Course studied: Access to HE
Year: 1992–1993
“Fircroft was the springboard I needed for Higher Education.”
When Robert Long came to Fircroft in 1992, he had already been working since leaving school.
He had tried studying through evening classes but found that combining employment and study was too demanding. Fircroft offered something different: a residential learning environment specifically designed for adults.
For Robert, it proved to be the perfect opportunity to return to education and pursue his ambition of progressing into Higher Education.
A Different Way to Learn
The residential nature of Fircroft made a huge difference to Robert’s experience.
Being able to live and study in the same place meant he could focus fully on his education without the pressures of fitting evening classes around employment.
“Fircroft was perfect as it was adult and residential.”
Robert also remembers the relaxed atmosphere, the supportive lecturers and the opportunity to openly discuss ideas.
“The lecturers were amazing and always open to discussion.”
The experience gave Robert reassurance that he had the skills and ability to succeed in Higher Education.
From Fircroft to a Career in Education
Robert’s ambition while at Fircroft was straightforward: he wanted to progress into Higher Education.
After completing his Access course, he went on to study for a PGCE at Cardiff University, allowing him to continue in the area of his subject, film and media.
This led to a long and rewarding career in education.
Robert spent 24 years teaching at an FE college, followed by a year teaching at a university. In total, his career in Further and Higher Education has spanned around 25 years.
“It reassured me that I did have the skills and abilities for Higher Education.”
The Fircroft Experience
For Robert, Fircroft wasn’t only about academic progression.
He made friendships that have lasted for decades and remembers the enjoyment of spending a year learning alongside other adults.
“Apart from meeting friends for life, it reassured me that I did have the skills and abilities for Higher Education.”
The residential environment, the location and the relaxed atmosphere all contributed to an experience that Robert still looks back on fondly.
Leaving Fircroft was emotional because of the friendships he had made, but many of those friendships have continued to this day.
Giving Back
Robert’s connection with education continues today.
Having experienced first-hand the difference an Access course can make, he is now seeking employment on Access courses so that he can give back some of what Fircroft gave him.
His journey has come full circle: from an adult learner looking for a route into Higher Education to an experienced educator hoping to support the next generation of students.
Robert’s Advice to Future Students
Robert believes Fircroft is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a route into Higher Education.
“If you need a springboard to HE, come to Fircroft. Keep an open mind, embrace new ideas and people, and you will enjoy the experience.”
Looking Back
Robert believes his life could have been very different if he hadn’t taken the opportunity to study at Fircroft.
Without it, he feels he may have remained in the employment he had at the time, without the opportunity to progress into a career in education.
But for Robert, the value of Fircroft goes beyond career progression.
“It wasn’t so much the movement upwards I’m grateful for, but the whole experience of meeting new friends and enjoying the year.”
More than 30 years after he first arrived at Fircroft, Robert’s experience continues to shape his life. From Access student to FE and HE teacher, and now hoping to support future Access students, his story demonstrates the lasting impact that one opportunity can have.
