Both of Patricia's two sons have attended the College – her eldest left last summer and her youngest is currently in year nine – and Patricia feels that they couldn't be at a better school. She said: "The College does a fantastic job of catering for young people of all abilities both vocationally and academically. You only have to look at the College's standing in the league tables and the measures of value added it boasts to see what a fantastic job it does. In my opinion being able to provide an equal level of superb education for those who are academically gifted, those who are more vocationally talented and those who need further educational support is an outstanding achievement."
It was this high quality education the College provides that Patricia wanted to support and ultimately encouraged her to join the board of governors. She continued: "The College really is a fantastic school and the Hope Valley is very fortunate to have such a high quality provider of education to serve its community. I really want to play my part in ensuring the College is supported by its parents, that it continues to do a great job for all its students regardless of educational ability or social background and that its general high quality is maintained."
Whilst at school herself, Patricia's favourite subjects were English and History, the latter of which Patricia studied at University in a joint honours course with Archaeology. After graduating Patricia went on to work as an Archaeologist but is now Head of Careers and Employment Service at Sheffield Hallam University.
It's her own experiences of education that have made Patricia value a good education so highly. Patricia said: "The world of work is highly competitive and good grades are essential for entry into higher education and many professional areas. However good grades alone are not enough, everyone needs to develop as a person and in the end understand how to acquire the skills demanded of them by employers. And I think Hope Valley College does a fantastic job in providing for students in both these areas."
Ultimately Patricia sees the College's role as best preparing students for the world that awaits them after they leave College – in particular the world of employment.
Patricia said: "I am keen to see the College encourage all its students to be suitably aspirational in planning their future career paths and that they begin to understand the importance of reflection on their personal skills, development and involvement in activities to support this."
