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Kate smiling at the camera wearing her cap and gown

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PGCE the next step for education and religion graduate who juggled studying, being a carer and personal health challenges 

Graduation

August 7, 2024

Education and religion graduate Kate Jarnell is excited to continue her studies at Edge Hill – a university with a strong community that's supported her through family health and personal challenges.

Education and religion graduate Kate Jarnell is excited to continue her studies at Edge Hill – a university with a strong community that’s supported her through family health and personal challenges.

The 21-year-old who lives in Wigan will start her PGCE in September, reassured that she’ll get the help she needs to succeed at Edge Hill a second time:

“My tutors have been fantastic. They’ve kept me motivated when times have been tough. They’ve understood that I’m caring for my mum while studying. It can take its toll mentally, but it’s also very rewarding. I know my mum’s safe and happy, which makes me happy too.”

And in addition to being a carer, Kate’s had to battle with her own health issues and overcome barriers to learning:

“My condition means I often suffer brain fog and can experience seizures. On top of that, I’ve always struggled to get my thoughts down on paper. One of my tutors encouraged me to seek a dyslexia diagnosis, and it was such a relief to have it after so many years. They appreciate that I struggle with spelling and structuring my work and I can’t thank them enough for the time and step-by-step guidance they’ve given me. Luckily, I’ll easily be able to keep in touch with my tutors when I start my postgrad as they’re all in the same faculty.”

And it’s not just at university that Kate has support. Her health condition prevents her from driving, so neighbours who work at Edge Hill give her lifts to campus every week.

“They’re a godsend. Without them, I’d face a four-hour roundtrip on public transport. I get in early with them and spend the day in the library, fully concentrating on my studies without distractions.”

Studying religion has captured Kate’s imagination, and she wants to get more young people enthused in the subject as a secondary school teacher:

“I find religion so fascinating. Why do people believe in something and not others? What motivates them to believe? How do religions have such different views on life and how do they work in modern society? I’ve also learned so much about the similarities between religions too. Studying religion goes beyond faith; it incorporates ethics, psychology, philosophy and education. It opens up so many discussions.”

And Kate would never rule out returning to Edge Hill should she want to change her career path:

“I want to stick to teaching for now, but I have considered studying to be an early years practitioner further down the line. This would bring me back to Edge Hill again. The University is one of the best for teaching, so why would I choose to go elsewhere? They can’t keep me away!”

Kate sat at a table, reading.

As well as feeling supported at Edge Hill, Kate has always felt accepted:

“With all the flags onsite, it’s like Edge Hill celebrates Pride all year round! I know I’m safe on campus and welcome. My course has students of all religions and faiths, but everyone has been extremely respectful of me being openly bisexual and my other friends who are queer. We’re like a big family.”

Find out more about studying at Edge Hill University edgehill.ac.uk/study.

August 7, 2024

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