What our students say about us

I remember in my first year, the day I arrived at ALS and on entering Carole’s office, I crumbled and said “I can’t do this” Being a mature student who has been out of education for 30 years,it was a challenge to complete a degree. Once the tears has been wiped, Carole’s patience, advice and support were the tools I needed to get me through my coursework and exams. Amazing support and when ever I had a problem or wanted to go through some work, Carole’s door was always open.

I cannot thank this lady enough for the “structure” she advised me to put into place………..the best thing she ever said to me was ” Don’t do university work at the weekend, this is family time” with her advice I was able to achieve a work/family balance. I passed my degree with a 2ii in Forensic Investigation and no-one is more proud of myself than me! I have been offered a placement working with the British Red Cross Disaster Management team in the Cayman Islands…………………WOW! what an oppotunity.

None of what I have achieved would have been possible with the continued support of my amazing ALS tutor Carole Thomson, I am truly thankful for everything you have done for me. I hope all your future students succeed like I did. Thank you Carole Thomson. 🙂

– Karen Hammer

Hi Amanda, Got my results back today and there is a huge noticeable difference. I received 74%, 62% and 63% in my last round of exams, which as you know is much higher than what I got in the first semester. I can only attribute it to your help, so thank you!

– Matt

Hi Sue, I wanted you to be the first person I emailed to say thank you. I received my grades back and I managed to get a 2:1 overall. So I wanted to say how grateful I am for your help this year. I know I was a bugger to deal with, turned up late and was very very lazy and some point. But with your input and help, I have managed to walk away from university with a very good grade. So thank you!

– James

Sue, Thank you so much for all your help these past few years, especially this past year!
Hopefully we’ve done it 🙂

– Amy

Hi Sue, I’m well thank you, and certainly am enjoying the sun as much as possible. Hope you’re well and enjoying the weather too. I finished Uni with a 2:1 overall, with 62% on my dissertation. Thank you for all your help over the years, I’m very grateful!

– Sarah

Dear Sue, I achieved a 2.1 so very happy about that and I was like to say a big thank you for helping me throughout the course of my final year. Currently looking for work in London within recruitment, with lots of interview next week.

– Dave

Sue, Thank you for all your help over the last three years. I certainly would not have made it through my dissertation without all your help & support

– Sarah

Hi Amanda, I meant to email you sooner but haven’t gotten round to it sorry, just to let you know tha i got a 2:1 over all in first year 🙂 I can tell you its absolutely made my week, I even managed to get a first in the EU law exam. Lastly I wanted to say thank you, I would not have been able to do so well without your help. Thank you!

– Oli

Hi Anne, Just thought I would send a message letting you know my final grade as they came out today. I received a 2:2 so I am very proud of myself!

– Bobbie

Dear Amanda. Thank you so much for all your help and support over the last 3 years! Without all your help, support and reassurance I would not have survived uni, and although many a tear was shed I would 100% not have been able to do it without you!

– Holly

Hi Sarah, Just to let you know that I have finished my degree and as long as I pass my last two bits I will have a 2:1. I have also found a full time job and start in August when my registration comes through. Thank you for all your help over the past 3 years you have been a great help, I really appreciate it!

– Chris Dorey

Thank you to everyone at ALS for the continued support I was offered and received. I couldn’t have done these last two terms without everyone’s help and hard work. Many thanks.

– Bayan Inferadi

Ludmila, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for all your help! It may not seem much to you, but for me it has been life changing – your advice and gentle words have helped me through some difficult times, and it has been comforting to know that there was someone there that could help.

– Wayne

The student support that I received has been very helpful for my dyslexia throughout my final year. This help has also offered a range of organizational skills for University work but also everyday life, providing me with more of a structure. Overall it has made me believe in myself more, making me feel more comfortable and confident. Each session has allowed me to talk freely about any concerns on my mind about planning University work. In return, I come away feeling confident about my strengths and ways to improve any weaknesses. Along with my academic tutor this help has given me a more positive outlook not only in my studies but also my own self-belief. I would have loved the opportunity to be offered this help in my first and second year as I feel it has made a big difference and made me feel more motivated to carry on with my studies.

– Bobbie

I returned to Bournemouth in September 2013 having been away for two years and at the time was apprehensive about the transition back to university. When I met Anne at the beginning of my first term I was not sure what to expect, having never used ALS services before. From our first meeting I felt more comfortable about returning to my studies as well as to university life generally. Throughout the year Anne has been a huge support, helping with all aspects of university such as study skills, revision techniques and time management as well as looking at job opportunities, interview skills and guidance with my CV. Throughout the year the weekly meetings were a great benefit as I was always able to share any concerns and always felt encouraged afterwards. I feel the mentoring I received from Anne was above and beyond my expectations and I am confident about finding a job now that I have had the support to finish my degree.

