21-year-old Rebecca, from Leeds, confirmed Leeds Trinity as her first choice after visiting the campus and instantly feeling welcomed. She was also drawn to the University based on its reputation for training teachers to work in primary and secondary education settings. 

During her Second Year, Rebecca was successful in her application to volunteer in South Africa as part of the University’s ongoing work with the Bambisanani Partnership, of which Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis is patron. Due to travel in July 2020, Becky was preparing to teach literacy and numeracy to students in primary schools and a local orphanage. 

The aim of the partnership is to use sport as a catalyst to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership in one of South Africa’s poorest communities. As a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, this trip was unable to go ahead, however, prior to leaving, Rebecca was involved in fundraising initiatives, training and lesson planning, with all fundraising donated to the Bambisanani Partnership to support students in South Africa.  

Rebecca said: “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to volunteer in South Africa, even though the trip didn’t go ahead. I had the opportunity to form new friendships, collaborate with students from a variety of courses and share a passion on the project while fundraising for the partnership. Our group leaders Sheila King and Lucy Chaplin were so supportive during the project, and also in the aftermath with checking in and caring for our wellbeing.” 

Despite the challenges of the last year, Rebecca has secured her dream role as a newly qualified teacher and will start her career as a reception class teacher in September. 

Reflecting on her time at Leeds Trinity, she said: “Starting at the University as a student who had little confidence when speaking in front of others to standing in front of children and adults as a teacher, my confidence has grown massively. This has not only positively impacted my career, but all aspects of my life. Studying at Leeds Trinity has instilled a confidence and self-belief that I can apply for jobs and pursue my career, which was a big step in the right direction to securing my dream job.” 

Samantha Wilkes, Lecturer in Education at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Rebecca was an enthusiastic and hardworking member of the group. She grew in confidence and developed across so many aspects of her professional and personal practice. My lectures were always interactive and her taking part and contributing to these were a strong feature that will really support her as a teacher. I really wish her all the best for her future career, and it would be great to welcome her back to inspire the teachers to come. Well done Rebecca, congratulations on your role.” 

Find out more about studying Primary Education: Early Years on the Leeds Trinity University website.