Ashlea Prescott

Although I am now directly using the maths side of my degree as a teacher, I have found that the skills I gained from my time at Loughborough have been just as valuable as the degree in my career to date.

From volunteering in sport and the wider student community, I developed many skills such as; team work, communication, budgeting, resilience and presenting.

Post 16 Education: AS Level Physics; A-Level Maths, Further Maths, PE & Sociology & General Studies

Higher Education: BSc Mathematics and Sport Science; Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Mathematics)

Why did you choose Maths and Sport Science?

I picked something I was interested in and enjoyed. I knew Mathematics and Sport Science was an unusual degree choice, but Maths and PE were my favourite subjects at school and college. I also didn’t have a specific career in mind so chose topics I wanted to learn more about.

I did half a Mathematics degree and half a Sport Science degree.

Maths at university is different to school and college, there are still some elements of calculations, but it is more about proofs and theorems, which allows you to explore the subject more deeply. In Sport Science, I did some anatomy, but mainly focused on Sport Psychology and Biomechanics, which allowed me to use my Maths skills in an applied way. There was no dissertation in my degree, so I had lots of exams, but this suited me.

Ashlea’s experience as a student

I chose to study at Loughborough as there were only a very small number of universities which offered this degree. Loughborough‘s course stood out when I went to visit on open days, particularly the focus on research.

It was also important for me to be able to continue playing rugby, at a high level, something easy to do at Loughborough with the amazing facilities on offer. During my time at university not only did I play rugby, but I actually became the Women’s Rugby Club Chair. A fantastic opportunity, which allowed be to gain experience and take on further volunteering roles with the Athletic Union and Youth Sport Trust, who were based on the campus.

Ashlea’s Career

When I finished my degree I choose to work in sport, taking on two different student facing roles in the Athletic Union at Loughborough.

The experience was amazing and I had responsibilities much greater than a recent graduate would expect. These roles exposed me to a wider understanding of higher education and led me into a University Graduate Management Scheme. On the scheme I had various roles, allowing me to identify that I enjoyed student facing activities the most.

I also realised I was missing utilising the maths side of my degree and so I decided to apply to study a PGCE and become a Maths Teacher, of course I chose to study at Loughborough again.

I have now finished this and am working as a Maths Teacher. This may not be what I will do forever but is certainly something I’ve really enjoyed so far.