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The ���Ҵ�ý is proud to announce that Mared Connick is the winner of this year’s BA Primary Education (Welsh medium) Scholarship Award. 

Born in the Gwendraeth Valley, Mared decided to study at the ���Ҵ�ý because of the homely atmosphere that existed on campus, and its clear commitment to the Welsh language. She said: 

“Being able to study the entire course through the medium of Welsh was very important to me.” 

She chose the BA Primary Education with QTS course because of the interesting content offered by the course, and the strong emphasis on practical experience. 

“The course was the perfect preparation for being a primary teacher. I was keen to reach the highest possible standards and to understand every aspect of effective teaching,” she said. 

Mared had valuable experiences at various primary schools across three placement periods (PTE1-3), noticing that each school has a unique ethos and learning needs. She added: 

“Meeting young learners of every age and ability and building a professional relationship with them so I could help them access effective learning was a pleasure and a privilege.”  

One of the highlights of her studies was working on a research project on Additional Learning Needs (ALN), deepening her understanding of matters such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia. She said: 

“Through this research, I managed to see learners with these needs in a different light and thereby teach them more effectively.”   

While a student, Mared managed to keep on track through effective time management. 

“It’s important to keep an eye on assessment deadlines and the periods where there is a possibility that the workload will be heavy. By keeping a constant eye on what’s to come, so to speak, I managed to keep the pressure on me under control.” 

Mared has already secured a full-time teaching role at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe in September. 

“The course has laid solid foundations for me as I embark upon my professional career. I am also very lucky to have the opportunity to teach in a school that has such an excellent tradition for its teaching standards and extracurricular life.” 

Fiona Jones, Programme Manager for the BA Primary Education course with QTS said:  
 
“It gives me great pleasure to recognise Mared for her outstanding performance in her academic studies and her professional teaching experience. Throughout her time on the programme, she has shown a high level of intellectual ability, commitment and professionalism. It has been a privilege to see Mared’s development over the past three years, as she commits one hundred percent in all aspects of University life. Her academic record not only reflects excellence but also a deep understanding of theory. In addition, her practice of professional teaching is characterised by creativity, effective classroom management, and a real passion for teaching pupils. Good luck to you at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe. The children are very lucky to have such a wonderful and enthusiastic teacher.”

To those considering a career and undertaking a BA Education course, Mared said: 

“I would greatly recommend the course because of the interesting modules, training quality and strong support from approachable lecturers. The emphasis also on the practical side and the long periods in schools is good because you get an opportunity to put into practice what you have learned in lectures and workshops and evaluate that as well.” 

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476