Studying Health and Social Care

I chose to study health and social care at Coleg Sir Gâr as I studied it at GCSE level whilst studying at Ysgol Bro Pedr.

During this time, I had developed a strong interest into the subject so I decided to progress it at college with a level three qualification and it has taught me a vast variety of aspects within the health and social care sector.

My study experience has been positive throughout the last two years and I have enjoyed my time at Coleg Sir Gâr. I have enjoyed meeting new people and working in a new setting. I received a lot of help and support from my tutors during my time at college.

I have decided to progress to a degree in sport rehabilitation conditioning and massage at Cardiff Metropolitan University after I finish college. I decided on this course as I have always had an interest in sports and the physiotherapy side and I enjoy playing netball.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in college, overall it has been a positive experience I have learned many new skills and qualities that I will be able to take with me and apply in university.

Lucy started college on the level two health and social care course and she chose the subject as she had an interest in adult nursing.

Lucy decided that college was the best option for her and she said she enjoyed the learning environment where staff were very supportive.

She has now applied to two universities to study adult nursing and says that the medical science part of the health and social care course was very interesting as well as other modules such as psychology and safeguarding.

Lucy encourages others to think about the course as a pathway to the medical sector and other sectors as she found the learning experience to be very supportive, friendly with very approachable staff.

Sophie Jones decided to study health and social care as she studied it at GCSE level at school and wanted to learn more.

She also wanted to study nursing at university and knew the course would be beneficial.

Sophie has been offered a place at Swansea University to study adult nursing.

I decided to study health and social care because I want to work with children with additional needs as my first career choice. When I’m older I’d also like to work with a youth offending justice team and I can use my knowledge in health care for both of those career choices.

My study experience has been positive, not just in the classroom where you’re able to have class discussions about a topic, but you can also ask the tutors for help at any time inside of college and outside too through Google Mail.

We’ve done a lot of practical work, for example we took park in wheelchair rugby to gain an understanding of what it was like to be in a wheelchair and how physically and mentally challenging it can be. Being able to experience these things first hand help me to understand individuals on a different level and empathise with their situation.

I’ve been able to meet a lot of different people who come in to college and give talks so we can gain an understanding of other people’s experiences and the organisations out there for personal use or for job opportunities for example, Young Carers, Mind and Careers Wales.

We had an amazing talk from a woman who has a visual impairment and it was nice to hear her life experiences and gain a better understanding of what we can do as health care professionals to assist her life better independently.

We also took part in a dementia workshop which was a series of activities designed to show people the physical side of dementia and how frustrating it can be for individuals and how we can change our approaches in order to have better outcomes for care.

After college I want to work on a one to one basis with children with additional needs and I’m going to sign with an agency to do it because I have experience from a placement. I was unsure about my choice in career until I went to my placement in a school for children with autism and other additional needs, the college helped me prepare for placement, and they set it up for me to be able to go.

I love the work I do with the children it makes me feel like I’m helping them overcome struggles and work through things they need help with in order to gain a sense of achievement for themselves.

My time in college has been long but I have gained so many new tools and experienced so much from others stories and experiences and the knowledge you gain from having studies and hands on actives to prepare you for work or university.

I’m not going down the route of university but the college offers help with applications and course advice that can help you get where you want in life and your course tutors can be your references after you leave.