At Treloar’s, students have a range of work-related learning opportunities internally and in our wider community. This gives students personalised experiences, knowledge, skills and planning tools which enables them to make informed decisions about future employment.
As part of his work experience, college student Dominic joined the Marketing Team and was tasked to develop content for Treloar's social media.
Dominic chose to interview Flossie Bennett, Domestic Independence Tutor, to honour her service to Treloar’s after having worked at the college for over 20 years.
Dominic asked Flossie about the changes she has seen over the years:
“It’s changed quite dramatically: new houses, the school has relocated to Holybourne: more houses, more classrooms.”
Flossie continued:
“I started in care, which was a really good option because it taught me about all the different disabilities and peoples’ needs. Then I moved across to the classroom, I was a classroom assistant, learning technician, then I did my teaching degree.
“I’m hoping I’ve given students confidence to have a go. Lots of students come as ‘can’t dos’, I don’t like that word, it’s a negative word, if something's tricky, we try. What we aim to do is to give you those skills for the next stage of your life.”
A highlight of the summer term is college prom, and Flossie has been the driving force behind college prom for many years:
“The prom has always been a huge favourite for me. I love to see everyone dressed up and enjoying a prom like any mainstream school. I believe it’s about 20 years, I took over from somebody else, there’s been a few, various colour schemes, various menus! Ultimately, it’s about leavers having a really good time, and celebrating their time here.”
Flossie adds:
“I can honestly say, I don’t remember days when I didn’t want to come to work. I’ve enjoyed coming up the drive and thinking what will today bring? Giggles, I know, a mess, I know, it’s surprising how far a kilo of icing sugar can go in the wrong hands, trying to rip it open and not use scissors. hat always ends is disaster. That never fails to make me chuckle, because that’s life, we’re allowed to make mistakes. I quite enjoy seeing students make mistakes with their recipes because it’s a lot better for them to make that mistake here and learn from it, than to be paying for those ingredients out of your own allowance, and getting it wrong. So, I do actively encourage people to make their own decisions.
“At Treloar’s, we can offer some of the very best opportunities in the country, we know we’re good, we’re outstanding, every member of staff works hard to make everybody feel included, valued and listened to.
“Working here is hard work, but it also opens the door of opportunity, not just for students, but for staff as well. There’s lots of scope to grow and to work up the ladder and secure those jobs that you want to work towards.”
Thank you to Dominic and Flossie for this interview. During his work experience with the Marketing team, Dominic took the lead in creating interview questions, while Flossie shared some wonderful memories from her 20 years at Treloar’s. We wish Flossie a happy retirement and thank her for the lasting impact she has made on students, staff and the wider Treloar’s community.