Pauline joined West Suffolk College in 1984, beginning her career by teaching students how to use computers – a skill that was only just emerging in workplaces at the time. Her role soon expanded to lecturing on the Business Studies course, before she went on to become Services to Business Manager. She later took on the position of Hub Manager for Suffolk with the government-sponsored “Learn Direct” programme, a post she held until her retirement in 2004. Over her 40 years at the College, Pauline built many fond memories, both of the students she taught and the colleagues she worked alongside.
What made you want to join Eastern Education Group?
I was inspired to become a teacher via an adult education evening class, which gave me a basic teaching qualification. My first teaching post was part time at Mildenhall Upper School teaching typing and Office Practice. Although enjoyable (and very challenging!) I never felt I truly belonged. However, whilst I was there, I began studying at Norwich City College and Huddersfield Polytechnic for the Certificate in Education. Then in 1984 I was given the opportunity, together with Elizabeth Smith, to join WSC to teach adults on a back to work programme. This was the beginning of the introduction of computers in the workplace, and we taught students how to use Word, Excel, and databases amongst other subjects.
As soon as I walked into the general staffroom at WSC I knew I had found “my people”. At that time, the College was quite small, and we all knew each other very well. I was soon working full time at the College teaching youngsters, on the Btec Business Studies Course and RSA Junior Secretarial Course. I was able to progress my career at the College over the years, but nothing was more fulfilling than those years – students came to us who were bright, but had not necessarily enjoyed school – and they thrived.
With Angela Carter, we were given the opportunity to develop the Train the Trainer course, which led on to preparing staff to train students for NVQs. This was quite a task as staff from all over the College needed to train to be NVQ Assessors and Verifiers. Over time, this expanded to courses for Upper School staff from all over Suffolk. We also visited many Suffolk businesses and even prisons. In 1994, Angela and I also produced a professional video as an introduction to NVQs, which we sold to schools and colleges all over the country.
Particularly, once Nick Foster became Principal (followed by Ann Willliams) and Andrew Hunter a Director, staff were given the opportunity to progress in their careers and I became Services to Business Manager and was also responsible for a short time for the Apprenticeship Programme where I had the privilege of interviewing and appointing Phil Stittle!
Finally, I was appointed Hub Manager for Suffolk for a government sponsored programme “Learn Direct”, a post which I continued until I retired in 2004.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
There are lots of special memories, including:
- taking the Back to Work students to London to the Telephone Museum and also for a guided tour of Lloyds of London
- a trip with the youngsters to Rollerbury, with Liz Wilson and Pat Pemberton
- a staff trip to Rouen
Another special memory is the launch of Learn Direct in Suffolk at Ipswich Town Football club with Nick Foster and David Sheepshanks.
Also, I would like to mention that in 1991, I had to have a whole term off College (my 20-year-old son needed a heart transplant) and the support I received from absolutely everyone (academic and non-academic) will never be forgotten.
What did you do after you stopped working at WSC?
Initially, I was full time babysitter for my second (and then third) granddaughters. At this time, my husband and I learned to play bowls and I produced a welcome pack for new bowlers (which turned out to be a lesson plan) 10 years ago, I set up a brand-new short mat bowls club in Thetford, which I probably run on business lines! Always teaching!
I am in contact with many ex-members of WSC staff via social media, but especially Barbara Beaton and my dear friend Angela Carter. I was very touched recently to have been added as “friends” on Facebook by two ex-students, who were 16 then, now probably 50 – it’s lovely to see how they and their families have prospered.
I was delighted to have been invited to the Centenary Meal recently and to meet up with the Principal and old friends/colleagues – Barbara Beaton, Linda Wade, Penny Stevens, Dave Seddon and, of course, Phil Stittle. Also, how lovely to meet Daniel Connor and to reminisce about another friend and colleague, Christine Connor – subsequently we have met for lunch, which was lovely.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
I do hope the Government will properly fund Further Education as it continues to be so vital for the economy and the development of students of all ages.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
Grab the opportunities offered to you to develop yourself, whether staff or student at any age.
