PGCE - Secondary - PGCE Business and PGCE Business with Economics

Trish Duncan

“The University of Worcester was one of the few universities that offered the chance to train to become a Business Teacher,” said Trish. “And it also came with a great reputation. So, in June 2020 I found myself having an interview to be accepted on the course.  Luckily, I got accepted, left my job and started studying like mad so I felt ready for my September start.”

“I was concerned that my hearing impairment would negatively impact my ability to become a teacher, but I was wrong. The University helped me apply for some extra funding that enabled me to get a microphone and loop system that I could use in my classroom to help me hear my pupils better.”

“My business tutor and professional studies tutor were both fantastic,” she said. “I felt very supported at all times and nothing ever felt like too small a problem to discuss. My placements were at Hanley Castle High School and Pershore High School, both of which were fantastic, and I cannot thank them enough for the training and support.”

“Graduating felt amazing – this last year has just flown by – and I’m so proud that at 39 I have started on a new path in my life that I absolutely adore. I have no regrets about changing my career.”

Imogen Youd

Imogen was living in Barcelona playing in Catalonia’s Division 2 basketball league when she decided she wanted to train to become a teacher.

“I decided I wanted to teach Business as I was volunteering in a primary school in Spain and felt very passionate about ensuring every pupil had the same opportunities in education,” said Imogen. “I chose Worcester for my PGCE as I had a previous experience here which I loved and also the reputation for teaching education is top-notch.”

“My time studying was very intense,” she said. “I was already aware that the PGCE would be very full-on but having basketball commitments alongside this, made it so that I had barely any free time at all. Lesson planning took a great deal of time for me, but I enjoyed seeing how I made a difference to pupil lives.”

Imogen is now working at a school in Twickenham and is running the Business Curriculum, alongside playing basketball for Brent Bulls in Division 2 of the national league.

“In the coming years I plan on applying for head of department/head of year roles to capitalise on my managerial experience,” she said. “I am also still playing basketball and enjoying the healthier, work-life balance.”

Alex McDonald

Alex McDonald completed his PGCE in Business with Economics and will shortly take on a role as Head of Department. His feat is all the more remarkable as he combined this with six months helping out as a medical secretary.

“I am certainly proud of myself,” said the 24-year-old, of Cheltenham. “I remember the Course Leader saying in the first week of the PGCE that teaching is like a rollercoaster, and I definitely found the PGCE full-on at times. The end goal is always in the back of your mind, and it therefore makes life much more relaxing when you know you are going to be stood in your own classroom and making a difference to your own students in the not too distant future.”

Alex added: “The PGCE course at the University of Worcester is very highly respected by schools across the country. I thoroughly enjoyed the level of support and guidance given; I would certainly classify it as a personal learning experience.  Moreover, the University and I are very much still in contact and I know that if I ever have any concerns that I can ask for support and guidance.” 

Owen

"After thoroughly enjoying economics at sixth form and then going on to study economics at University I felt that I wanted to go into teaching Economics myself.

"My passion for solely teaching economics at a sixth form level was something I was concerned about going into a secondary PGCE Business with Economics course. That being said, my passion was immediately recognised and my tutor ensured I had placement schools that had this on offer. Early on I enjoyed the Business with Economics teaching as the variety on offer meant every day was different.

"With an extremely comprehensive teacher training course including group discussions, teaching support, interview support, and more; I could not have asked for a more dedicated course tutor. This enabled me to fulfil my passion as I am now a sixth form teacher of economics at Bromsgrove School, as well as being an A level examiner.

"The opportunities go beyond just teaching however as I have been employed by various practice paper and revision companies to author practice papers and exemplar exam material, which I would not have been able to do without the experience and support from Yvonne on this PGCE course."