Victoria Lake, PGCE Primary: PE Specialism with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Speaking about her PGCE journey: ‘Throughout the course, I have really gained confidence in teaching children of different ages, with different needs, a variety of subjects. Certainly, the first time that you are independently teaching a class of 30+ children, it can be a nerve-wracking experience, however, the supportive teachers and mentors that you work alongside quickly bring your confidence up and the excitement of heading into school every day takes over! The opportunities during placements to attend school trips, observe parents’ evenings, and take on extra responsibilities within schools have also provided me with invaluable insight and experience for when I have my own class. The PE pathway has given us extra time in refining our theoretical and practical knowledge in order to make us specialists within the field, utilising and adding to our undergraduate knowledge.’
Her thoughts on doing a PGCE at Worcester: ‘The university and teaching staff are incredibly supportive and encouraging. All of the lecturers have immense experience within primary education and the respective subjects that they teach, therefore the teaching you receive is of a high quality at all times. The amount of schools that the university work with also allows those students who are not local to the university to potentially have placements closer to home, and the university is also very understanding and accommodating for students who have other priorities too, such as children (as a parent, I would know!) The timetable is also well-planned and not overwhelming at all. The facilities and resources that the university offer are also exceptional. The lecturers regularly update the online Blackboard so that you always have access to the right resources that can support your teaching, understanding, and academic assignments.'
How university and placements worked to support her progress: ‘The course has been very valuable and the university sessions and placements intertwine to allow you to utilise the skills, knowledge and ideas learned within university to support your planning and delivery of lessons once you are in schools. Being on the PE pathway, we have also had the chance, during university sessions, to take part in extra CPD which were great learning opportunities and add that little bit extra to your job applications too.’