Thanks again for everything this year! I will let you know how I get on with my results this summer.

– Sarah

We’ve tried various methods to collect feedback and none are completely satisfactory. End of year surveys on one-to-ones tend to have poor response rates and attract extremes (“They were great! I got a First for my next essay!” “They were rubbish. I did not get a First for my next essay.”) Comments forms handed out immediately after one-to-one or workshop sessions tend to attract very positive comments but that is because we are nice people – it doesn’t show how successful the session has been in developing the student’s understanding.

– Kim

Hi Alison, I just wanted you to know that I loved your blog…got totally caught up in the Instant Gratification Monkey and did not get anywhere near the students feedback page. I also noticed that you did a visual practices event that you enjoyed – you might like to have a look at some of the work I’ve been doing here. http://www.engagingimagination.com – not least because I think we both use wordpress! Lovely to see your site anyway.

– Alison

Hi Alison, I just wanted to say I think your blog is FABULOUS and I am going to try and find a way of replicating it rather than sending out our usual end of year survey…

– Rachel

Hi Alison, Just writing to say a big thank you for everything this year 🙂 Especially for all the support and pep talks and direction. Thank you so much! 🙂

– Jonathan

Amanda, Your encouragement, endless support and belief in me throughout my journey at University gave me the confidence to continue through the challenges I faced: and for the lessons you have taught me, both academically and personally, I will be forever grateful.

– Holly Riddle

To Amanda -I have finisheeeeeed! Just printing it now and getting it bound tomorrow 🙂 hooooray! Thank you so much for all your help! Xx

– Holly

Just been on the ALS blog. It is brilliant – really made a connection with me – very thought provoking – made me laugh too and kept my attention. Praise due to those who contribute!

– Linda

Hi Noemi, Just wanted to let you know that I passed my exam and my assignment from before Christmas which is a big relief! Means I won’t have to do the health promotion again 🙂 Can just focus on the next ones!

– Jamie

Noemi, Thank you for encouraging me and helping me during this term. I just received the highest grade on my CBI assignment, a High Distinction of 80%. This is the assignment which equals 100% of my overall grade! In addition, I also received a Distinction of 73% in Managing People. You have played a significant part in helping me receive these desired outcomes. Thank you for your encouragement and inspiration. Thank you for providing me with the organisational tools that continually help me in reaching my full potential. We are still rising! Your work continues to sharpen me, daily. May you continue your excellent work.

– Kaily O’Brien

Hi Paula, I have now finished my degree and landed myself a job in a top advertising agency in London. I am actually graduating Friday! Thank you for all of your help while I was at uni. I think you and your team do a great job!

– Max

Dear Chris, I wanted to drop you a note to say how grateful I am for the support I received from Amanda Dayman. I’m doing the MA in Professional Media Practice (short courses) and she made contact with me at the point when I was finding it way to hard and felt really stressed and listened to me and made me feel it was OK. She’s since followed up several times and helped me plan for my next course so I could try and put right some of the things which went wrong with my project before as well as manage full time work commitments. If you’re ever looking for a student testimony please let me know because I think she probably made the difference to me continuing and I’m more than happy to help.

– Josie

Hi Alison, The retake was only worth a 46 so overall for the degree 58.32. So not quite enough for that 2:1. Glass ceilings. But I have a degree now. Thank you for your time and effort I appreciate it more than you know.

– Jacob

Hello Noemi, I would still like you to be my tutor because for the past four months you have been of good support to me, helped me to bring out the best in me and helped me to achieve and most of all to build up confidence. It’s been the little things you say to me, the everyday advices and the weekly planners that have made a big difference. Thank you.

– Nelly

Noemi, Your index card idea is working, effectively! I have been smiling as I add more to them. Looking forward to our next meeting on Tuesday. Continue your exceptional work…

– Kaily O’Brien

Hi Alison, Thank you so much! I am very happy 🙂 And thank you for all your help, I couldn’t of done it without you.

– Pru Quinn

Hi Alison, I thought id let you know that i got my results today and got a 2:1! Hasnt really sunk yet as I generally didnt think id be able to get that, but know I wouldn’t have without your help through the year so thank you very much.

– Adam

To dyslexia tutors who have helped to translate my severely dyslexic thoughts and writing into a more comprehensible language, thank you.

– Kieran Phipps

Dear Ludmila, I want to say a massive, huge, thank you!!! There is no way I could have done this without your help, you are amazing and I am in awe of how your mind works!! I learned a lot this year, so thank you for teaching me and for all your help , thank you, thank you, thank you. THANK YOU!!!!!! So much xxxxx

– Jade

Hello Anne-Marie, Just wanted to say your help when i saw you was extremely constructive and the best i have had since starting, i will see you the 17th, and will bring my EU directives and my last assignment. Thanks again. x

– Amber Louise Dare

Hi Alison, Can’t believe it’s nearly the end already. Thank you for all your help this year, you have been so helpful and I think the word is invaluable! even when you have to listen to my moans and groans about everything

– Kayleigh

Hi Alison, just to let you know I got 85% for my essay we worked on last term! Thanks very much for your help!

