Course studied: Return to Study – Sociology, Politics, Economics and Anthropology
Year: 1981–1982
“The year that changed the direction of my life.”
When Kevin Stelfox came to Fircroft in 1981, he was looking for a way to continue his education.
Having left school with very few qualifications, Kevin had become involved in his trade union at work and had developed an interest in politics and sociology. He had already taken an evening class at Old Hall Street College in Wolverhampton when he spotted a poster advertising courses at Fircroft.
The opportunity to study on a Return to Study course appealed to Kevin as a way of building his confidence, skills and qualifications.
Why Fircroft College?
Kevin studied Sociology, Politics, Economics and Anthropology as part of his Return to Study course.
The residential nature of Fircroft was an important part of his experience. Living and studying alongside other students gave Kevin the opportunity to meet people from a range of backgrounds while learning in an environment that was both supportive and challenging.
The course encouraged him to question his existing ideas and develop his ability to think critically about a wide range of subjects.
“There was the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment that challenged some of my ideas and developed critical thinking about a range of topics.”
For Kevin, this was much more than a year of study.
“The year there changed the direction of my life in ways that I could not have imagined.”
Course Experience and Outcomes
Fircroft gave Kevin the confidence and skills to progress onto an Honours degree in Social Sciences.
From there, he went on to build a varied career across youth work, social work and education, working for local authorities in both England and Scotland.
Later in his career, Kevin completed a PhD and went on to work as a Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen, contributing to a range of research projects.
During his PhD, Kevin was diagnosed with dyslexia.
His academic journey continued alongside a strong commitment to public and community life. Throughout his career, he remained an active trade unionist and was also involved in local politics as a councillor.
The Lasting Impact of Fircroft
Kevin credits Fircroft with giving him more than the academic preparation needed for university.
It gave him confidence and developed a critical-thinking approach that has remained useful throughout his career and personal life.
“Fircroft College gave me the confidence and skills to take an honours degree course in social sciences. It also gave me the ability to be a critical thinker which has been useful in all aspects of my life.”
The residential experience also gave Kevin the opportunity to build relationships with fellow students and staff, creating an experience that stayed with him long after he left the college.
Kevin’s Advice to Future Students
Kevin understands that taking the step into adult education can feel daunting.
His advice is simple but honest:
“Thinking about going to Fircroft might be daunting, I know it was for me. It will be challenging but worthwhile.”
For Kevin, taking that first step opened the door to university, a varied career and opportunities he could not have imagined when he first saw that poster advertising Fircroft.
A Journey that Started with One Opportunity
Kevin came to Fircroft with few school qualifications and a growing interest in politics and sociology.
He left with the confidence and skills to progress into Higher Education.
His journey subsequently took him through social sciences, youth work, social work, education, trade unionism, local politics and academic research, ultimately leading to a PhD and a role as a Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen.
Looking back, Kevin’s experience captures the transformative potential of adult education: sometimes one opportunity can change not just what you learn, but the entire direction of your life.
