Taking his qualifications to the next level brought Gareth Reynolds back into education, and he is now helping the next generation of learners reach their potential.
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Gareth needed to gain a MSc for both a work project but also to support his own aspirations and enhance his practice. Like many mature students, he also had a young family and a significant commute to juggle around his studies.
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He said: \u201cBeing aware of the commitment I would be undertaking, I needed to be comfortable with the assessment methodology, study modality, the time scale of delivery, and understand the provision to support my neurodiversity.
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\u201cI needed to be enthused or at the very least intrigued by the course, the modules, and those facilitating the journey. I was keen to explore the lecturer’s areas of interest and delivery style. Following a taster session at the University, I was ready to make an informed decision to immerse myself into the programme!\u201d
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Having chosen the University of Gloucestershire, Gareth started the MSc Sports Coaching in late 2013, achieving the Post Graduate Diploma in two years.
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\u201cI required some time away from study, coinciding with the birth of my second child and a secondment with my employer,\u201d he said. \u201cI regrouped and set my objective to gain the full MSc, the dissertation theme and tutor established, I completed the course and gained an MSc in 2018.\u201d
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And for Gareth, returning to university was a chance to broaden his knowledge and consider new ideas and opportunities.
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\u201cRe-engaging with learning, as a \u2018mature student\u2019 I found this truly rewarding,\u201d he said.
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\u201cI appreciated the dedicated time for an area that I am passionate about through lectures, seminars, one to one meetings and my own study time. It was rewarding to have the lecturers reignite, challenge and further my knowledge in this area. Listening and delving deeper into fellow students\u2019 viewpoints, experiences and contexts broadened my awareness. I found this to be a vital part of the course bringing me beyond my own lived experience, reading of literature and research.\u201d
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And for Gareth, returning to a classroom environment was rewarding both professionally and personally.
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\u201cHaving a lecturer posing challenging questions was liberating and gave me permission to wrestle and hone critical analysis skills. Utilising the tools of contemporary research and practices that were shared made this process interesting and engaging. I believe that the learning of the qualification transcended my professional capacity and lent to me being equipped and striving to be better in all contexts and environments.\u201d
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Moving forwards, he found that returning to university informed his understanding, and provided him with the tools he needed to make considered decisions.
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\u201cThe qualification enabled me to undertake projects, gain experiences and network further to empower my future self,\u201d he added.
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\u201cFollowing putting my learning into practice as a coach, lecturer, and leader (both during and post-qualification) the time studying also helped me to reflect on my career journey and consider my next steps.
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\u201cThe opportunity presented itself for me to take a role as a Curriculum Development Manager with Pearson the world\u2019s leading learning company. Following a year in this role, the position of Sector Manager for Sport became available. After a successful interview, I was appointed in January 2021. Having been a BTEC Sport learner as a college student, I now take great pride in being able to drive iterations and developments for current and future cohorts in the UK.\u201d
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And for those thinking about, or already at university, Gareth believes communication is key.
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\r\n\u201cI would encourage students to communicate with their given support mechanisms. This could be their employer, family, friends, housemates, and the University services.
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\u201cI was very fortunate to have my partner to discuss ideas with and to encourage me to keep going when I needed it. She also understood changes in our family routines around deadlines and the gratefulness of hot caffeinated drinks. Be kind to yourself, look to build structure and routine that works for you. Have an underlying passion for your line of study, that you can justify taking up the challenge of postgraduate study.”
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