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Mrs Perry, Post 16 Learning Manager sits down with former Hemsworth Post 16 student Laura Hinchcliffe, who graduated from Huddersfield University this year with a First Degree in Operating Department Practice.
Mrs Perry, Post 16 Learning Manager sits down with former Hemsworth Post 16 student Laura Hinchcliffe, who graduated from Huddersfield University this year with a First Degree in Operating Department Practice.
Congratulations on your results Laura this is great news and we are so proud of you and your achievements you must be over the moon, how does it feel to be qualified?
Congratulations on your results Laura this is great news and we are so proud of you and your achievements you must be over the moon, how does it feel to be qualified?
Thank you! I’m so excited to finally be qualified! It’s such a great job and I love it, it’s just a bit scary going back with all these new responsibilities after being away from placement for a couple of months. I’ve gone from feeling like I’ve got all the time in the world to be ready, to suddenly having a couple of weeks to prepare myself for working as a registered professional. Exciting but definitely scary!
Thank you! I’m so excited to finally be qualified! It’s such a great job and I love it, it’s just a bit scary going back with all these new responsibilities after being away from placement for a couple of months. I’ve gone from feeling like I’ve got all the time in the world to be ready, to suddenly having a couple of weeks to prepare myself for working as a registered professional. Exciting but definitely scary!
Have you always wanted to be an Operating Department Practitioner?
Have you always wanted to be an Operating Department Practitioner?
I had quite a journey with my degree; originally, quite a few years ago, I wanted to be an ODP but people put me off, either by saying I wouldn’t enjoy surgery/ I didn’t have the right grades, and purely because they hadn’t heard of the profession. I ended up applying for nursing instead but in the end I realised I really wanted to be an ODP and this was definitely the career I wanted. I haven’t regretted it one bit as every aspect of the job is amazing, and I’m lucky to have an amazing team to work with.
I had quite a journey with my degree; originally, quite a few years ago, I wanted to be an ODP but people put me off, either by saying I wouldn’t enjoy surgery/ I didn’t have the right grades, and purely because they hadn’t heard of the profession. I ended up applying for nursing instead but in the end I realised I really wanted to be an ODP and this was definitely the career I wanted. I haven’t regretted it one bit as every aspect of the job is amazing, and I’m lucky to have an amazing team to work with.
Can you tell us about your course and what it entails.
Can you tell us about your course and what it entails.
The course runs for 3 years, where you’ll spend time both in uni for lectures and practical sessions, and out on placements. I had 3 placements in total, where I worked in different surgical specialities (but abdominal surgery is definitely my favourite). Your main focus throughout the course is patient care and providing the best care possible for any patient; I’ve worked with newborns up to elderly and spent time in loads of different surgical specialities. In my first year I focused on general surgery, orthopaedics and plastic surgery, whereas in my second year, I specialised in advanced plastic surgery. My third year has definitely been my favourite both for the workload and placement; I’ve conducted a full research study, researched and written an article about surgical infections and done a big final year exam which was surprisingly fun! There’s never a dull moment on the course, the lecturers are great and they really make an effort to keep things interesting and interactive, which helps you understand the practical side of the job more.
The course runs for 3 years, where you’ll spend time both in uni for lectures and practical sessions, and out on placements. I had 3 placements in total, where I worked in different surgical specialities (but abdominal surgery is definitely my favourite). Your main focus throughout the course is patient care and providing the best care possible for any patient; I’ve worked with newborns up to elderly and spent time in loads of different surgical specialities. In my first year I focused on general surgery, orthopaedics and plastic surgery, whereas in my second year, I specialised in advanced plastic surgery. My third year has definitely been my favourite both for the workload and placement; I’ve conducted a full research study, researched and written an article about surgical infections and done a big final year exam which was surprisingly fun! There’s never a dull moment on the course, the lecturers are great and they really make an effort to keep things interesting and interactive, which helps you understand the practical side of the job more.
The placements sound like a vital part of the course, how did you find them and can you tell us a little about how they work.
The placements sound like a vital part of the course, how did you find them and can you tell us a little about how they work.
