Lorna Bailey: life at University

Course Studied: Applied Science (Forensics) – Level 3

Progression: Teesside University – Investigative Practice (2015-2018)

From progressing onto university to landing a dream job, we take the opportunity to reconnect with our former students and catch up on their progress and experiences with life after Brooklands College. We caught up with postgraduate Science student, Lorna Bailey.

Upon finishing her studies at Brooklands College with an impressive Distinction, Distinction, Merit in 2015 on the Extended Applied Forensic Science course, Lorna recently graduated with a BSc Honours degree from Teesside University in Investigative Practice, in July 2018.

Not wishing to go down the route of choosing A-Levels, the 22-year-old chose Brooklands College’s Applied Forensic Science course, due to it being much broader when it came down to the practical elements of the course itself.

Starting her course at Brooklands in 2013 after completing her GCSE exams at Fullbrook School in Sutton, Surrey, Lorna reflects on her time at Brooklands: “I enjoyed my time at Brooklands College and definitely felt supported. There was certainly a step up in difficulty level when it came to making the jump from college to university. The lecturers were fantastic. I was pushed and encouraged to fulfil my potential at Brooklands, which made the transition easier.”

With her degree being composed of an open book exam, a written dissertation and a project piece, she also enjoyed a work placement with her local fire service. The project piece involved preparing a structured question from given topics to form her research and project around.

Her exams at university were open book and Lorna recently returned to Brooklands with a more mature outlook on life. “I knew exactly what I wanted to do. University has been intense, but I am quite lucky in that I don’t find exams particularly stressful but it all depends on what pressure you put on yourself,” she added.

Highlighting how taking responsibility and self-discipline are two key attributes when it comes to adapting to life at university, Lorna set her sights on a career that is extraordinary and aims to challenge an inquisitive mind.

Applied Science lecturer Dale Brunt (pictured right), whose passion for Forensics is unrivalled, admitted: “Lorna doubted her own abilities. I knew she had it in her to do well. She just needed the push.”

The 22-year-old soon knuckled down under the mentorship of lecturer Dale. Still keeping in contact with her close friends from Brooklands, she showed resilience and is due to complete her master’s degree by the end of 2019.