Bridget Petherick has been a key figure in the Access to Higher Education (HE) programmes at Eastern Education Group for many years. Access to HE courses are designed for mature students to enable them to progress to Higher Education. Inspired after attending an Introduction to Teaching evening in 1991, she has worked as a Lecturer at West Suffolk College for 34 years. Having taught so many students, she is proud to see so many of her former students working at West Suffolk Hospital.
What originally made you want to join Eastern Education Group?
As a desperate single parent, unable to afford childcare during the school holidays, I attended an Introduction to Teaching evening out of curiosity in 1991 – and 34 years later I’m still here. I completed my PGCE Teacher Training as an evening course over two years, and during that time, we needed four hours a week teaching practice to complete our diploma, and so I taught Communication Skills to Motor Vehicle students (shades of Tom Sharpe and Wilt!). I then applied to teach Biology on various different qualifications, ranging from GNVQ, BTEC, A level and Degree. I have also taught GCSE Maths, NEBOSH, Assertiveness, GCSE English and a whole range of other subjects including Basic Hygiene Certificate/ESOL to non-English speaking chicken factory operatives!
When I first started, the College was so much smaller in those days; every member of staff knew each other and there was a real spirit of camaraderie and support, a great help to a newbie!
For the past 25 years I have managed the Access to Science and Access to Nursing Diplomas – a qualification which has led to West Suffolk Hospital being staffed by our students!
How did you end up teaching on Access to HE?
I basically said yes to any teaching opportunity offered to me as I was determined to achieve a full-time post! The Access programme is something I fiercely believe in, as it really offers a ‘last chance saloon’ route for so many capable adult learners who have always wanted to enter the Health Services, but not achieved the required qualifications at school. I have been inspired by so many of our students who have somehow managed to juggle work commitments, families and their studies to overcome many barriers and achieve their lifelong dreams.
Who were the founders of the Access to HE programmes at the College?
That was Dinkie Williamson and Bundy MacIntosh, although they did involve me, very kindly, with the initial set up and to be part of the teaching team. WSC was one of the original 12 CAVA member colleges, and it was exciting to be part of this new qualification especially designed for adult learners.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
How long have you got?!
One of my early memories was trying to teach Communication to a fairly unreceptive class of practically-minded motor vehicle students! It was a beautiful autumn day, and I decided, in a moment of madness, to teach them about poetry, and in particular, sonnets! After brainstorming words and phrases about autumn and late, golden afternoons, and explaining the structure of a sonnet, off they went, pens into action! At the end of the lesson, these overall clad students strutted out, proudly announcing their achievement of ‘writing a sonnet!
My first line manager was Selwyn Prime. I had only four hours teaching in my first term, lowest of the low, but dear Selwyn would seek me out and give me a timetable every week to explain where and what I would be doing – I was immensely grateful to him and really impressed with his support and kindness in this new teaching career of mine.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
Well done, West Suffolk College!
If you’re interested in the Access to Higher Education courses mentioned in this story, learn more about them here: Access to Higher Education
