Sharon Tourle

Access to Higher Education

Mid Devon Campus

“I spent 18 years working for Lloyds Bank in Sussex, before relocating to Tiverton, where I started a part time job at Tesco.

I had always wanted to get into nursing and knew that if I didn’t do it now I would never do it. I started off by retaking GCSE maths and doing a pre-Access course, before moving on to Access to HE.

At 44, I was worried that I would be the eldest in the class and might feel isolated. However, there is a real mix of people of all ages and backgrounds and everyone has been so encouraging; we all have the same goal and just want each other to succeed.

I think the key to returning to education later in life is to be very organised and self-disciplined. It’s no good waiting until the last minute to complete work, you have to work ahead of schedule and plan your time carefully. I’ve also had great support from my friends and family, which has really helped.

The Access course definitely challenges me, as there is a lot to learn in just a year. However, I feel really proud of myself for how far I’ve come and how much I’ve achieved in such a short period of time.

The course prepares you well for further study, as it teaches you how to write reports, effectively evaluate and analyse and also how to reference correctly.

I’ve just found out that I’ve got a place at Plymouth University to study adult nursing, starting in February. It’s a competitive course to get onto, so I’m really pleased. At university I’m hoping to get a clearer idea of what to specialise in, as at the moment I’m still not sure which route I want to go down.”

Why did you choose to come to Petroc?

I originally planned to study near where I lived in London, but chose Petroc as it was close to my family home and the amount of contact hours meant I could also work part time. Unlike London colleges, Petroc was able to confirm my place before the end of August and had a much smoother application and enrolment process.

What made you pick this particular study programme/course?

I spoke to universities who told me what qualifications I’d need in order to study Occupational Therapy as a mature student. Petroc was really helpful in making sure I was on the course that met the criteria.

What have been the highlights so far?

The friendships. I’m a bit antisocial and wasn’t particularly looking to make friends at Petroc. However, I’ve found myself surrounded by such a great group of supportive people; we’ve really helped each other throughout the course. Having that support network has made a huge difference when things have felt a bit tough.

What do you most enjoy about studying this course at Petroc?

Learning new things. I love the feeling when I read my assignments and realise that nine months ago I wouldn’t have understood a word! Especially Biology, which I had been dreading but now really love.

I feel closer to my goals with every finished assignment, and more and more prepared (and confident) for studying at university.

What do you plan to do when you leave college?

I’ve accepted a place at Plymouth University studying Occupational Therapy. I’ll be moving there at the end of August.

What’s the long-term plan?

The original plan was to work as an OT with disabled children, supporting them to access the occupations that mattered to them. I’m still interested in that, but the more I learn about Occupational Therapy, the more I realise how varied the work is. At the moment I’m really excited about the emerging role of OTs in supporting refugees, but who knows what I’ll have decided when I finish my degree!

Any advice for someone thinking of choosing the same course as you?

Try and talk to people who have done the course before, because going back to education is daunting but really achievable and a lot less scary than you think. It’s reassuring to hear from someone who has done it and can tell you how much fun it can be!

If you need to do GCSEs, do them before the Access course; I’m so glad I did as it really took the pressure off.

Why did you choose to come to Petroc?

I had been working in sales for many years and wanted a change. I took a care job and found a new passion. I wanted to pursue this career further, but having left school with very few GCSEs, I knew I needed to gain more academic qualifications.

What made you pick this particular study programme/course? 

After finding out the entry requirements to study for a Nursing degree, I choose the Access to HE course because it could offer me a route into University in just one year. Also as a mature student, with a family to support, I could still manage to work part time as well as study at college.

What have been the highlights so far? 

Well, there have been many highlights.

The real sense of achievement at handing in that first assignment..... I could do it!!!!

Meeting like minded people, who all share in a similar goal. And a University offer… WOW!

What do you most enjoy about studying this course at Petroc? 

The lessons are informative and interesting. I have particularly enjoyed Health Studies, I like to challenge my thoughts with an open mind, and to see things from other perspectives.

The support is fantastic from lecturers and from students.

I have loved the confidence I have found in my ability to study....I never imagined I would have accomplished what I have.

What do you plan to do when you leave college? 

Adult Nursing at Plymouth University.

What’s the long-term plan?

I am really looking forward to my placements at University before I decide which area of adult nursing I wish to work in. I just know I want to be the best nurse I can be.

Any advice for someone thinking of choosing the same course as you? 

DO IT!!!

If you want it, you can achieve it. It can be hard at times, you need to keep on top of your study and assignments, but it is possible. Believe me! (And it's fun)

The support is there to get you through, and like me, you might surprise yourself.

Why did you choose to come to Petroc?

I chose to come to Petroc as it enabled me to study from home and continue to live locally.

What made you pick this particular study programme/course?

I chose to study the Access to Nursing, Midwifery and Medical Science Diploma because the subjects I studied are relevant to my chosen career and the course has given me the opportunity to get the grades I need to go onto university.

What have been the highlights so far?

I’ve enjoyed meeting like-minded people who are aiming for similar goals.

What do you most enjoy about studying this course at Petroc?

The learning environment here is engaging and comfortable. The teachers have been extremely helpful and provide appropriate and relevant material to help students succeed.

What do you plan to do when you leave college?

After completing the Access course, I am going to Hertfordshire University to study Paramedicine.

What’s the long-term plan?

Ultimately I want to move abroad after obtaining my paramedic license and work in a foreign country for a few years as a paramedic. Then I’d like to move back to the UK to continue my career here.

Any advice for someone thinking of choosing the same course as you?

Make sure you keep on top of your work and make the most of the learning resources provided by the college.

Why did you choose to come to Petroc?  

