A mother and daughter staff duo from Solihull College & University Centre are blazing a trail by studying at the University of Cambridge.
Adult English and Family Learning lecturer Susan Arnold is studying a master’s in creative writing. Her daughter, Quality Coach and English Lecturer, Rachel Arnold, is completing her PhD.
At College, Susan inspires people to upskill by completing their English Functional Skills qualification to improve job prospects and fulfil their potential. She also teaches a community creative writing course and delivers the Family Learning courses to help parents support their children’s learning. But she always had a desire to return to studying.
Susan comments: “I really wanted to get back to studying and after making a couple of applications I couldn’t believe it when I was accepted at Cambridge. At 56, I am the oldest in the class and I feel as though I have imposter syndrome! But I do have something to prove to myself. That I can do this. This is a dream come true for me, and I did think it was now or never!”
Susan is also encouraged by her students and their stories of success. She remembers a time when she went into hospital and her nurse was a former student she had taught 5 years before. The nurse had needed her English qualification to progress onto her chosen career in nursing and Susan was the one who helped her get there.
Rachel says her study is helping improve student prospects. She comments: “After completing my Master’s in Educational Leadership and Improvement I still had unanswered questions about how to improve the GCSE resit experience for students. This led me to securing funding for my PhD in the Learning Sciences to investigate the potential impact of role reversal for teachers and learners and whether this builds confidence, relationship, empathy and skills. In my research I am working with colleges across the country to explore how to more meaningfully engage our GCSE resit students.”
Rachel and Susan’s path rarely crosses at Cambridge, but they have been known to meet for a study day in the library together.
Rachel was on hand to introduce her Mum to Cambridge and is incredibly proud. She comments: “My mum has invested so much in raising her family and teaching us to strive to excel in whatever we pursue. It has been amazing to see her switch that focus in recent years and embark on her own educational pursuits, first at Oxford and now a Master’s at Cambridge. She is a very talented creative writer and I love that her skills are being recognised and developed with this incredible achievement and opportunity. By studying and developing this skill she is giving back to her learners and enhancing their learning experience.”
Principal, Dr Rebecca Gater, comments: “We have worked tirelessly over the past few years to cultivate a culture of research and innovation among our staff. By embedding action research into practice and supporting qualifications for those interested in advancing their careers, we’ve seen significant success in encouraging professional growth and development. The College has seen an increasing number of staff embrace research-informed teaching practices, pursue higher qualifications, and contribute to the wider academic community. Sue and Rachel’s achievements underscore the transformative impact of this culture on both personal and professional growth.”
