informed about children’s rights.”

Mary Suantah, Level 2 Lecturer in Childcare and Education at West Thames College, nominated Jackie: “I nominated Jackie because she is a shining example that age is irrelevant when it comes to furthering your education.

“Jackie works incredibly hard at West Thames College and has coped with her studies whilst simultaneously holding down a full time job as a nursery nurse.

“Through sheer effort and determination, Jackie has achieved solid grades but leads the way when it comes to commitment.

“What strikes me most is how open she now is to taking onboard the methods and theories learned in the classroom and implementing them in the workplace.

“To me, she represents exactly what lifelong learning at West Thames College is all about: improving your skills and developing as a worker to achieve even better results.”

Graeme Hall, Executive Director of the WL LLN, commented: “Jackie was chosen because she is an outstanding example of a lifelong learner. Not particularly successful at school, she has taken a ‘second chance’ route through Further Education to achieve a Foundation Degree in Early Years – this is not an easy route at the best of times but particularly difficult as an adult with children.

“Her passion for learning and her desire to be an advocate for children’s rights shine through her career and is matched by the dedication of her tutors at West Thames College.

“We look forward to hearing about Jackie’s and West Thames College’s future success.”

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