Kahlia Bracket

Whilst in Sixth Form, I was studying A Level sociology and found a deep interest in the sociology of education, and specifically the relationship between the British education system and black Caribbean pupils. As a result, I developed a desire to pursue a career in primary education with the aim of positively impacting the attainment of black Caribbean pupils. I decided to look for a course that I would enjoy, whilst giving me the contextual knowledge to support the aspiration of any job role in the education sector. This resulted in the discovery of the course education and sociology here at Edge Hill.

Not many universities offer the course. My Sixth Form took brought us on a tour of Edge Hill University, and I fell in love with the environment and setting. Through my research, I also discovered that Edge Hill University offered the education and sociology course I wanted to study.

Being an undergraduate student has certainly led to my development of various skills. I believe the most significant skills are perseverance, organisation skills, and computer skills.

In my second year I did a work placement as part of one of the modules. This allowed me to recognise the importance of the impact that primary school teachers have on children and reminded me that this was the career I wanted to follow. Without this opportunity, I would not have had this clarity when I finished my course, so it was surely memorable and significant to my journey as an education and sociology student.

My course leaders held a goodbye get-together for me and my course mates, with an awards ceremony recently. This really allowed me to reflect on my time here and the development that I and my course mates had experienced.

I have a great set of course leaders and lecturers, who I can approach about anything. This was great help for me when I was in desperate need of help within each of my modules.

I instantly recognised the beauty of the Edge Hill campus and atmosphere when I first came here. I am also appreciative of the job opportunities that Edge Hill University offers for students. I have been a Student Guide for my three years at this university, and although it supported me financially, it also supported me in the development of my public speaking skills.

The Catalyst wins the award for my favourite place on campus! I spend a lot of my time there, and being in such a peaceful and architecturally pleasing building makes completing essays an enjoyable experience.

When I graduate, I am going on to complete my PGCE in primary education and maybe I will consider further study afterwards.

In my eyes, Edge Hill have the perfect support system to support the attainment of their students. For instance, the careers team was great support to my next steps of study through helping me find the best option for my PGCE and then read over my personal statement to ensure it met the expected standards.

I had great engagement with the Student Union throughout my degree and supported the development of the African & Caribbean Society. I am currently the president of this community and without the emerging inclusion and open-mindedness of Edge Hill, this would not have been possible.

For anyone considering studying this course here at Edge Hill, come with an open mind! This will certainly be fulfilled through the module choices you have too. You are not restricted to one disciple within education, instead you are able to explore education sociologically, historically, psychologically, philosophically. This is similar with the sociology course, where you can explore culture, politics, sociological theories, disability and childhood.