I was so scared for my first placement! I’d never been in a theatre before, so I had no idea what to expect and I was terrified- my friends still laugh at how scared I was on my first day! Once I’d gotten used to everything I absolutely adored it, and the placements ended up being my favourite part of the course. I spent time assisting anaesthetists with the anaesthetic for patients prior to surgery, and time actually assisting in the surgeries themselves, dealing with all the equipment, swabs, needles and anything else you can think of. Uni placed me in Pontefract for my first placement which was perfect for easing me in to it as they only had pre-planned surgeries so no nasty surprises, whereas in my second year I was placed in Leeds dealing with both pre-planned plastic surgery and plastic trauma surgery so I was a little bit intimidated to start with, but I soon got used to it. The uni works with different hospitals all over Yorkshire to allow enough spaces for all the students, however they allocate you to hospitals based on where you’re living, your travel availability and what you’ve already experienced; they’re really accommodating and the placements are really understanding too!
I was so scared for my first placement! I’d never been in a theatre before, so I had no idea what to expect and I was terrified- my friends still laugh at how scared I was on my first day! Once I’d gotten used to everything I absolutely adored it, and the placements ended up being my favourite part of the course. I spent time assisting anaesthetists with the anaesthetic for patients prior to surgery, and time actually assisting in the surgeries themselves, dealing with all the equipment, swabs, needles and anything else you can think of. Uni placed me in Pontefract for my first placement which was perfect for easing me in to it as they only had pre-planned surgeries so no nasty surprises, whereas in my second year I was placed in Leeds dealing with both pre-planned plastic surgery and plastic trauma surgery so I was a little bit intimidated to start with, but I soon got used to it. The uni works with different hospitals all over Yorkshire to allow enough spaces for all the students, however they allocate you to hospitals based on where you’re living, your travel availability and what you’ve already experienced; they’re really accommodating and the placements are really understanding too!
I know that you were part of a very exciting opportunity during your second year, how does it feel to be part of History.
I know that you were part of a very exciting opportunity during your second year, how does it feel to be part of History.
I remember my mentor sending me a message saying that there was going to be a double hand transplant the next day and that I should go in to see it, and it was the most exciting thing ever! It was all hands on deck preparing two theatres, one for the patient and one for preparing the hands to transplant. It’s one of those things where I can only remember bits and bobs because I was so in shock and awe at what was happening. I still to this day can’t believe that I was there to witness such a major life changing surgery! It makes me proud of all the work we do in theatre, knowing that we can change so many lives for the better.
I remember my mentor sending me a message saying that there was going to be a double hand transplant the next day and that I should go in to see it, and it was the most exciting thing ever! It was all hands on deck preparing two theatres, one for the patient and one for preparing the hands to transplant. It’s one of those things where I can only remember bits and bobs because I was so in shock and awe at what was happening. I still to this day can’t believe that I was there to witness such a major life changing surgery! It makes me proud of all the work we do in theatre, knowing that we can change so many lives for the better.
We have been following your learning journey from Post 16, and it must seem like a lifetime since you studied here ( it seems like yesterday for us); however can you tell us about your time in Post 16 at Hemsworth.
We have been following your learning journey from Post 16, and it must seem like a lifetime since you studied here ( it seems like yesterday for us); however can you tell us about your time in Post 16 at Hemsworth.
I was a total stress head in post 16, I don’t know how you all coped with me! I really loved post 16 and I was heartbroken when I left, but I was going on to bigger things. The support system was amazing and I knew that help was always there whenever I needed it, whether it was for coursework, revision or me just being a pain. One of the best parts was everyone treating us like adults in education, which helped to prepare me for uni and helped me to become more independent. The staff were always amazing, especially when they went out of their way to help me with additional things like extra work for uni applications and applying for scholarships.
I was a total stress head in post 16, I don’t know how you all coped with me! I really loved post 16 and I was heartbroken when I left, but I was going on to bigger things. The support system was amazing and I knew that help was always there whenever I needed it, whether it was for coursework, revision or me just being a pain. One of the best parts was everyone treating us like adults in education, which helped to prepare me for uni and helped me to become more independent. The staff were always amazing, especially when they went out of their way to help me with additional things like extra work for uni applications and applying for scholarships.
What A levels did you study?
What A levels did you study?
I studied A level Psychology and double BTEC Health and Social Care, but I also did additional Health and Social Care modules to meet the biology requirements for the uni courses I applied for.
I studied A level Psychology and double BTEC Health and Social Care, but I also did additional Health and Social Care modules to meet the biology requirements for the uni courses I applied for.
Did you need to do a placement in Post 16? if so was it beneficial?
