“During my time at Norland, the diverse range of lectures sparked my interest in the social development of children” – Mhairi’s story
Maihri (Set 34) graduated in 2013 and is now a PhD student researching children’s cooperative willingness.
“Throughout my school education, I struggled academically and had very low confidence in my abilities. I arrived at Norland with huge reservations regarding my ability to complete a degree, but unlike any other institution, Norland is the most nurturing environment I have ever experienced. Both in terms of emotional support and academic encouragement, the staff at Norland worked tirelessly to get the most out of me as an individual through enabling me to recognise my strengths and helping me through difficulties.”
“Whilst the opportunities I have had in furthering my career have stemmed from the inspiration and knowledge given to me from my time at Norland, I would say that it is the continuing support and belief everyone at Norland had in me that has given me the confidence to pursue my research and my career.”
“Placements and hands-on experiences at Norland were hugely enjoyable for me. I developed a deep interest in the development and growth of children’s behaviours and social interactions. However, I would say that the most enjoyable aspect of Norland for me was the academic side. I really valued the opportunity to explore up-to-date relevant research to further my understanding of how children learn and how, as professionals, we can nurture that learning.
“I have worked for a range of different families since graduating from Norland. I spent the first four years of my career in London working for two families in succession where I experienced managing busy households, taking multiple children on public transport, supporting families through difficult periods of their lives and providing advice for parents in raising their children. I then completed a Master’s degree in psychology to further my knowledge of the social and neurological development of children which I was able to apply to my practice as a nanny. In between studying, I worked for a range of families temporarily in London, Italy and Austria. I then returned home to Scotland and currently work for a family in the beautiful Scottish countryside where every day is different and usually involves an encounter with the everchanging Scottish weather system, the wonderful range of wildlife, and the weekly challenge of locating the children’s kilts!”
“During my time at Norland, the diverse range of lectures sparked my interest in the social development of children. I enjoyed reading literature in this field and the lecturing staff taught me the skills involved in reading in a critical and academic style. Once I graduated, I enjoyed nannying, but I didn’t experience the same fulfilment that I had from research. Norland were extremely supportive in helping me with an application to enrol on a Master’s degree in psychology and my success in achieving a first class BA (Hons) from Norland gave me the qualification I needed to receive a scholarship to study developmental psychology.
“I am currently in my first year as a PhD student researching children’s cooperative willingness. I believe this is a very important area of psychology as it relates to the development of prosocial behaviour (for example helping, sharing or providing comfort to another) and how we promote that within education. Whilst the opportunities I have had in furthering my career have stemmed from the inspiration and knowledge given to me from my time at Norland, I would say that it is the continuing support and belief everyone at Norland had in me that has given me the confidence to pursue my research and my career.”
