Amanda Scales, Outstanding Learner in the South-East 2012
Learning leads to dream career for Sussex graduate
The commitment of a Sussex graduate to improving her life through education is being recognised with the award for Outstanding Learner in the South-East as part of Adult Learners’ Week from 12-18 May.
Amanda Scales, aged 47, began learning as an adult some years ago, gaining a Certificate in Archaeology in the Centre for Community Engagement (CCE) at Sussex. As a single parent of four children, though, childcare issues prevented her from finishing the diploma course.
In 2006, one of the advisors at a local learning centre where Amanda was attending an evening class suggested that she join a course in CCE designed to help women access university.
Despite having to overcome a number of family difficulties, Amanda passed the course on ‘New Career Options for Women’ and started a degree at the University of Sussex in 2007.
Amanda graduated with a 2:1 BA in Contemporary History in 2010 and decided that she wanted to help others to achieve their dreams by becoming a teacher.
Having ‘faced her fears’ and passed GCSE Maths, Amanda now works as a support assistant at Varndean School in Brighton, is studying for an English GCSE and will begin a PGCE teacher-training course in 2012.
“My journey so far has been long and hard but immensely pleasurable,” said Amanda.
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