Paul Staker
Student spotlight details
We had the delight of chatting with Paul Staker over coffee during his time at the Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA). A retired general practitioner from Kent, Paul spoke thoughtfully about how Oxford reignited his passion for history and inspired him to pursue further academic study. His journey through the Certificate of Higher Education in History reflects the enduring value of curiosity, intellectual challenge, and the joy of lifelong learning at Oxford.
'I am a retired general practitioner specialising in musculoskeletal medicine. I live in Sittingbourne, Kent, the garden of Engand. I retired in 2022 but was subsequently encouraged to resume my clinical leadership of the local musculoskeletal service 18 months later, but this time only in a part-time capcity. As part of my retirement plan, I intended to reengage with academic studies, albeit in a non-scientific field. Over the last few years, I had begun digging into the history of my own surgery, which has been in existence for over 125 years. This research reignited my passion for history and prompted me to enroll on the Diploma in the History of Medicine offered by the Royal Society of Apothecaries in London.
'Having dipped my toe back into academic study, I was keen to extend my learning. My search for a form of flexible learning led me to the Oxford Lifelong Learning, which was offering a ten-week course on 'Churchill: Soldier, Politician and Statesman.' Despite my initial reservations about revisiting a subject I had not given much consideration to since my school days many decades ago, the encouragement and support provided by the tutor and fellow students motivated me to fully engage with the online discussions that emerged from the weekly questions posed by the tutor. This particular course offered a weekly live online tutorial session which was really helpful.
'I completed two further courses that year including one providing live online lectures. It was the variety of choice of courses, the flexibility provided by the online format, the quality of the source material and tutorial support that motivated me to stretch my horizons to apply for the Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE). I would be lying if I didn’t confess that the lure of the prestigious reputation of the University of Oxford was not part of the appeal.
'The most challenging part of the programme for me was the return to writing history essays. I did get a few cold sweats when approaching deadline days for the first few assignments, but the mandatory module of the introduction to academic literacy and the reassuring influence of the tutors, went a long way to transform this daunting prospect into a rewarding experience.
'Without doubt the most rewarding aspect of the CertHE journey was the two weeks I spent at Oxford completing two of the wide-range of courses provided by Oxford University Summer School for Adults programme (OUSSA). To spend time with 120 like minded students from all over the world, sharing academic advancement in a city of learning, and good pubs, was inspiring.
'The variety of courses available, as well as the need to undertake three courses outside your primary subject area, does help broaden the learning experience, even if I was originally sceptical of this requirement. The CertHE has encouraged me to consider extending my academic journey further, perhaps into the area of local history.
'If you are considering a course, I could not recommend the CertHE highly enough. The ability to sample the courses to see if they suit your learning style, along with the transferability of CAT points onto the certificate was a game changer for me. Despite the work required to complete the programme, its flexibility means it can be achieved alongside a busy life. I encourage you to give it a go!'
