First week of lectures - academic and practical

It seemed like ages since we were in college when we arrived on Monday but it was really nice to all be together again as a Set. 2 weeks in placement meant we had a lot to catch up on with each other. We jumped straight into lectures on Monday morning, the modules we are doing this term are Child Development and Early Years Principles, policies and Practice. The prospect of the assignments we have to do on this subject is a bit daunting but we are actually quite excited to make a start.

This week was also the first week of all of our practical sessions. These are Home Economics, Creative Skills and Practical Skills.

Home Economics is taught at a local school called St Marks, about a 10 minute walk from the college. We spent a whole afternoon there and got an introduction to the space and what we will be covering in these sessions. Then we got to cook a crumble! Some of us were unsure as to how we would get on with Home Economics but after tasting our first ever crumble we have a feeling this is going to become one of our favourite lessons at Norland. 

(Photo of Lydia and Jo's crumble, before and after taste test! YUM)

Creative Skills was also a bit daunting, some of us have never sewn a thing while others seemed to be pros. But we all started at the basic hand sewing techniques and will be working up to using a sewing machine, phew. We are now getting quite excited about all of the things we will get to make.

Practical skills again was mainly an introduction session – this subject seems to cover so much! We'll learn about everything from basic hygiene, changing nappies, bathing babies and feeding, to travelling with children, managing behaviour and health and safety. 

It is going to be really interesting and helpful.