Leona Polius

Leona is a mature student on our BA (Hons) Primary Education Studies degree, who aims to become a Primary School Teacher and KS1 Year Group Leader.

How has ARU prepared you for your future career?

During my time at ARU, I have been able to gain knowledge in different areas of teaching. I have also attended careers fairs specific to my industry, where the different career paths are introduced. We’ve also had visits from a few outside agencies that have inspired me, one of them a speech and language seminar, which was an avenue I hadn’t looked at before.

How have the facilities supported your learning?

The course facilities are great, and they are sometimes interactive, using resources that would be used in a classroom, which makes it engaging.

Why did you choose to study this course at ARU?

The course made sense when I was deciding on my best pathway to becoming a teacher. Then, coming to an Open Day and meeting members of the faculty and other students made me genuinely want to be a part of ARU.

What have been the most valuable parts of the course for you?

As I’ve had previous experience in school, I already had the practical, hands-on approach coming to do my degree. But the theory side has really enabled me to understand my practice. The ‘why?’s are being answered. I also had the best opportunity to study in Taiwan for five weeks at the end of my first year, and it has been a highlight of my time at ARU.

How well have you been supported during your studies?

As a mature student, I’ve found it difficult to ask for help, and this is something I’m still learning to do. But the tutors on my degree are very supportive and they have a passion for what they are teaching. This makes the lessons interactive and their knowledge of the subject shows through. They let you know their availability if you need support or want to talk about how you feel after the lessons. The Course Director sessions are a helpful part of the day too. It’s making my time at ARU flow a lot smoother than I expected.

What are your ambitions for after you graduate, and how is your course helping you achieve them?

I am ready to become a primary school teacher then go on to be a Year Group Leader in KS1. This course is equipping me with strong theoretical knowledge of child development, pedagogy and curriculum, which will enable me to decide on my teaching and learning. It also helps me develop a clear sense of the type of teacher I want to be (inclusive, responsive to learners).

What has the student community at ARU been like for you as a mature student?

ARU is a very welcoming community. While I haven’t taken up the opportunities to join a society, I know of others who are enjoying them. But I’ve made new friends and met people from different degrees who have made ARU a great place to study. As a mature student, I was concerned that I wouldn’t have much in common with others, but I am most proud because the experience I have brought with me has been well-received in lectures and has given insight to others.

It has taken me a while to get to university, and ARU has been a perfect fit. I have become a Welcome Buddy and Course Rep as my confidence has grown in my second year.