Taught by subject experts in a supportive PE-focused group, Alice developed practical skills and confidence to take into her placements and her future career.
I studied health and exercise science as an undergraduate and knew I wanted a sports-related career. I wasn’t sure which direction to go in until I'd spent time in a school cover teaching.
Seeing how the children progressed and working with colleagues towards a common goal was really fulfilling. It confirmed that teaching was definitely what I wanted to do.
A sense of community
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I’d heard that 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载’s programme was highly respected – several teachers at my previous school had studied here and gave it glowing reviews. After my interview I went to the campus and had a chat with some of the course leaders and I felt most drawn to 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 and what it could offer me.
Alice Wood, PGCE Physical Education
Choosing 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 was the right decision as I’m really enjoying this year. It's even exceeded my expectations, and I think that’s reflective of the course structure and the support from our tutors.
Subject-specific learning
One aspect I found particularly beneficial was the opportunity to learn in a subject-specific cohort. Quite a lot of the general teaching practices you learn are more focused on classroom-based subjects, so it’s great to have the opportunity to take a more practical, PE-focused approach to pedagogy.
On our weekly uni days our subject lead brings in experts from different schools to deliver sessions with us on a range of sports. My tutor has so much knowledge and expertise, which really comes across in her teaching. I make sure I’m listening to, and understanding everything she says!
I also appreciate the support of our close-knit group. It’s a very fast-paced and intense programme, so to have that support system is really good. You can compare experiences and get advice to help you improve. We’re all specialists within different sports, so if I’m doing a lesson plan on something I’m not so confident in I can ask someone who knows more about it.
Building confidence
Applying new knowledge and techniques while on my placement was the most rewarding part of the course. I've already secured a job for September and I'm looking forward to the coming year.
Going into placement school is a bit daunting at first, but once you start to get that support from your mentors and start working closely with colleagues who have been in the profession for years, you start to feel a lot more comfortable. It really cements your role as a teacher.
The lecturers and support staff are excellent and being in a like-minded cohort, who are all working towards the same goal as me is also really helpful and motivating.
It’s really great to have responsibility for your own classes and to see how the children are developing from your teaching.