Did you need to do a placement in Post 16? if so was it beneficial?
I did two placements while in post 16, one in a primary school and one in a school for disabilities. The placements were required for one of my Health and Social Care modules, and I’m glad I did them as they helped prepare me for caring for a variety of ages, personal needs and backgrounds. I would definitely recommend students undertake a placement if possible as it prepares you for working in a professional area before you have responsibilities as a member of staff.
I did two placements while in post 16, one in a primary school and one in a school for disabilities. The placements were required for one of my Health and Social Care modules, and I’m glad I did them as they helped prepare me for caring for a variety of ages, personal needs and backgrounds. I would definitely recommend students undertake a placement if possible as it prepares you for working in a professional area before you have responsibilities as a member of staff.
Dare we ask who your favourite teachers were whilst you were here?
Dare we ask who your favourite teachers were whilst you were here?
I had 3 favourites when I was in post 16; Miss Heatley, Mrs Perry and Mrs Forster. Miss Heatley helped me with everything and was always there for me when I was working myself up over something, and she always knew what to say to cheer me up and get myself together. Mrs Perry was my rock throughout, she was always a shoulder to cry on and always helped me through a difficult time, and I really don’t know what I would have done without her. Mrs Forster went above and beyond for me; when we realised I needed extra biology modules, she went out of her way to organise the modules, prepare the guidance for me and mark it all, just to help me get the career I wanted. So I want to say a massive thank you to all I wouldn’t be where I am without you!
I had 3 favourites when I was in post 16; Miss Heatley, Mrs Perry and Mrs Forster. Miss Heatley helped me with everything and was always there for me when I was working myself up over something, and she always knew what to say to cheer me up and get myself together. Mrs Perry was my rock throughout, she was always a shoulder to cry on and always helped me through a difficult time, and I really don’t know what I would have done without her. Mrs Forster went above and beyond for me; when we realised I needed extra biology modules, she went out of her way to organise the modules, prepare the guidance for me and mark it all, just to help me get the career I wanted. So I want to say a massive thank you to all I wouldn’t be where I am without you!
Do you have any funny memories from your time in Post 16.
Do you have any funny memories from your time in Post 16.
I think the funniest memory I have is around the time I was leaving. Miss Heatley had done some awards for us as a joke, and I won the grumpiest (I still have the certificate and class picture on my wall!). It made us all laugh because I was a nightmare in Psychology, I was always sulking when I couldn’t do something or didn’t understand it so the award was definitely fitting for me!
I think the funniest memory I have is around the time I was leaving. Miss Heatley had done some awards for us as a joke, and I won the grumpiest (I still have the certificate and class picture on my wall!). It made us all laugh because I was a nightmare in Psychology, I was always sulking when I couldn’t do something or didn’t understand it so the award was definitely fitting for me!
Applying to University can be very stressful, do you have any advice for our current Post 16 students?
Applying to University can be very stressful, do you have any advice for our current Post 16 students?
My biggest piece of advice would be research everything well in advance and know exactly what courses and placements you might need. Take every bit of feedback you get onboard and use it, because the people advising you really do know best and they know what unis are looking for. If you’re stressed or struggling, go to your favourite teacher to see if they can help, they’ll all be experienced with helping with the applications and they’ll know you best! It’s really not as bad as it seems, once it’s out of the way you’ll realise that you didn’t need to stress so much!
My biggest piece of advice would be research everything well in advance and know exactly what courses and placements you might need. Take every bit of feedback you get onboard and use it, because the people advising you really do know best and they know what unis are looking for. If you’re stressed or struggling, go to your favourite teacher to see if they can help, they’ll all be experienced with helping with the applications and they’ll know you best! It’s really not as bad as it seems, once it’s out of the way you’ll realise that you didn’t need to stress so much!
Was university life different to what you expected?
Was university life different to what you expected?
It was definitely different to what I expected, obviously every course timetable is different because of things like placements but I was surprised to go into placement so early. I was expecting a couple of months of lectures and plenty of time to enjoy the uni lifestyle but I started placement about a month after I started. I joined the girls football team in first year but I didn’t have time for it, but honestly I didn’t have much time for anything outside uni work and placement! I definitely got more of a proper uni experience when I joined the ODP society in second year and then ran the society in third year, as it gave me the chance to be involved with the students union. I also became an academic representative for my course in third year which gave me a lot of new contacts and opportunities for improving the course and the uni facilities, which for me was an important part of my time at uni as I helped make it better for uni students!
