Health and Social Care teacher, Suzie King, recently got in touch with some of her former students who are now working within the healthcare profession. Now seems like the perfect time to celebrate these fantastic young people and their incredible work.
Below you can listen to Suzie talk about why she loves teaching Health and Social Care, her overview of the course and what makes it an excellent subject choice for students interested in a career in this field.
We hope you enjoy reading about our former students and that their stories bring you some joy and inspiration during these challenging times.
Helena Slack
Helena is currently working as a registered nurse. Having achieved a Triple Distinction* on the Health and Social course at Henley, which is equivalent to 3 x A* grades at A Level; she went on to complete a BA in Adult Nursing at Southampton University.
Helena said: "I love my role as a nurse because you get to meet the most precious people out there who are vulnerable and need your help. You feel so rewarded and proud of yourself after every shift." She added: "The Henley College let me fulfil my dream of becoming a nurse. The course was amazing, you had lots of freedom and felt well supported during lessons. Placement was my favourite time, you had the opportunity to put your learning into practice. Without this experience I would never have gained the confidence I have today and I would have never have gone to university to become a nurse."
Charley Firminger
Charley achieved a triple D* studying Health and Social Care at The Henley College and is now working as a midwife. When speaking to Suzie, Charley said: "The word 'midwife' simply means ‘with woman’. Having the chance to be able to support and empower women during such a life-changing experience is the most incredible feeling! Being a midwife truly is the most rewarding job in the world.
The Health and Social Care Diploma at The Henley College gave me a chance to get appropriate work experience, learn specific topics related to health care settings, which in turn gave me a great insight into midwifery. The tutors give you so much support as well, I am so glad I chose The Henley College!"
Clara Wilkins
Clara recently achieved a triple distinction on the Health and Social Care course, which now includes exams in addition to coursework. She is currently in her first year studying Paramedic Science at Greenwich University.
Clara said: "Studying Paramedic Science at university is tough, but rewarding. The opportunities I have been given are amazing. My favourite part of the course so far has been placement with the emergency ambulance team, providing me with first hand experience of what it will be like to be a paramedic in a few years' time. I think the Health and Social Care course at Henley is the best pathway to take if you want work in the healthcare industry, without the stress of A Level exams."
Megan Collins
Megan is currently working as an adult nurse. She left the College with the top grade of triple D*.
Megan said: "I love that as a nurse, you have a huge impact and the ability to change someone's life, just by doing what comes naturally, by caring and being compassionate.
The Health and Social Care department gave me the support, confidence and the knowledge needed to apply for university and to find a career I truly love."
Beth Appleton
Beth is now working as a children's nurse and credits the College with supporting her progression: "I have no hesitation in recommending The Henley College and their Health and Social Care course. I’ve never liked exams, so I wasn’t really up for A Levels, although I knew I wanted to be a registered children’s nurse. The course suited me perfectly. Not only was it great studying with like-minded students, many of whom were interested in a career in the public sector, but the tutors were also supportive and encouraging.
Since studying at Henley, I have graduated from university and have now secured a Staff Nurse role at the Royal Brompton Hospital on a children’s specialist respiratory ward. I am gaining valuable experience working during the Coronavirus pandemic. I often think how well the course at Henley has prepared me for my current position. Stepping up into some adult nursing has not been as challenging as it might have been, thanks to the placements I had during the course at Henley."
These former students are truly inspirational and we are proud of their compassion, kindness and dedication to their profession.