It was convenient for me, with no travel costs and Petroc offered a pathway to the degree programme that I wanted to do.

What made you pick this particular study programme/course?

This course opened up a lot of opportunities for me as I could choose from a range of degree programmes I want to do. I chose a degree in Social Work but I could have opted for a Youth Work degree at a local university instead.

What have been the highlights so far?

The highlight for me was not only gaining confidence in myself, but also achieving grades that I thought were beyond me. I’ve also met a group of lovely people - most of us have become very good friends.

What do you most enjoy about studying this course at Petroc?

Meeting like-minded people with the same goals as me and the togetherness of the group, that is, how we help and push each other to achieve our goals.

What do you plan to do when you leave college? 

I am going to do a degree in Social Work at UWE.

What’s the long-term plan? 

I intend to become a fully qualified and registered Social Worker.

Any advice for someone thinking of choosing the same course as you? 

Don’t just think about it or leave it until next year, now is the time to take the opportunity. Also when you start this course, remember that organisation and time management are very important. Don’t leave things until the last minute and, if you have any problems, don’t hesitate to speak to the tutors, who are always really helpful and supportive.

Why did you choose to come to Petroc?

I chose to study at Petroc as it is my local college. A few years ago I did another course here and I’ve always received fantastic support from the staff.

What made you pick this particular study programme/course?

I applied to do an undergraduate degree but was rejected and instead the university encouraged me to do an Access course. The subjects I have studied this year are really helpful for when I start university in September.

What have been the highlights so far?

I have developed my academic skills which will be really useful for when I start university. I’ve also met other people who are aiming for similar goals to me and we have supported each other throughout the course which has been really great.

What do you most enjoy about studying this course at Petroc?

The people I’ve met have been so supportive and I’ve made some really good friends over the year.  I now feel confident about starting university with everything I’ve learnt whilst on the Access course.

What do you plan to do when you leave college?

I’ve been accepted to study Adult Nursing at UWE Bristol.

What’s the long-term plan? To become a trauma nurse and work at a busy hospital.

Any advice for someone thinking of choosing the same course as you?

This course has helped me develop academically - I’ve learnt how to structure an essay, as well as how to cite and reference correctly. I now feel confident in starting my Adult Nursing degree thanks to the support provided by my teachers who have guided and helped me throughout the course. Remember, to succeed you need to be committed to the course, be organised and keep your end goals in mind.

Why did you choose to come to Petroc?

It was local and accessible for travelling from Bideford to Barnstaple, I have also completed other qualifications at the college and found that it is a very good place to learn.

What made you pick this particular study programme/course?

I came in to Petroc to discuss re-taking my GCESs. However as I am older, I was unable to do this and instead I was advised to consider an Access Diploma which would improve and update my qualifications.

What have been the highlights so far?

The option and ability to progress further onto university, also socializing with peers.

What do you most enjoy about studying this course at Petroc?

I thoroughly enjoyed doing chemistry experiments and in biology dissection of the heart.

What do you plan to do when you leave college?

Attend Bangor University in North Wales to study Marine Biology and Zoology.

What’s the long-term plan?

My long term goals are to help ensure the future survival of marine life in Antarctica and The Great Barrier. The reason for this is because over time pollution and human waste have severely damaged and impacted upon the environment in these areas.  

Any advice for someone thinking of choosing the same course as you?

Plenty of research into universities and future degree courses, ensure financial stability throughout the course, research and more research, pay attention in class, listen to your tutors and use the Moodle effectively.

Why did you choose to come to Petroc?

Because it was the closest college where I could do the course… I had already done a distance learning course and missed the interaction with other students.

What made you pick this particular study programme/course?

It was the only way that I could study History at university, as I didn’t have any A levels.

What have been the highlights so far?

My highlights have been meeting like-minded people, learning new subjects and gaining distinctions for all my History assignments

What do you most enjoy about studying this course at Petroc?

I enjoyed the small classes, the discussions and debates in the classes and being treated like an adult.

What do you plan to do when you leave college?

I’m attending Exeter University and studying History/Ancient History

What’s the long-term plan?

To become a historian or historical researcher. (Anything to do with history and I’ll be happy)

Any advice for someone thinking of choosing the same course as you?

I would advise new students to attend the Pre-Access course, as I didn’t and at the beginning of the course I struggled with referencing.

Why did you choose to come to Petroc?

Petroc is my local college, the other college I applied for would have been an hour and twenty minutes by bus every morning and evening for the same course. It did feel a little weird coming back to Petroc 20 years after I did my A Levels, but the difference in support and facilities is amazing.

What made you pick this particular study programme/course?

I chose the Access route mainly due to financial and time constraints. To change from full time to part time work for a year is possible, if only a little painful on the bank account. Whereas a two year A Level programme just wasn’t practical or possible.

Having done my research about the career I wanted to go into, the feedback from the Universities stated that Biology was compulsory.

What have been the highlights so far?

Firstly the people, from the approachable lecturers to my fellow students. The Access course has a very different feel, much more like a university than a college course. Another highlight was when I was being shown around universities on interview days, they would go into how we would need to get to grips with journals and Harvard referencing as part of our university course - this is standard practice on the Access course and I’m now thoroughly familiar with how to do this.

What do you most enjoy about studying this course at Petroc?

Rather than completing the course and having end of year exams like the A Level structure, the Access course is modular so you see how you are doing as you go through the year.

What do you plan to do when you leave college?

I am due to study Podiatry at Southampton University in September.

What’s the long-term plan?

I plan to work within the NHS for the foreseeable future, with the possibility of going part time and working for myself in the private sector once I have more experience. 

Any advice for someone thinking of choosing the same course as you?

You need to be organized, have good attendance, keep on top of your work, and most importantly never lose sight of your goal.