Learning leads to dream career for Sussex graduate
Amanda Scales, Outstanding Learner in the South-East 2012
Amanda Scales, Outstanding Learner in the South-East 2012, with some of her pupils at Varndean School in Brighton
The commitment of a Sussex graduate to improving her life through education is being recognised with the award for Outstanding Learner in the South-East as part of Adult Learners’ Week from 12-18 May.
Amanda Scales, aged 47, began learning as an adult some years ago, gaining a Certificate in Archaeology in the Centre for Community Engagement (CCE) at Sussex. As a single parent of four children, though, childcare issues prevented her from finishing the diploma course.
In 2006, one of the advisors at a local learning centre where Amanda was attending an evening class suggested that she join a course in CCE designed to help women access university.
Despite having to overcome a number of family difficulties, Amanda passed the course on ‘New Career Options for Women’ and started a degree at the University of Sussex in 2007.
Amanda graduated with a 2:1 BA in Contemporary History in 2010 and decided that she wanted to help others to achieve their dreams by becoming a teacher.
Having ‘faced her fears’ and passed GCSE Maths, Amanda now works as a support assistant at Varndean School in Brighton, is studying for an English GCSE and will begin a PGCE teacher-training course in 2012.
“My journey so far has been long and hard but immensely pleasurable,” said Amanda.
Amanda will be presented with the Outstanding Learner in the South East Award at the Adult Learners’ Week national awards ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London on Monday (14 May).
She will also be attending the South East Adult Learners' Week regional award ceremony, at the Museum of London, on 17 May.
Adult Learners’ Week is the largest annual celebration of adult learning in the UK and is organised by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).
David Hughes, NIACE Chief Executive, said, “Amanda’s life has improved because of her commitment, enthusiasm and ambition. I hope that others will be inspired by this story and see the role that learning can play to help them get a better life.”