THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

4 August 2004

THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS An Ormskirk woman swapped shop floor for science lab and achieved a first class honours degree in the process.

Alison Brady, 35 of Ormskirk, was presented with her BSc (Hons) with QTS* (Qualified Teacher Status) in Secondary Science at a degree awards ceremony at Lancaster University, which accredits Edge Hill degrees.

It was when Alison took a break from her highly successful career in retail management that she decided to follow her passion for science and training, by taking up the teacher training course at Edge Hill.

Alison, who is mum to Nadia, 3, and Matthew, 5, harbored a love of science since her school days at Maghull High, where she recently returned to carry out teaching practice.

Alison said: "It was great to return to my old school, as I met up with my old teachers and technicians, this time as colleagues. My old biology teacher, Mr Hollinghurst, was a real inspiration to me and he?s still teaching at Maghull High. It was great to see him again to let him know that I too hope to be as inspirational for my students as he was for me."

The leap from retail to teaching hasn?t been too much of a shock for Alison, as she cites a few similarities in the roles:

"As a manager of around 70 staff, organisational skills were key, and the same could be said of teaching a range of classes of 11 to 18 year olds. However, it's a very special moment when you are instrumental in helping a child to suddenly grasp a complex issue. I?m really looking forward to seeing my students progress."

Alison is set to start her first full time teaching post at Deyes High School this September where she will teach Biology and Physics. ENDS EDITOR?S NOTES: *All teaching degrees carry a recommendation for the award of Qualified Teacher Status. This status is confirmed following a successful year in teaching. The Department for Education and Skills requirement applies to all initial teacher training programmes at any institution.

For further press information please contact: Roisin Rowley-Smith PR Manager Tel: 01695 584509 Fax: 01695 584355 E mail: rowlesr@edgehill.ac.uk or pressoffice@edgehill.ac.uk