Marjon University Cornwall celebrates its first graduates

Released: 30.09.20

Marjon University Cornwall opened its doors to its first MA Education and MA Education Leadership students in September 2018.

The first intake of students came from local primary, secondary and sixth form settings. They are experienced educators with a shared desire to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of educational research.

Marjon University Cornwall Provost, Professor Tanya Ovenden-Hope, who established the programme, now says goodbye as they graduate. She commented: “All of the graduating Class of 2020 have done so well, achieving high quality distinction or merit grades. They’ve maintained their responsibilities as teachers and education leaders, while studying for their Master’s degree. 

“This is no easy feat and they should be congratulated for their dedication and commitment to their own professional learning, which will most certainly benefit their school, MAT and in several cases the wider education community”.

Some of the Class of 2020 are in the process of progressing to a PhD. On this Professor Ovenden-Hope continued: “The students were, without exception, enthusiastic about the benefit of their research findings to their pupils, colleagues, settings and even education policy makers. They have started to publish their findings within their trusts, in the Times Educational Supplement (TES) and journals."

Teacher of Applied Learning and Business Studies at Newquay Tretherras Secondary School, Dave Nicholls said: “The MA Education presented a challenge, which I was nervous about undertaking, but excited to be a part of and determined to succeed on. I needn't have been nervous, as throughout the process it has been delivered in a supportive manner.

“I had opportunities to contribute to journals and media articles, something I never thought I would achieve. It has been an experience which I would highly recommend to anyone considering undertaking it.”

Headteacher at Charlestown Primary, Mark Clustom added: “26 years after completing my degree I wanted to deepen my knowledge and understanding alongside developing an area of school improvement. The support from the tutors, the materials and the taught modules were challenging but enjoyable on the MA Education Leadership course.

“The school has benefitted from my work and I’m seriously considering continuing my research.”

Marjon University Cornwall is based in the heart of Truro and had its third intake of postgraduate students in Education in late September this year. It also offers successful postgraduate professional development programmes designed to meet the needs of Cornwall’s teachers and leaders.

In mid October, a new postgraduate programme, Leading Coaching and Mentoring in Schools, funded by the Truro Diocese Board of Education will begin. This will support the development of advanced coaches and mentors to lead this area in their schools and will prepare them for the requirements of the Early Career Framework in 2021.

If you would like more information about programmes for educators at Marjon University Cornwall, or to discuss the development of a programme for your staff, please email cornwall@marjon.ac.uk