Hannah Sewell

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

I am 18 from Sunderland. I was in and out of school due to my health conditions so when it came to getting my results it was not what I wanted or what I could have gotten if COVID-19 did not cancel exams. I am an assistant couch at a stage school where I help to teach children from 3-16 to sing, dance and act. I am a performer and have sang all around my area in shows. I came to university straight from 6th form where I did A-level English Language, Psychology and History.  

What motivated you to apply to study for a foundation course and why did you choose Leeds?

I chose to study a foundation year as it allowed me to leave my options open as to my main degree. I always wanted to be either a nurse or a teacher and going onto the course I was sure I wanted to be a nurse but as time has went on I am now applying to study primary education after the foundation year. I also wanted to be prepared for when I start my level 1 and I knew the foundation year was a year where I could develop and learn all the skills I will need for my duration at university. I chose Leeds as I love the city and it is away from home enough for independence but close enough for me to come home at the weekend for my tea! Leeds is also one of the best universities and I heard really positive things from people who had been to the university before.

What do you think of your course, have there been any particular highlights for you?

The course has been a real game changer for me, I have developed my essay righting skills and I can not fault the teaching staff they are so supportive and have helped me adapt to this new way of learning. A real highlight for me has to be starting the social inequalities learning and being so shocked by how much I enjoyed it and how engaged I became and how in a week of studying I was able to form my own structured argument.

How have you found the online learning so far?

It is not the ideal set up being online. However, I can not fault the effort that the faculty at Leeds have put in to help and support us. What would have been a hard time has been made easier by the support of staff. I have enjoyed having all of the content at my fingertips whenever I need it so I can constantly refer back to it when needed. The online learning in my opinion has been really effective however, I am excited to start getting onto campus when my time in shielding is over and its COVID safe.

How would you describe the help and guidance provided by the staff within the School?

Perfect. I could not ask for any more help or support. Everything you need is available to you and you are always welcome to an open door with any of the staff. If staff do not know the answer to a question, they will point you in the direction of someone who can.

How would you describe the facilities at the University?

I can not comment on the university campus as I haven’t actually been there since I am shielding due to my health, however online facilities are really easy to navigate and have everything you need in one hub.

Have you been involved in extra-curricular activities?

I am the course rep for the social science year, I am planning on joining societies next year.