Cathy has worked for EEG since 2008 – but was originally here as a student back in 1985. She joined in 2008 in a newly created and innovative role, where she only focused on delivering tutorials. She is therefore the original PPT (Personal Support Tutor) for the Group. The idea took hold, with more and more PSTs (as they were called then) being appointed. Now, the Group has an extensive support network with 40 PPTs across sites (now titled Personal Progress Tutors). Cathy has remained working in pastoral support and is now Group Head of Pastoral Support and Administration
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
I was a student at West Suffolk College back in 1985 – 1987. I studied for an OND (Ordinary National Diploma) in Business and Finance. In 2008, I joined the College as an hourly paid member of staff, tutoring a single year group of Public Service students. This was the first time a non-teaching member of staff had been employed to tutor students. When I started tutoring, we would log the information discussed in a carbon copy notebook. The students would get a copy, and I would file a copy in a binder. That’s a long way away from the electronic records that we now keep! I am still at the College and now hold a group role for pastoral support.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
When I studied here, there was an area called the Rendezvous, which was a place that we could go to grab a coffee and relax. We had a common room with pool tables in it and a public telephone box outside the Bistro (no mobile phones back then). We also had a Christmas disco when I was there. I used to commute to college on the bus from Mildenhall, and I remember that every evening the buses would be lined up in what is now the college car park, to take all the students home. The teachers were amazing; I was taught by Gordon Iredale, Elizabeth Bray and Ian Body, to name a few.
Are there any family members who have connections to EEG?
One of my daughters studied a BTEC Level 3 in Forensic Science at West Suffolk College from 2020-2022, and another currently works within the Higher Education provision within the Group. Twenty years ago, both of these children attended Sunshine Nursery (which was next to the location of Rendezvous).
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
The College is an amazing place to both study and to work at. It continues to be forward thinking and innovative in the way that it teaches, the courses on offer, and support available to all students. It truly is outstanding, and I am very proud to be a part of the EEG community.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
The Group offer an amazing range of courses and opportunities to young people and adults alike. I would advise prospective and current students to embrace all the opportunities and experiences that come their way. During the Covid pandemic, I took the opportunity to upskill myself from a Level 5 qualification to BA Honours degree. The team in the University and Professional Development Centre supported me well and gave me good advice about my dissertation. With their help and support, I am proud to say that I graduated with First Class Honours. You are never too old to embrace education.
The wrap-around support on offer is also robust and outstanding, and I would encourage anyone student in need to reach out and take advantage of the support on offer.
