University of Worcester gives students £1,000 scholarship

The awards recognised the students’ achievements throughout the 2019/20 academic year by the University of Worcester.

Darcy McGowan, from Leominster; Emily Morris, from Ledbury; Nick Gibbons, from Ledbury; Olivia Sheppard, from Bush Bank near Hereford; Rebecca Perkins, of Weobley; and Rebecca Young, of Kingsland, all received the scholarship prizes.

What they said

Darcy McGowan, aged 22, from Leominster, is studying a Paramedic Science degree, she said: “My academic scholarship has given me far more confidence with my abilities as a student and will push me to study for higher qualifications in the future.

"As a dyslexic student, struggling with academic work has been a challenge throughout my education, so to achieve such an award is an extremely proud moment for me.

"I hope my experience shows others who find academia a real struggle that studying for a degree is possible with the right positive attitude and university support.”

The former Bedstone College and Hereford Sixth Form College pupil said the pandemic meant that the way practical sessions were delivered had to change.

“Online sessions worked really well for me, with less distractions it was much easier to concentrate on tasks and activities within the lectures,” she added.

“Lecturers supported learning even in an online setting by keeping it interesting with events, breakout rooms and videos.”

Emily Morris, aged 21, from Ledbury, is currently studying for a degree in Integrated Working with Children and Families, having completed a Foundation Degree in Learning Support.

Alongside her studies, Miss Morris works at Ledbury Primary School, where she herself was once a pupil.

The former John Masefield High School pupil, who has always dreamed of being a teacher, said: “I always wanted to carry out my studies with the University of Worcester as it has fantastic Education programmes, as well as great links with the primary schools in my local area.

"Therefore, I knew these links would benefit my training and allow me to continue in my current employment at my primary school workplace.”

Nick Gibbons, aged 25, of Ledbury, who is studying Physical Education and Sports Coaching Science, said he was “honoured and privileged” to receive a scholarship, which would be put towards further coaching qualifications, helping him reach his overall goal of becoming a PE teacher.

The former John Masefield High School pupil said: “During the start of the pandemic, the University of Worcester provided a fantastic online teaching environment, allowing us as students to continue to progress our learning.

"This has also continued into the new academic year.

“The opportunities that have been presented by the university have not only expanded my knowledge and education but further developed me as an individual.”

Olivia Sheppard, aged 20, of Bush Bank, near Hereford, is studying Primary Initial Teacher Education.

“This award has given me a boost in confidence and determination to continue to work hard in my studies, she said.

"The scholarship has allowed me to consider opportunities that I can explore outside of my course; I hope to be able to volunteer abroad to teach children that do not have access to education.”

Alongside online learning during the pandemic, Olivia volunteered as a teaching assistant at a primary school, working there during the pandemic.

“I was nervous when returning to university for my second year in fear that the pandemic would leave trainee teachers behind in regard to our degree, but at Worcester, I couldn’t have felt more prepared,” she added.

Rebecca Perkins, aged 48 of Weobley, is in the second year of a foundation degree in Counselling, run through Herefordshire and Ludlow College, progressing on from earlier counselling qualifications she completed there.

“This award has been the validation that I needed to feel more certain of my abilities,” she said.

“It has given me a real sense of achievement and a renewed enthusiasm in continuing my studies, secure in the knowledge that I am doing something right.

"For me as a student, this is the most valuable thing anyone could have done for me.”

Rebecca Young, aged 43 of Kingsland, completed a Foundation Degree in Learning Support with Worcester through Herefordshire and Ludlow College and is now completing a Bachelor’s degree in Education Studies.

Alongside her studies, she works at Kingsland Church of England Primary School supporting children with special needs, which remained open to keyworker children during lockdown.

University of Worcester deputy vice chancellor and provost, Professor Sarah Greer, said: “We are very proud of each and every student who earned an Academic Scholarship or prize this year, particularly given the unprecedented circumstances of the last year.

"Despite the challenges they have been faced with during the pandemic, these students have proved their commitment to their studies, and we hope this award will inspire them to further academic success.

“These scholarships and prizes will demonstrate to potential employers the outstanding achievements of our students, as well as providing welcome practical financial support and encouragement for the recipients.

"The scholarships and prizes are supported by generous philanthropists, including the University’s distinguished Honorary Fellows, local employers, and many successful graduates of the University.

"We are so grateful to all our benefactors, whose generosity makes such a difference to the lives of our students.”