Jessica Graham goes back to primary school

Jessica Graham

A teenage student has proved such a hit with children at a local primary school, that she has been offered a job as a teaching assistant.

Ex Wardle Academy student, 17 year old Jessica Graham had been studying for a BTEC in Children’s Care, Learning and Development at Hopwood Hall College and, as part of her course, took part in a student placement at her own old primary school, St Andrew’s Primary School in Dearnley.

The headteacher at the school was so impressed with her work that she immediately thought of her when a permanent staff vacancy became available as a teaching assistant.

The school contacted Hopwood Hall College to see if they could work together to support Jess in completing the course, if she was successful in gaining the position.

Jess successfully applied for the position and is now employed in a Year 3 class at St Andrew’s Primary School. She has still managed to attend college for lessons whilst working at the school and completing her qualification.

Jess has always wanted to work with children, ever since she was about 5 years old. Her mother is a teaching assistant too - in the same primary school!

Hopwood Hall College tutor Tracie Doolin commented: “Jess is a lovely girl; she has really grown in both confidence and competence whilst studying. I have no doubt she’ll be very successful in her chosen career in the future.”

Jess says: “I feel privileged to have been offered the chance to work within my old primary school. I really enjoy working with the children and it’s really rewarding playing a part in helping them get a good education.”

“I feel that this has given me a boost in confidence through hearing what the members of staff have said about me and my work. I am really enjoying my current position as a Level 1 teaching assistant and I hope that in the future if a higher level position arises that I will be successful in getting the position.”