It was definitely different to what I expected, obviously every course timetable is different because of things like placements but I was surprised to go into placement so early. I was expecting a couple of months of lectures and plenty of time to enjoy the uni lifestyle but I started placement about a month after I started. I joined the girls football team in first year but I didn’t have time for it, but honestly I didn’t have much time for anything outside uni work and placement! I definitely got more of a proper uni experience when I joined the ODP society in second year and then ran the society in third year, as it gave me the chance to be involved with the students union. I also became an academic representative for my course in third year which gave me a lot of new contacts and opportunities for improving the course and the uni facilities, which for me was an important part of my time at uni as I helped make it better for uni students!
Studying A levels can be daunting at times, is there anything you wish you had been told beforehand?
Studying A levels can be daunting at times, is there anything you wish you had been told beforehand?
The workload! I definitely wasn’t prepared for the workload in post 16, I had an idea there’d be more work than GCSE’s but there was way more than I anticipated. Even if I had known the workload beforehand, I wouldn’t have changed my choices, as I absolutely loved my subjects, I probably just made it worse by taking on extra work to meet the uni requirements. If I was applying now I’d definitely have a look at course outlines and get an idea of the workload I needed to prepare for.
The workload! I definitely wasn’t prepared for the workload in post 16, I had an idea there’d be more work than GCSE’s but there was way more than I anticipated. Even if I had known the workload beforehand, I wouldn’t have changed my choices, as I absolutely loved my subjects, I probably just made it worse by taking on extra work to meet the uni requirements. If I was applying now I’d definitely have a look at course outlines and get an idea of the workload I needed to prepare for.
As a Post 16 Alumni you have given up your time to come in and speak to our students about your role, how important has that been to you?
As a Post 16 Alumni you have given up your time to come in and speak to our students about your role, how important has that been to you?
It’s really important to me to come in and speak about my profession as it’s still really unheard of, so I see it as even if I inspire one student, it’ll be one more ODP than we would have had! I love discussing my role and answering questions about anything that I can help with, but I also love showing people some of the equipment we use as it can really peak their interest, which is why I’m there! The last time I spoke to the students I helped with questions about placement opportunities and general questions about uni and applications, so I’m happy to help wherever I can.
It’s really important to me to come in and speak about my profession as it’s still really unheard of, so I see it as even if I inspire one student, it’ll be one more ODP than we would have had! I love discussing my role and answering questions about anything that I can help with, but I also love showing people some of the equipment we use as it can really peak their interest, which is why I’m there! The last time I spoke to the students I helped with questions about placement opportunities and general questions about uni and applications, so I’m happy to help wherever I can.
Now you have qualified, what's next for you Laura?
Now you have qualified, what's next for you Laura?
Now I’ve qualified I’m starting my full time job and looking for a house closer to work (mainly to avoid getting up too early!). I’m going to spend a few years working and then have a look into career opportunities to develop my skills further and give me more opportunities within my trust! Hopefully I can continue coming in to speak to the students and inspire some future ODP’s!
Now I’ve qualified I’m starting my full time job and looking for a house closer to work (mainly to avoid getting up too early!). I’m going to spend a few years working and then have a look into career opportunities to develop my skills further and give me more opportunities within my trust! Hopefully I can continue coming in to speak to the students and inspire some future ODP’s!
Any final thoughts?
Any final thoughts?
I’m just so grateful for the support I had from post 16 both while I was there and while I’ve been at uni, as I always feel like I’ve got a little squad cheering me on when I need a push! So just a huge thank you to everyone who’s supported me on my journey to my dream career!
I’m just so grateful for the support I had from post 16 both while I was there and while I’ve been at uni, as I always feel like I’ve got a little squad cheering me on when I need a push! So just a huge thank you to everyone who’s supported me on my journey to my dream career!
Once again Laura it has been great to sit and chat with you even though it has been a virtual one, hopefully we can catch up again in person, and you can let us know how you are getting on.
Once again Laura it has been great to sit and chat with you even though it has been a virtual one, hopefully we can catch up again in person, and you can let us know how you are getting on.
In the meantime on behalf of everyone in Post 16 and the Outwood Academy Trust; thank you, and we wish you all the success in your new role.
