People Like Me: Philippa
NWLA Credits
The Open University has supported the development of this page, in partnership with The University of Bristol, the University of the West of England and the BBC. This page was written by Becky Seeley and Adam Smith of Bristol University, with the kind support of their colleagues.
Natural History Graduates
Natural History Students
Who studies science? We talk to students and graduates - and meet Philippa
Name: Philippa
Studying: B.Sc (Hons) Biology (3rd year)
Ultimate Ambition: To teach Science at Secondary School Level
Life at University
I have enjoyed university. At degree level we study biology in much more depth than at school, which has been more interesting. What I have learnt has also brought lots of ideas together, which has made sense of things I was taught a bit of at school.
I work an afternoon a week and some of my holidays as a student tutor in a Bristol school. This is part of the University’s Widening Participation Scheme. I get to help in the classroom, which I enjoy, as well as being useful work experience.
I didn’t really know what University would be like before I arrived as no-one at home had studied a degree. It was a bit scary moving away from home and having to do things, such as washing clothes, on my own, but I have met lots of new people. You get to meet people who are interested in the same things as you, which does not necessarily happen at school, as well as people studying different degrees.
How I got here
I always liked biology at school, it was my top subject and I found it interesting. I took a gap year before starting University and spent a year working as a science technician at a local secondary school, I got to help out in the classroom which I really enjoyed. This got me interested in becoming a teacher.
Future
I would like to become a teacher after I graduate. I am interested in teaching science at secondary school level.
Advice
Expect to work hard at university. It is very different from school, you have to manage your own workload. There are no teachers nagging you to do your work, its up to you to hand it in. Make sure you really do enjoy the subject you choose to study, as three years is a long time!
Content last updated: 04/10/2004
