Last updated at 14:12, Thursday, 22 July 2010

A TEACHING graduate has followed in the footsteps her grandmother took 60 years ago.

WITH WORDS BY NATALIE CHAPPLES ---- (PLEASE NOTE: GRANDMOTHER AND MOTHER NOT BLOOD RELATED) TOP OF THE CLASS: Louisa Thornley (centre), who graduated from her Ambleside teaching course at Carlisle Cathedral, with her grandmother Margaret Thornley (left), who graduated as a teacher from Charlotte Mason College exactly 60 years ago, and mother, also called Margaret Thornley

Louisa Thornley was one of the last group of new teachers to graduate from the University of Cumbria’s Ambleside campus.

The 21-year-old, of Barrow, carried on a family tradition when she graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Primary Education, specialising in Early Years, with Qualified Teacher Status.

Her grandmother, Margaret Thornley, 81, of Rochdale, graduated as a teacher 60 years ago from the same campus, which was then called the Charlotte Mason College. In September Miss Thornley will also start her career as a reception class teacher in Rochdale, just as her grandmother did.

Miss Thornley’s mother, Margaret Thornley, was also a reception teacher.

The 48-year-old from Barrow is now an early years consultant for Cumbria County Council.

The graduation ceremony at Carlisle Cathedral saw Miss Thornley attend with her grandmother, mother, father Andrew and sister Emily.

Miss Thornley said: “It was a really good day. I could feel how proud everybody was, it was just a good celebration.”

Asked if her family connection to teaching influenced her career decision, she said: “It probably did have an impact but it is something I have always wanted to do since I was little.”

Teaching and education students will now be based at the university’s Lancaster campus. The only undergraduates using the Ambleside campus will be those taking outdoor studies. Leadership and management short courses will also be taught there.

Miss Thornley said: “I think it is a real shame that nobody else is going to get the chance to have that experience because there is nowhere else like Ambleside.”

Miss Thornley said there were negative vibes around Ambleside after the university announced it was stopping undergraduate courses in the town. The graduation ball was cancelled as people did not feel like celebrating.

Miss Thornley said: “Thankfully on the graduation day everyone put their opinions aside of what had happened and just enjoyed the day.”

Miss Thornley’s mother said: “I am so very proud of Louisa’s achievement.”

First published at 13:06, Thursday, 22 July 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk