Words: Shaunna Bond, 31, Bolsover
After years of bullying, I left school at the age of 15 with no qualifications and my confidence at an all-time low. It’s not the path I thought I’d go down. At school, I was predicted A* grades across the board and dare I say, considered to be quite intelligent. However, the relentless bullying seriously impacted my mental health. I struggled with anorexia, self-harm, and I just couldn’t face it anymore - so I left.
At the time, I felt quite embarrassed to leave school with no qualifications. I found even basic maths challenging, especially when it came to applying for jobs. Sometimes, I had to leave job interviews when I was faced with a numeracy test as a requirement for the position. It was incredibly difficult and deeply impacted my confidence in general.
My attitude totally changed when I had children. I remember when I was raising my first daughter, I just loved watching her learn and teaching her things – that was what made me realise my passion for teaching.
Suddenly I was inspired and knew what I wanted to pursue for a career - but then I had the horrible realisation that if I wanted to be a teacher, I needed to go back to school. I needed to complete my GCSEs.
It was a daunting prospect returning to education, but I was determined and knew the first thing I needed to tackle was my fear of numbers. My teaching dreams aside, I didn’t want to pass my irrational fear of maths on to my children. I wanted them to have a positive relationship with numbers, and I also wanted to be able to help them with their homework when they get a bit older.
I signed up to a free ‘Essential Skills – Numeracy’ course at Harlow College in Essex. It was really refreshing to see other adults, like me, committed to getting their qualifications later in life. A nice community of older learners all there to learn something new. I found the course very flexible and supportive; we were all able to fit learning around our lives and other commitments.
The course was a great stepping-stone as it gave me the skills and the confidence boost I needed to go on to further study. I now actually enjoy maths which is something I never thought possible! Before, if someone asked me a question involving numbers, I'd tell them to ask someone else. Now, I'm eager and happy to sit down and work it out.
This newfound confidence and openness to numbers has also made conversations around money with my now two young girls – aged five and seven – much easier. As a family, we have very open conversations about money and talk about savings and pocket money regularly. I think this is so important, particularly in the current climate.
Following the ‘Essential Skills – Numeracy’ course, I went on to achieve an English, Science and Maths GCSE, and last year I graduated from university, receiving the Dean’s Award for my contribution to primary science. With the confidence I have gained from improving my numeracy skills as an adult, I can now continue my learning journey and I plan to complete a PGCE qualification to become a teacher very soon.
My message to anyone considering a career change, wanting to learn new skills or simply longing to overcome their fears, is that it’s never too late to learn something new. It may seem daunting, but don’t let your fears hold you back. Returning to education and tackling my fear of maths is one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made. It’s made me more confident, and now I’m one step closer to my dream job.
Unlock your potential and find out more about the Government-funded numeracy courses available in your local area by visiting Skills For Life.