In the meantime on behalf of everyone in Post 16 and the Outwood Academy Trust; thank you, and we wish you all the success in your new role.
Mrs Perry, Post 16 Learning Manager sits down (virtually) with former Hemsworth Post 16 student Abigail Kelly, who is currently in her second year studying Psychology at York St Johns University.
Mrs Perry, Post 16 Learning Manager sits down (virtually) with former Hemsworth Post 16 student Abigail Kelly, who is currently in her second year studying Psychology at York St Johns University.
Abi, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today, I know you must be very busy with your studies.
Abi, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today, I know you must be very busy with your studies.
Congratulations on your A level results Abi; we are all so proud of you and your achievements, how are you finding life after Post 16?
Thank you! I'm feeling great after A Levels; it's definitely a daunting feeling to begin with as you don't get nearly as much guidance in university but the freedom and the independence is amazing.
You are studying at York University, can I ask why you chose York, did you look at any other University's ?
I chose York St John extremely spontaneously and in a blur of panic when I found that I didn't meet my requirements for my chosen Universities (Liverpool and Nottingham). I wanted a university that wasn't too far away and was situated in an area with plenty to do. York St John was also the very first university I visited in Year 6 so I felt as though it was definitely a sign when they accepted me through clearing.
Have you always wanted to study Psychology at University?
Yes, I remember leaving my GCSE revision to one side to read books on Psychology (which I would never recommend to anyone) and always knew it was the only thing I'll ever settle for. Although I did sit on Spanish for a while, too.
Applying to University can be very stressful, do you have any advice for our current Post 16 students?
Get as much help as you need from teachers and staff when applying - never be worried to ask for a hand. Don't apply too far away if you aren't ready for it and revise! Don't forget tea towels either, unless you want arguments.
Is University life different to what you expected?
Yes. It's 10 times easier than A Level, but you're left completely by yourself. Home sickness is also extremely overwhelming at university too, more than I anticipated; just know that everybody else feels the same way.
Can you tell us about your course and what it entails.
I study BSc Psychology (HONS), which means I research the brain and people's behaviour. Psychology is extremely vast in it's subject areas so there's always something to like. I particularly love Biological Psychology.
How has lockdown affected your studies?
Lockdown has meant that all of my studies are online. Because of this, I've moved back home so my mum can do my washing since uni washing machines are a fiver and I'm incapable. However, I personally really like online university because it's a lot less stressful and I find it easier to get work done.
We have been following your learning journey from Post 16, and it must seem like a lifetime since you studied here ( it seems like yesterday for us); however can you tell us about your time in Post 16 at Hemsworth.
I absolutely loved Post 16. I found it was easier to be heard when you're viewed as an adult and really easy to get on with teachers. I also loved walking around lower school with non-uniform on.
What A levels did you study?
I studied Psychology, Biology and English Language at A Level. I chose Maths to begin with but I dropped it so I could focus more on my other subjects.
Dare we ask who your favourite teachers were whilst you were here?
I had so many good teachers. I really liked Mrs Redlin because she has such a crazy life which nobody expected at all, Mr Ives because he was so encouraging and understanding, Miss Heatley for helping me massively throughout my application and Mr Cross for always being a cheerleader and supporting me.
Do you have any funny memories from your time in Post 16.
I have so many funny memories. I think my favourite was when my entire biology class would sing Mr Sandman every lesson to annoy Miss McFadyen.
Studying A levels can be daunting at times, is there anything you wish you had been told beforehand?
I wish I knew how to stay motivated throughout studying; losing focus amongst all the stress was a huge issue for me personally and I'd recommend that student's really voice when they're having a hard time.
What's next for you Abi?
I've recently just gotten a job as a Health Care Assistant in mental health, as well as my regular job, to do alongside my studies. Hopefully, my degree will help me move up that ladder until I get to my dream job, which is a band 9 mental health nurse on a ward!
Any final thoughts?
Remember to talk to people if you're stressed throughout the journey and stay super positive! Good luck!
Thank you Miss Perry, it's been amazing to hear from you!
Once again Abi, it has been great to sit and chat with you even though it has been a virtual one, hopefully we can catch up again in person, and you can let us know how you are getting on.
In the meantime, on behalf of everyone in Post 16 and the Outwood Academy Trust;
thank you, and we wish you all the success in your future endeavours!
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