Student Case Studies

Access to Social Work Level 3 - Maria

Former School(s): Woodcote High School

Despite enrolling late on the Access to Social Work Level 3 course, Maria was quick to catch up due to her determination and passion for the subject, after taking Health & Social Care for GCSE.

"I was considering a gap year but decided that this course would be the best option for me. Before coming to the College, I would never have thought of studying the course – because of my needs, I’m quite limited in what I can do.”

A friend had suggested looking at East Surrey College, and Maria booked an appointment to visit through Client Services. Since starting the course, Maria has found that:

"This course has really opened my eyes to social work. As I have a social worker of my own, I had only seen it from one side, but now I have a better understanding of the job as I can experience the other side.”

Outside of College, Maria carries out voluntary work in a charity shop and has also undertaken work experience in a primary school - helping children with their reading skills, and carrying out her own Health & Social Care lessons. 

Maria is passionate about a career in social work, particularly working with people with disabilities. Her next step towards this will be a degree in Social Work, which she is hoping to apply for through Clearing. She commented that the course at ESC "is helping me prepare for uni as it’s giving me more background knowledge, I’ll know what to expect on the course.”

Discover how an Access Course can help prepare you for Higher Education.