Leicester Mum's Education is Adding Up to Success
Mum of two, Karen Berry (56), from New Parks, has always wanted to become an adult tutor. To get her onto the appropriate course - Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) - she needed to brush up her literacy and numeracy skills, so enrolled on a Level 1 Numeracy course at our New Parks Community Centre in Leicester. Passing with flying colours, she recently returned to complete Level 2.
Karen said: “I did my 11+ and got accepted at grammar school where I stayed to do my O levels and A levels. Although I had a lot of support from my family and teachers, studying didn’t come naturally to me, I had to work really hard and I was never very good at maths.
“After being in and out of work due to health reasons, I made a decision about a year ago that I’d like to follow my dream of becoming an adult tutor. I began looking into how I could do this and found out about the PTLLS course which is the first step to gaining a full teaching qualification.
“To get onto the course, I needed to pass my Level 1 in Numeracy and to have at least started Level 2, so I joined the group at New Parks Community Centre in Leicester which is really local to where I live.
“When I passed my Level 1, I felt a real sense of achievement and it was the first time in ages that I started to believe in myself.”
The courses include some online learning which has also boosted Karen’s confidence and computer skills. She said:
“I did a computer course years ago but was never very good and gave up in the end. Now part of the learning process is online and I’m having to learn a new set of skills which I’m really enjoying.
“The course has really helped me with everyday things such as measuring up for decorating, finances and percentage offers in the supermarkets.”
Skills for Life qualifications are for anyone over the age of 16 who does not have an up to date English or maths qualification at Level 2.
And, not one to do things by halves, Karen is also learning to drive.
“I know I’m taking on a lot but I never want to stop learning. The course has been a real challenge for me and I’ve had to work really hard. My tutor, Nanda Kotecha and my friends and family have been really supportive.
“To become a qualified teacher, I will also need to pass my Level 3 in numeracy so when the time’s right, I’ll be setting myself another goal.”
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