Ascension : Press Release - St Helena
Submitted by The Islander (Public Relations Information Office) 24.09.2009 (Article Archived on 08.10.2009)

Giselle Richards Qualifies with Masters Degree

Giselle Richards has qualified with a Masters Degree in Educational Improvement, Development and Change. Giselle graduated with Merit and passed all modules in her course.

Chief Education Officer, Lilla Oliver said “This is a major achievement. Giselle is an excellent example to other young people of what can be achieved with determination and hard work. She has done the Education Department and the Island proud. She has been working extremely hard over the years and has been making a tremendous contribution to the Education Department. We look forward to receiving more advice and support from Giselle in the future and we offer her our warmest congratulations.”

Giselle started studying with York St John University in 2003 toward her Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling Studies. This took three years to complete and a further year of work experience in the UK.  Whilst undertaking this training, Giselle started her Masters Degree Programme in Educational Improvement, Development and Change via part-time study.

Giselle then returned to the Island in August 2008, and commenced work with the Education Department as the Emotional Behavioural Difficulties Coordinator which places an emphasis on youth Counselling. In addition to carrying out her daily work, Giselle also continued to study, by distance learning, for her Masters Degree.

The Masters Degree looked at various subjects with a strong focus on approaches to educational research which included modules such as Managing Change; Practitioner enquiry; an Independent Counselling Module and her final piece, the dissertation which was based on an aspect of her role on St Helena . This allowed Giselle to look closely at how education is developing on St Helena, particularly in the field in which she works. 

Giselle said "I am so pleased that I have finally completed my Masters, it's something I wanted to achieve as soon as I had finished my Bachelor's degree.  Studying for my Master's was very different from studying for my BA Degree as I had to find time to study alongside my training and my job, but it was well worth it!  I constantly use what I learnt from my Masters which placed strong focus on practitioner enquiry, this encourages individuals to chose an aspect of their practice; study and research it, reflect on it and then endeavour to improve it as a result of your findings. I would like to thank everyone who helped me in any way, I would especially like to mention Cheryl and Susan who played a big part in my final piece, Thank you!"

Public Relations/Information Office

Office of the Chief Secretary

17 September 2009