Today we meet Michelle Gormley Mclaughlin – Level 2 Lecturer of Sport & Outdoor Pursuits. Michelle has been at the college for 21 years, working in the Sports Department. A brilliant Rugby player, in 2018 she was selected to represent the Ulster Ladies team at the Interprovincial Championships. Michelle says all of her students are successes, adding that she loves teaching in further education because of the opportunities that are offered to students including climbing and canoeing qualifications.
Name
Michelle Gormley-McLaughlin
Job Title
Coordinator of Level 2 Lecturer of Sport & Outdoor Pursuits
Years spent at NWRC
On May the 4th 2022 I’ll be here 27 years
Describe your job in under 50 words.
It doesn’t feel like a job when you are enjoying yourself - for most of the time. Most of my job focus on introducing Staff and Students to the Outdoor environment. The sports dept offers so many opportunities for the students including Erasmus which was a magical experience. Excited that Outdoor is moving to new premises, so much potential - its exciting.
What was your path to becoming an educator?
I came in as an Outdoor Instructor, then got into assessing the NVQ sport course. Eventually, I began teaching on the C&G course which changed to Btec and is now the OCN for Level 2.
Most rewarding part of your job.
Getting students in at Level 2, watching them gain confidence then watching them going on to Level 3 and into higher education.
How does FE in your subject differ from education at school.
We are innovative and can provide education and opportunities that the schools can’t deliver such as climbing & canoeing qualifications.
Tell us about some of our student successes.
They are all successes! I’ve had a few students from Level 2 in Sport go on to have their own business, obtain degrees and I have had one return as a lecturer.
Best moment at NWRC?
Watching my own Son & Daughter successfully complete their courses at NWRC. It was great to watch them enjoy their courses and not complain about going to college.
The Potential of outdoor education as a qualification and as a medium to students building confidence and improving their team building skills is immense. The opening of so many private companies in our local area and the degree level opportunities for students to aspire to is fabulous. I wish I had some of these opportunities when I was starting out.
