Claire

When did you join Weston College? 

"I joined Weston College in 2017 after a period of almost 20 years working in private practice and training within the mental health sector.  I initially joined as a HE lecturer in Counselling and after five years in this role was fortunate enough to then be appointed as HE Curriculum Coordinator for the counselling degree practitioner training courses”. 

Why did you join Weston College? 

“Weston College has a solid reputation in the region and is known for providing opportunities and fostering excellence in students who may not always have traditional academic backgrounds. The level of knowledge, expertise, support and passion displayed by staff is inspiring and I was quick to realise that ‘creating brighter futures’ is more than just a mission statement, it’s a reality, Weston College raises the aspirations and opportunities for its students, and I feel proud to be part of this”. 

How do you spend your day? 

"I work full time and my role is busy and varied. I teach on all levels of the degree course as well as providing a strategic guiding light to the content, delivery, quality and direction of the course. This includes liaising with our work placement employers and other stakeholders, marketing, recruitment and course delivery and planning. I have recently, as part of my team and colleagues written a new 3 year BSc(hons) course in Counselling validated by our partner University. I am excited by the up-to-date, contemporary nature of this course and feel proud to have been part of its inception”. 

How has the College supported your career development? 

"Although I had taught for many years for private organisations and as a guest lecturer for other Universities, I was keen to further develop my academic and teaching career by obtaining a lecturer post where I could contribute on a larger basis to the teaching, learning and delivery of the counselling courses.  Furthermore, although I had already completed a Master’s degree in education, I wished to pursue further qualification and training in this area and my role within Weston College has enabled me to achieve this.  In my time at Weston College I have been fortunate to complete a Post graduate Certificate in Academic Practice which also enabled me to become a fellow of the Higher Education Authority – advance HE.  Also alongside my role I am studying for a Doctorate in Education which enables me to research and develop the programme and course content to a high standard and puts me at the cutting edge in terms of subject level knowledge and delivery”. 

What have you been involved in while working at Weston College? 

“In my time at Weston College I have been part of several exciting projects from pilot groups on the use of digital technology in teaching and learning, ethical research committees and having the opportunity to learn about curriculum design and planning. These opportunities have meant that I have gained so much more of a rounded understanding of teaching and learning in Higher Education than just the just subject specific content and have been able to implement these new skills in my current role to shape and develop the programme”. 

What’s the best thing about working at Weston College? 

“I continue to be inspired by the expertise and passion of the staff at Weston College, it is such an inclusive and supportive place to work and the students thrive in such a positive education environment. I also love being able to shape the provision and future of our course in response to the needs and changes in society, it feels like a progressive organisation and is leading the way in many subjects and discipline areas."