Katrina Peters' UWTSD Experience
Hi! I’m Kartina Peters, a Deputy Headteacher who studied BA Early Years Education and Care at UWTSD. ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ing Early Years Education supported me as a mum and allowed me to work as a teaching assistant. From here, I decided that I wanted to teach.
Key Stats
Name: Katrina Peters
Course: Early Years Education and Care (BA)
Previous Studies: I completed my A-levels six years before thinking about doing a degree.
Hometown: Burry Port
Katrina's Early Years Education and Care Experience
Katrina’s Early Years Education and Care Experience
What is your favourite thing about Carmarthen campus?
The Carmarthen campus gave me everything I needed while studying; calming outside spaces, a well-resourced library and places to socialise with my friends.
As a mature student I worried about not feeling welcome on campus, but this was far from the truth.
Why did you choose UWTSD?
I completed my A-levels six years before thinking about doing a degree. I have A-levels in Music, Music Technology and Drama and Theatre Studies. I had hoped to study stage management and musical theatre at university; however, I ended up starting a family and committing my time to this instead.
ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ing Early Years Education supported me as a mum and allowed me to work as a teaching assistant. From here, The course was directly related to my job, which allowed me to go straight to work the following day and put my new knowledge and understanding into action. UWTSD offered a flexi approach to studying. This allowed me to work full-time and be a mum to my two children.
What did you enjoy outside your studies?
As I was working and a mum to two young children, I didn’t have much time to do anything outside of my studies! However, I did build a wonderful friendship group of like-minded people who were in similar circumstances to myself. This network gave me the confidence to put myself first and take more risks.
During my study I spent a year working in a family centre, which I would not have done if it wasn’t for the support from friends and lecturers.
How has your BA Early Years Education and Care helped you in your career?
Since graduating I have been fortunate to have many opportunities to further my career and reflect on what I learnt at university.
I decided that I wanted to teach as this gave me the opportunity to combine all of my qualifications. I was lucky enough to gain a place on the Graduate Teacher Programme, allowing me to work as a teacher while gaining my QTS. I love that I can now teach music, theatre and drama in school and provide many opportunities for learning through expressive arts.
Alongside my role as Deputy Headteacher, I work as a registered nursery inspector for Estyn, I deliver training for the local authority and run a non-profit organisation that promotes early years education across south Wales.
What was your favourite thing about Early Years Education and Care?
The course provided an excellent balance of theory and practical application, with lots of opportunity for discussion with like-minded people. I loved having opportunities to go on trips and establish connections with outside agencies that I have continued to work with in my career.
Would you recommend UWTSD and why?
I began my journey with an undergraduate degree in Early Years Education, which laid a strong foundation for my teaching career.
It was clear, straight from the start, that the lectures and structure of the course would support me through my study.
After gaining classroom experience, I pursued a Postgraduate Diploma to further enhance my skills. Today, as Deputy Head in a primary school, my studies have equipped me to create a nurturing and effective learning environment for our youngest learners.
