Hi ladies, I'm looking into studying a Bachelor of Primary Education and was wanting some info on course load, timetables etc. I know all courses are different, I'm looking at USQ if that helps. I have children and work to juggle with no real support network, so any heads up on what to expect would be great.
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You will need time to study. Whether its nights 8-10 when kids are in bed and more sometimes, one day a week with their dad/grandma/care etc.
If you dont arrange the time for yourself youre setting yourself up for failure.
The big issue with education is the practicums. Look at what that uni does, blocks or days over what length. You will need to be at school those days but the workload that goes with the planning and reporting is intense. So youll be working days and prepping nights and maybe studying other subjects at night too.
Its hard. Very hard. But if you want it you will get it done. I did as a single, broke mum of a baby going through an awful emotional breakup with not a friend or family member in town. Take it one thing at a time and get it done. organisation is the key.
you have to really want this. I had a mental breakdown on my prac last week because I couldn't handle the workload of being at school all day with the kids, going home to mine, then studying all night preparing lesson plans. It's gruelling and brutal. If you want it you should be fine. Just warning you. I may quit my degree and I'm almost 3rd year.
I did it 7 years ago as a single mum of five kids.
You can do it but as someone already said you have to really really want it.
It's hard!
For 4 years I literally had no life. I worked on weekends and studied during the week.
I remember once I went on a holiday with my family (sisters) and I took study material with me.
I stayed up late at night. On many occasions I stayed up all night to finish assignments and then had to get the kids to school and pre school and then go to uni. It was insane.
I napped every chance I could lol. I took the kids to the movies and fell asleep! Great quality family time there huh. It was horrendous and thinking back I don't know how I did it!
I even had a support network with my mum and Aunty who looked after the kids on weekends so I could go to work.
Having said all that I LOVE my job! It's been worth it. Not to mention the holidays and the increased money I now get. I was previously working in retail getting $38K a year and I now get $95K a year. I'm able to provide so much more for my kids. Travel etc etc.
The workload is a full time job. You're only at uni for 15-20 hours a week but you have to study. The pracs and internships are exhausting.
Like I said though... Worth it!