In the first of a series focussing on members of staff at NWRC, we meet Former student Claire Doherty. Claire studied for a full Degree at NWRC, gaining the BSc (Hons Degree) in Early Childhood Care, Health, and Education and is now a Learning Support Officer at NWRC’s Learning Link, which supports students with a range of additional needs. She is also a part time lecturer.
Claire said: “I am 26 years old and I have been working at NWRC for two years at the Learning Link.
“I love my job as every day is different and I get to help students achieve their full potential, which is very fulfilling. I would describe every day in my job as being different and unpredictable, but very rewarding. There is great job satisfaction as you can see the students developing their confidence from the start of the academic year right through to the end of the year.
“I am also very lucky to work with a great team within the Learning Link and wider Student Services team.
“We support students with a range of additional needs such as specific learning difficulties, physical difficulties, medical conditions, general learning difficulties, and mental health conditions.”
Claire previously studied at St. Patricks and St. Brigid’s College, Claudy, and applied to study the Level 3 National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development when she was 16. She moved on to study the HND Advanced Practice in working with children and families then a full Degree with the BSc (Hons) Early Childhood Care, Health and Education, which is run jointly between NWRC and LYIT.
Claire said: “The Degree course was a perfect opportunity for me because it meant I was able to study a degree in my chosen area, in our local city, without having to travel further afield.
“I have a great passion for horses and have been competing in show jumping competitions from a young age. I am very lucky to have my own horses, stables, and arena at my house and enjoy exercising the horses. I was not too keen on leaving my horses to study in a different city.
“I would highly recommend NWRC to anyone who wants to further their educational career as the courses open so many opportunities to every individual, allowing them to achieve within their chosen career. Whilst studying at NWRC the support I received from my tutors was exceptional and I always felt that I could approach them with any queries or concerns. Most of all, I felt very safe and happy in my learning environment. The courses offered provide open pathways to employment.
“From being a student at NWRC to now, an employee within the college, I understand and recognise how much work the staff put in behind the scenes to ensure they support their students and provide them with high-quality education. I feel it is my turn to support the students within the college and help them achieve their full potential.
“The Learning Link Department supports students with a range of additional needs such as specific learning difficulties, physical difficulties, medical conditions, general learning difficulties and mental health conditions. A discreet service is available to our students and we ensure that we support each individual who has declared any additional needs to us. Support includes liaising with teaching and support staff, human support, assistive technology, and access arrangements for examinations. I would encourage any students with a disability/learning difficulty to chat to us, as there is so much support available”
For more information on the Learning Link email learninglink@nwrc.ac.uk
