She explains: “As I wanted a change of career direction and work in a caring profession, I knew I’d need to get some additional qualifications. It was nearly thirty years since I’d left school and there has been so many changes, not least in technology.”
Marlene continues: “I checked out the options at the College and decided to do an Access Diploma in Social Sciences at the Coleraine campus.”
She successfully completed the part-time Access course in 2016 and this allowed her to progress to the Level 4 Diploma which she passed with Distinction.
Marlene’s not finished with the books just yet as she now hopes to go to university and do a degree in either Psychology or Social Work.
Marlene says she was really impressed with the level of support available at the College.
“Technology has really moved on since I was at school and there are many more resources for people like me with a visual impairment.”
She adds: “The lecturers were all very approachable and encouraging and I enjoyed being in a class with students of all ages and from different backgrounds. There was a good mix of youth and maturity and we were able to learn from each other.”
The Level 4 Diploma Health and Social Care gives students the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills to secure employment in the health and social care sector at supervisory or management levels. Alternatively, it could be their stepping stone to progress to university.
Over two years, students study seven units which can include Law, Policy and Ethical Practice in Health and Social Care; Demonstrating Professional Principles and Values in Health and Social Care Practice; Supporting the Individual Journey through integrated Health and Social Care; Fundamentals of Evidence-based Practice; Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Ill-Health; Sociological and Psychological Perspectives on Health. An integral part of the course is work based learning and students will spend a minimum of 225 hours on work placement in a range of care settings. The course is offered at the College’s campuses in Ballymena, Coleraine, Magherafelt and Newtownabbey.
Education is a lifelong journey for visually impaired Marlene
Friday
14th December 2018
Education is a lifelong journey and it’s never too late to start learning, according to Ballymoney woman, Marlene Purdy. Marlene, who is visually impaired, graduated with distinction at Northern Regional College’s annual graduation ceremony at the Galgorm Resort. She was awarded a Level 5 Certificate in Health and Social Care and now in her mid ‘fifties, Marlene hopes to go to university. After leaving school, Marlene went to London and worked with Barclay’s Bank. When she returned to Northern Ireland, she realised she would need to retrain.