– Levi

I started University under a pile of books – Nervous about the jump from A-levels, Unconfident about my abilities and unaware of where to start. An excellent place to start was with the support from ALN service, I received funding for specialist equipment and the support of the dyslexia tutor. Together with my dyslexia tutor I explored different ways of learning, writing assignments and reading in creative ways suited to my needs. I would like to thank Alyson Waugh and Ludmila Machura for their invaluable support throughout my degree. I have now finished my Degree with a 2.1 and about to start a Job as an Occupational Therapist at a Local Rehabilitation Hospital. I now have a tool box of learning techniques and strategies to allow me to effectively learn and practice throughout my career. Many Thanks again to Alyson Waugh and Ludmila Machura, I couldn’t have done it without you! Your support you have provided me is going to stick with me throughout my career!

– Favier

Hi Carolyn, Just wanted to let you know I got 68% in my coursework and a 2:1 overall in my degree. Thank-you for all your help this year.

Lucy

Hey Alison, I received my results a couple of weeks ago and have been meaning to email you, just been incredibly busy! I passed my degree with a 2:2 so I’m pretty happy with everything. I have applied for a Masters back at Bournemouth and been accepted. Hopefully, by the end of the year I will have a MSc in Forensic Archaeology.

– Eilidh

Hi Ludmila, You’ll be pleased to hear that I was awarded a 2:1 in my course, BA (Hons) Marketing! As you may expect, I’m absolutely delighted and would like to thank you for all your guidance and assistance over the past couple of months. You helped provide valuable tuition in how to approach my work effectively in accordance with my dyslexia.

– Alessandro

Hi Sarah, Thank you very much for your time. The individual sessions are a big help for me, and I think you are all doing a great job with my difficulties. It is so not easy having my mental health problems, and away from my home country. The problems I am facing I have managed to find ways to try and overcome them with your help but it hasn’t been easy. Everyone keeps telling me that university life is hard but when you find difficulty remembering what you did two minutes before then I believe it is even harder. I once used to hope this would go away but I know myself the best thing is to find ways to be Ok. Some people with other additional difficulties on my course struggle too, but it is not the same as with mental health there is no advantage or celebration to have. It is good ALS can understand and give one to one support. Thank you again for your help. See you next year.

– Henriette

Hi Alison, I hope you are well. Just to let you know I have some good news that I am sure you would like to hear. I received a 2:1 overall for my result which I am very pleased about. Thank you again for your help.

– Lucas

Hello Noemi, Thank you very much for our meeting yesterday, as always, I found it very useful and productive. You always manage to bring out the creative side to my learning process and get me to look at
other perspectives too. You will be pleased to know that I am in the process of creating an interesting topic for discussion for our next meeting. Once again, thank you very much and I look forward to our next meeting.

– Dino

Hiya Sarah, I have one exam left, my final clinic exam until I become a fully fledged Chiropractor! I feel confident that I have passed all exams taken so far. It has been a great journey, I think there has been a powerful combination of your encouragement and strategies helping me through. I am busy in clinic at the moment, I can barely keep up with it. The tutors seem to be pleased with me more these days, sending more patients to me… So things have turned round since our first visit. Fingers crossed that I am right about my exam results. I shall definitely book in again with you soon to help me keep on track.

– Sean

Hi Alison, Just a short note to say I passed my assignment. We got 75%. Thanks for all your help.

– John

Hi Ludmila, I just wanted to thank you for all the help you have given and tell you that it has really made a difference. I have used several of the study techniques you have shown me, been doing posters, created colourful villages, writing stories and poems to remember information for tests. I have also been doing crossword puzzles a lot in order to learn new words and been using the thesaurus. I just wanted to thank you for your help and tell you that it has made a big difference to me. Thank you.

– Liv

I would like to let you know that I find the Additional Learning Support extremely productive….I have always received professional and credible advice from the very beginning. Since then, I have attended a needs assessment and I have received my equipment from DSA. Without the ALS team this would probably never have happened; however, with the ALS team this process was made easy. In the meantime, I meet with Noemi on a regular basis and I find her extremely professional where she understands my needs/requirement…I always look forward to our meetings. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have such a great team behind me throughout my studies at Bournemouth University. Thank-you very much for your help, support and guidance.
very professional site

– Bernard

Very professional site.

– OdinsEye

It is a pleasure to read such positive comments in world where adverse criticism of teaching is so rife

– MoreThanSomewhat