Student Profiles

Claire Griffiths, aged 41, studied a Foundation Degree in Health and Exercise in the Community at Merthyr Tydfil College.

Claire was interested in research showing the high rates of obesity in the valleys and decided that she would like to study exercise in order to help others. The course was work-based, and Claire found that she become involved with plenty of new activities. She was able to become involved in teaching swimming and water polo, and even became assistant coach for the Welsh girl?s squad.

Claire found the fact that the course was run locally to be very convenient, and was impressed with the levels of communication and support between her and the tutors. She now has a greater understanding of how to set up and manage sports programmes and events for the local community, which has given her the confidence to go on and achieve further. Claire has also achieved a qualification in coaching swimming level 1, which she was able to fit in around her exams. She now plans to complete a top-up Degree at the University of Glamorgan and hopes to eventually teach sport.

Claire didn?t think she would be able to achieve what she has, and feels that the whole experience has enhanced her personally, and given her the ability to go on and help others with the knowledge she has gained.

Cath Pendleton studied a Foundation Degree in Exercise and Health in the Community.

Cath works for the NHS as a mental health care assistant. She returned to study as she felt that it would be the best way to further her career. She left school with six GCSE?S and decided that she would like to study a Foundation Degree as a stepping stone into a degree course. She feels that it has given her a confidence boost and that it has been highly enjoyable.

She has a strong personal interest in exercise and health and is now going on to do BSc Hons in Sport & Exercise Science at University of Glamorgan.

She has two children, including a daughter with special needs. She fits in voluntary work and study around her family commitments and has achieved a whole host of other qualifications along the way, such as Nordic Walking instructor level 1 and level 2 Aqua Aerobics.

Cath is now confident that she will achieve her goal of gaining a degree by the age of 40.