Deinah is a PhD student at Liverpool John Moores University, researching sustainability in early years curriculums, and has been tutoring on The Scholars Programme for the last three years. She shares her experience on the programme and reflects on the transferable skills she has developed by working with The Brilliant Club.
Whilst tutoring on The Scholars Programme for the last three years, I have taught a range of subjects including philosophy and politics and created my own course on sustainability. To date, I have had the pleasure of conducting 14 placements, both in-person and online, in 14 schools across the UK for students ages ranged between 8-18.
“As sessions went by, those same students began to share their views [and] develop an interest in the topic area…”
I have always had a passion for working in education and making a positive difference in students’ journeys. When I heard about The Brilliant Club I was both curious and excited to come across a programme that incorporates and prioritises both university style teaching and students’ confidence in thriving in academia and achieving their full potential. Additionally, I was
drawn to the organised structure of the programme that is designed to prepare the students for their final assignments. I felt the programme would be the perfect fit for me as an aspiring academic, providing teaching experience and an opportunity to grow and develop as an educator.
By far, the most rewarding thing about working with young people on the programme is seeing their faces light up when they receive their final grades and reports. I have worked with many students who started their Brilliant Club journey feeling doubtful of their ability to pass, and participate in debates and conversations. As sessions went by, those same students began to share their views, develop an interest in the topic area and ultimately, pass the course with excellent results.
The best feedback I have ever received was by one student in 2023, who wrote me a card expressing their gratitude and how the programme has given them aspirations for university and self-confidence they never thought they would achieve. Seeing these results solidifies my passion for working with students.
“Being able to reduce PhD content so A-Level students can assimilate […] allowed me to condense my own topic area”
As a PhD research student there has been a wide range of transferable skills I have developed while working with The Brilliant Club. Some prime examples are listed below:
Ultimately, The Brilliant Club offers PhD students a chance to work for an organisation that aims to close the socio-economic attainment gap, reflecting a dedicated and passionate cause. Additionally, it enables PhD students to develop their teaching skills and practice their role as both facilitator and motivator, contributing to positive change in students’ futures.
If you’re interested in using your research to tackle educational inequalities in your community, find out more about becoming a Brilliant Club tutor here.