I’m Hollie and I’m delighted to be one of the Trustees of Joy of Learning. I know Emily, the founder of Joy of Learning, and her family through worship at Beulah United Reformed Church in Cardiff, Wales in the UK. At Beulah, I am one of the team of Junior Church Leaders and really enjoy getting to know our young people and children through our activities. We often use stories from the Bible as a starting point to create some arts and crafts or to play games too. We have lots of fun, and the children all like to contribute to Junior Church in different ways.

I work at the School of Medicine at Cardiff University. My role as Director of the Intercalated Degree Programme is to encourage medical students to step away from their clinical studies for one year and to have the opportunity to study in greater depth the science and research that underpins the part of medicine that fascinates them the most. During this extra optional year, we provide the students with knowledge and skills to equip them to both carry out their own medical research and to be able to better understand and use published research. The ultimate aim is to support evidence-based medical practice and the best treatment of all patients.

Part of my work involves teaching students directly and a lot of my work involves supporting students so they can fulfil their potential. Although I work with students over the age of 18, I know how important it is for children to have opportunities to develop a love of learning early in their life.  I’m passionate about the importance of the best possible education being available to all children, so I feel very privileged to be part of Joy of Learning.