Katie Goodacre

Education Studies BA (Hons)

After transferring to BCU half way through her studies, Katie threw herself into all that the university has to offer. From working as a student researcher to publishing her very own novel, Katie has had a busy few years and she’s not slowing down anytime soon thanks to her new role at nationwide charity Relate.

“After I left school, I went straight into work as a Teaching Assistant, which I did for five years. I didn’t want to go to university straight away as I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. But working in education changed my mind and made me want to study further. I wanted more experience, a chance to enhance my knowledge and have a degree at the end of it.

I chose my course as I’ve always had an interest in education, but didn’t want to necessarily become a teacher. I like working with children and young people, so I chose Education Studies as it has so many interesting topics and modules to cover. We studied inclusivity, identity within education and so much more that I have an interest in. I loved the course because it looked at so many areas within education, from early years, right through to PhD level.

I actually started the course at a different university in Yorkshire before moving to Birmingham. My family moved to the Midlands and at the time, I wasn’t really enjoying my current university. I’d heard some great things about BCU and when I met my course leader, I felt so welcomed. During my time at BCU, I worked as a student researcher within HELS and I helped out at events.

Before and while I was at university, I worked for a holiday camp company, who are also a charity organisation, which ran activity sessions for children and young people. That got me interested in working for charities as I feel like I’m making a difference. 

I’m now working as a Children and Young People Practitioner for Relate, which is a nationwide relationships charity. I’m part of the Wish project, which is a domestic abuse service for children and young people. I lead interventions in schools, social hubs and social care centres. I also discuss self-esteem with them, as well as safety, confidence and healthy relationships. So far, I’m really enjoying it. It’s busy and there’s a lot to consider all the time, but it is really interesting and hopefully it will have a positive impact too.

I’m really proud of the opportunities I’ve been able to have in recent years. I recently had my first children’s book published and that was a huge achievement for me. 

The book is called ‘Miley’s Mind’, which is based on my own dog. The dog suffers with anxiety and has to deal with grief. The book is about how she does that and why it’s important to reach out for support. I wrote and illustrated the book, and I was able to do lots of talks about it. It seems to have made a difference to the children who have read it, which is great. It’s been a super busy time, but I’m proud of how much I’ve been able to do. BCU supported me throughout and even made my book available to read in the university library.

In the long term, I’d love to continue to work with children and young people. I’m also keen to keep in touch with everyone I met at BCU, from my peers to the lecturers as everyone is so supportive.

In my eyes, there is no hierarchy at BCU and it is such an inclusive and supportive place to study. Even though I was a transfer student, I was always been made to feel welcomed and like I’d always been there. The university is invested in your future and who you will become.”