After the long break this summer I really didn’t feel ready for uni start up again.
A new term, new modules, new tutors as well as a step up from Level 4 to Level 5. I do three modules in semester 1 and the remanding three modules in semester 2. The difference with Level 5 is that I was able to make 2 elective choices. For this semester I chose forest schools and the other 2 compulsory modules are ‘pedagogy of play’ and ‘the politics of children’s services’.
Modules
My favourite, by far, is forest schools. It is so different to any module and doesn’t really feel like I’m in uni. I have to go to a woods just outside of the city to have our practical sessions, as well as learning about the approach to forest schools. The assignments for forest schools involve a little more effort and time than most. There is a practical assignment involving being observed on the skills I have learnt in forest schools e.g. handling tools, making dens, tying knots – real wildness stuff. It also means completing a handbook all about completing forest schools e.g. knowledge on plants, risks assessments etc. Then the real uni work involves a 3,000 word essay on forest schools as well as picking my own essay title. I’m not going to lie, it is tough, but it is really enjoyable.
Pedagogy of play is the module linked to placement and for this module, I have to make a portfolio including observations, work over placement and a 2,000 word critical thinking essay. This module is really interesting and I like the idea of doing a portfolio; I’m in the process of making it into a physical scrap book as I can personalise and design it in my own way. It differentiates it from most assignments by not just being an essay and gives me more freedom to make the work my own and be creative.
My final module of this semester is ‘the politics of children’s services’. I have to be honest, I really do not enjoy this one… It’s not only a very difficult module, but it is also very dry too which doesn’t help. The assignment is a 3,000 word essay on politics as well as picking the essay title. Picking the essay title was hard enough! I’m currently writing up the essay but it’s a hard one to grasp, I’m not too hopeful about the grade I get. As long I pass, I will be happy.
I think its pretty clear to see that second year has ramped up the difficulty and it certainly more challenging. There is more independence, and this is evident in picking essay titles as well the choice of format for the assignment. This is key preparation for final year as my dissertation is all down to me and it involves my own decision-making.
Course rep
I am no longer a student rep for my course. This was my own choice - the course leaders were looking for two student reps per seminar group and more people volunteered so I offered to step down for the year. I was also slightly concerned I would be left to collect all the feedback while the others didn’t do much (this seems to be a common occurrence…). Anyway, it was pointless having too many people doing it as the seminar groups are so small, and these girls have never done it before. However, I have offered to do it again next year if they get no one else.
I do happen to know that this year, many students have complained about the politics module. People, including me, are worried about the assignment and feel the teaching of the module hasn’t been helpful or very informative. It is a new module that has been introduced this year and students are not happy as at times it can feel like we are guinea pigs getting these new modules tested on our year as this same situation occurred last year. Student reps will feed this back to the course leaders and then hopefully something will get done to resolve this problem.
Extra curricular
I have new accommodation in a privately rented two bedroom apartment this year. This was with a girl on my course, but she has had to move back home so I’ve got a very spacious flat all to myself. I do miss the company, but I always find calls to home help. I’ve just signed to stay next year as well, its really good value for money and literally a 5-minute walk from uni, which is perfect if I happen to sleep through my alarm…
I’ve generally been very busy with little spare time as I continue to work at Sheffield Hallam Nursery. I really love working there; it’s been well over a year I’ve been a casual nursery worker for them and I never struggle to get hours. I am much closer to staff and enjoy being invited to outings. I was working quite a bit after the summer break but now assignments are drawing closer and closer, I usually only work one day a week and they are completely understanding about that.
I decided to do some volunteering in two different schools over the summer when I went home. I worked in two primary schools. One involved me spending some time in the nursery and reception class and at the other school I was in the reception class. Last year I only has experience in Year 2 so I thought it would be good to get some experience in the foundation stage. I did also spend one day observing two pastoral workers in the school which was so different to anything I’ve been involved in, but I loved it. Both schools where in very deprived areas with many children who needed extra support. All the children were just wonderful - such bundles of joy. I have been invited to come back and volunteer over summer again.
Exams!
I’m sure you are intrigued to find out how I did last semester in my last three assignments. Well, I achieved 71%, 70% and 65% out of 100. I was very happy with the marks I received, that meant last year, including all 6 of my assignments, I came out with an overall high 2:1. I finished my placement in the primary school (you get given one placement which you attend for 6 weeks in semester 1 and then you go back in semester 2 for another 6 weeks). I was happy that this placement ended, as after doing my volunteering over summer and this semester I realised staff didn’t really appreciate placement students being there and I got given too many menial tasks that really did not give me any experience.
I have loved this placement this year, another primary (this is due to me already working in a nursery) and I’m in reception, which is definitely my fave age! The staff here are so welcoming, and I have been given so much more responsibility that I am volunteering there every Wednesday. I’m happy to help out as I feel so appreciated.
