Students inspired by Early Childhood Studies Symposium

Students at Blackburn University Centre had a glimpse into their future career options at the University Centre’s Early Childhood Studies Symposium.

Four former students from the University Centre returned to speak to current students on the Foundation Degree and BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies courses, about their journeys into their current careers, as well as the career highlights and advice.

The speakers were Abigail Brown, a children’s author and musician, Matthew Worden, a primary school teacher, Tegan Walsh, a lecturer at a sixth form college, and Siggie Lowe, an early years teacher.

Matthew Worden, 30, a primary school teacher at St Anne’s RC Primary School in Blackburn, returned to education after managing pubs after his partner encouraged him to go back into education and pursue his dream of becoming a teacher.

He said: “It was great to be back at Blackburn University Centre where my teaching journey began. It was an honour to be asked to speak at the symposium, which I myself attended as a student in my first year.

“Hopefully my journey and passion for teaching was able to inspire the next generation of educators and I look forward to attending other events in the future to witness the students’ own journey’s.”

Samantha Elcombe, Lecturer in Early Years said: “It was great to welcome our former students back to speak to our current students about her experiences since leaving Blackburn University Centre.

“The Early Childhood Studies Symposium provided an opportunity for our current students to hear firsthand about what career opportunities are available to them after they have completed their degrees, and the routes taken to achieve their ambitions.”

Bindi Luke who is studying a BA (Hons) Early Childhood student, said: “The Early Childhood Studies Symposium event was amazing; I loved every minute of it. It was brilliantly relevant and inspiring.

“All the speakers were all so different, which gave students examples of how they could progress. It was inspiring to hear their stories and how they got to where they are now. The common thread in their stories was the huge amount of support and guidance they received from the tutors here at Blackburn University Centre.”