From Stage to Classroom: Mared’s Journey into Teaching at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor
For Mared, the path from performing on stage to inspiring others in the classroom has been both rewarding and transformative.
Now studying for her PGCE at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor in Dolgellau, Mared is a great example of how higher education (HE) at a local college can open doors while staying connected to your community.
From Llan Ffestiniog, Mared previously completed a BA and Master’s degree in Musical Theatre in Cardiff. When it came to taking the next step into teaching, she made a decision that would allow her to balance her ambitions with practical considerations.
“I chose Dolgellau because it’s local to me, and much cheaper than going away to university,” she explained. “The class is also much smaller, which is a win-win for me.”
Studying locally at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai has meant that Mared can enjoy a more personalised learning experience, with smaller class sizes and direct support from tutors. She attends college on Monday and Thursday afternoons, combining her studies with valuable teaching experience.
“The application process was really simple and seamless,” she said. “I applied and had an interview quickly.”
Support from college staff has played a crucial role in Mared’s journey. As part of her course, Mared needed to gain hands-on teaching hours. Being part of the college environment meant that she had no problem in securing the hours needed, as the staff were on hand to help.
“They’ve supported me every step of the way,” said Mared. “I teach performing arts on Monday and Friday mornings, and I also deliver an employability skills module at CaMDA, the construction and engineering centre in Dolgellau – something I never thought I would do, but I love it.”
Mared’s course has already led to exciting opportunities. She has been offered a part-time teaching role at the college, working with Skills for Life and Work students – a testament to the strong links between study and employment at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor.
Eleri Saunders Davies, Programme Area Manager of Skills for Life and Work at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, said: “We’re proud to work in partnership with the PGCE/HE programme to provide meaningful teaching experiences for trainee teachers. Opportunities like this allow trainees to develop their skills in real, supportive environments while making a genuine impact on students with additional learning needs. The collaboration between departments creates rich, inclusive learning experiences for both students and trainee teachers.”
Alongside her studies and teaching, Mared is also giving back to her community. She runs singing and acting sessions for adults with learning difficulties at Seren, a social enterprise and charity in Blaenau Ffestiniog, combining her passion for performance with her teaching expertise.
Reflecting on her experience so far, Mared is clear about the impact of her decision: “The course has had a really positive impact on my life.”
Whether you’re just starting your HE journey or looking to take the next step in your career, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai offers a supportive, flexible, and career-focused alternative to traditional university routes.
Mared’s journey shows that you don’t have to move away to move forward — your future could be closer than you think.
To find out more about the range of HE courses available at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, visit: https://www.gllm.ac.uk/course-type/degrees-higher-education
