Lexie Jarvis

Lexie studies on our BA (Hons) Primary Education Studies in Chelmsford. Having previously worked in fashion and textiles, she now hopes to become a Primary School Teacher.

How has ARU prepared you for your future career?

Having Trimester 3 free to source work experience helped me find my current position as a Learning Support Assistant in an infant school.

The skills taught in lectures like writing lesson plans, reading stories and understanding children’s cognitive development has been so helpful in both my work and placements.

Being taught the correct formatting for classroom documents like lesson plans has been so useful. The guidance from experience professionals and access to resources such as ARU library for research has been amazing.

We have had lots of opportunities to learn from the industry, with examples being given from guest lecturers about how we can apply an education degree outside of schools. We have had talks from early years practitioners, prison educators, and art education specialists which has been fantastic.

Why did you choose to study at ARU?

After coming to the first Applicant Day it was clear ARU was for me. The staff were super friendly and it was great knowing I could move forward with my career without having to give up my job and move away from home.

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

It’s been fantastic having consistent access to expert practitioners who have real-world experience and a real passion for their subject. I have also had several opportunities to learn new skills and gain confidence in my profession.

How well supported have you felt on the course?

The tutors are incredibly supportive and always respond to concerns with helpful feedback. It has really benefitted my learning to have this support.

They all have individual experience in different areas of both the professional and academic fields. Hearing about Drew’s experience as a Head Teacher and Carrie’s understanding of international education and its application to drama has been incredibly beneficial to my practice.

What are your ambitions or when you graduate, and how is the course helping you achieve them?

After I graduate I am going to complete my final year of training to become a primary school teacher. This course has helped me gain the knowledge and understanding to do this, and the tutors have helped me to grow as a person and professional.

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

I have made some amazing friendships at ARU that I am sure will continue after I graduate. It has been amazing having the support of both my friends and classmates over the last three years.

How has studying at ARU helped you to grow as a person?

Coming from a background in fashion and textiles, coming to ARU was a complete career change. It has been the best choice I ever made, as it has taught me valuable skills about my future career as a primary school teacher, without having to compromise on my love for art.

After my first year I was approached to do some graphic design work for university projects. I am super proud of this achievement as my work has been published both in England and abroad. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if it wasn’t for ARU.

What advice would you give to other people thinking of studying on your course?

Enjoy it while it lasts because the time will fly by!