THIS year’s Access to Higher Education Teaching course at Bridgwater College is drawing to a close as the county’s future teachers get ready to embark on teacher training courses at various higher education institutions.

The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Teaching allows people who do not have the necessary qualifications to go straight to university to build up their skills, confidence and knowledge, which can then be used to gain a place at a higher education institution.

The course can be tailored to a student’s specific needs, and can include psychology, biology, geography and sociology, as well as compulsory units in core science, study skills, IT, work skills, English, maths and tutorial.

Previous students have gone on to study higher education at Bridgwater College and at universities.

One student, Levi Holland, 22, from Bridgwater, decided to return to education in order to qualify as a teacher.

Levi, formerly of Chilton Trinity School, said: “I didn’t have the grades I needed beforehand to get into higher education but the Access course allowed me to improve the skills needed for university.

“I have applied to go onto an HND in Sports Science at Bridgwater College, and aim to top up the course to a degree at university afterwards to become a secondary school sports teacher.”

Michelle Pullen, also from Bridgwater, found the course allowed her to fit studying in with her home life and her two young children.

Michelle said: “After my children started school, it re-ignited my passion to teach. As my school grades weren’t very good, I thought the best route was an Access to HE course.

“I’ve been very lucky to have a supportive family, who have allowed me to dedicate myself to my studies.”