OH baby, baby!

Something of a baby boom has taken place within the accountancy and payroll courses at Swansea College.

Over the past three academic years, an astonishing 19 mature students on the part-time courses have fallen pregnant and four male students on the same courses have become proud dads.

As tutor Paul Sizer congratulated his latest expectant student, he was struck by the coincidence.

"It's been a bit of a running joke for a while now, the high number of pregnancies that we've seen on the course," Mr Sizer said.

"When we actually sat down and started counting, we were amazed that it was 23 babies in total over three years.

"The big question now, of course, is who is next?"

Student Emma Jones, 33, of Elm Crescent, Parc Penllergaer, said when she started the course she was told about the pregnancy rate in previous classes.

She said: "Paul always warns people when they start the course that students seem to fall pregnant. Nobody ever thinks that it is going to happen to them. I didn't!"

But pushing a pram with her eight-month-old son Lucas, the proud mum said her son was her miracle.

Miracle

She said: "I didn't think I could have children so in a way Lucas is my little miracle and it is thanks to this course!"

The oldest child is three years old and the youngest is just six days old.

Mr Sizer said this academic year had given rise to the most little bundles of joy.

"This year in particular, we have had ten girls fall pregnant, with eight giving birth and two who are due in a few months' time. Our latest baby was born on Monday.

"The girls have been swapping tips and talking babies in class. But they still managed to do their exams."

Mr Sizer also become a grandfather himself this college year. Coincidentally, the mum, Catherine Casey, is also on his course.

Mr Sizer said: "My son Ryan's partner Catherine is on my accountancy course. They both came over to my house and broke the news to me. So my grandson, Olly, is another name to add on to the list and another baby of future accountancy mums.

"Everybody did remind me of my speech when they found out."

Catherine, 26, of Carmarthen Road, Fforestfach, completed her exams this year.

She said: "It was not too nerve-wracking, as I had Olly as a nice distraction."

Mr Sizer added: "Our classes are very close-knit so we are all delighted whenever a new baby comes along — possibly a budding new accountant of the future.

"It has been lovely seeing the mums and their babies. I have had months of seeing the girls' bumps so it is lovely to see the babies in the flesh."

However, Mr Sizer said he would be changing his speech next year.

He said: "I am sure the story will go on again next year, but I think I will be giving the students more homework!"

laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk