---

I studied Geophysical Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA). During the last year of my undergraduate degree I took part in the Student Associate Scheme (SAS). This allowed me to have an insight into the teaching profession whilst completing my studies. Information and guidance about different teaching routes and the PGCE course at UEA was included as part of the SAS scheme.

I chose the PGCE course at UEA to train to teach because of the high ranking of the course, and also because of its location and family and social links that I already had within the area. Initially you begin learning the policies and procedures of school life and before you know it you are in a school scenario acting as a member of staff. This can seem daunting but with your previous week’s training you take to it very well. Throughout the year you have two training school placements, the second longer than the first. First placement consist of getting a feel for teaching; standing up in front of the class; conveying your lesson objectives; building relationships with pupils; disciplining and lesson planning, where as the second placement builds on these skills you also incorporate social and safeguarding elements of the job; the role of a form tutor and how to use data to maximise the potential of your pupils. Throughout the year it is also necessary to enhance your subject knowledge but also to use literature to assist in areas of teaching you may be weaker at, for example, how to discipline.

Your training provider gives you training not only for subject knowledge but also other teaching policies and procedures along with safety etc. Furthermore there are three assignments that have to be submitted throughout the year. These are required as part of the QTS standards but they also assist you with your teaching.

This all does sound a lot but the rewards are indescribable. The common phrase of “the look on a pupil’s face when they get it” can only be experienced and the feeling of you knowing that it is you that has shown them how to understand is brilliant!

Writing assignments gives you the skills to take a neutral perspective about an issue and not to come to a biased conclusion. This way of looking at problems can be particularly helpful in many classroom scenarios to disperse disagreements but also to aid understanding – knowing someone does not always think in the same way as you.

School placements are fantastic! You are not just a student teacher - you are a member of staff. Your department will take you under their wing and help you throughout your year offering opinion and solitude should you need it. I tended to learn a lot more through conversation and work with other members of staff and co-operative working really helps you develop. Furthermore and possibly more importantly, you take on the role of a teacher. You uphold high expectations and the school rules. You work with children helping them academically and socially to become good citizens.

UEA is one of the best Universities to receive a PGCE from. The School of Education and Lifelong Learning is renowned nationally for its academic status and the high quality content in the course. The tutors and placement schools are fantastic in assisting students who are pursuing their career in teaching. This certainly shows by the sheer number of teachers in Norfolk and Suffolk who have come from UEA. The university has lots of different clubs and societies to join along with a well stocked library and great sports facilities. The city of Norwich is a pleasant city with plenty of city services but with the countryside and coast only a few miles away.

Postgraduate life requires a lot more academic and studying time than undergraduate life. There are many more occasions where you have to turn down social events in favour of academic work. The advantages of further study are the reward and the end and the prospect of a highly paid job with potential to earn more in the future. A disadvantage is if you have other commitments. The PGCE is a particularly difficult year and there can be stress in social and family life if you try to do too much - although it is not impossible and you must make time to relax every week.

Online Prospectus

Our PGCE Teacher Training Prospectus for September 2012 entry will provide you with further detailed information about all of our course options and programmes of study (online version available shortly).

Please contact us if you wish to request a hard copy version either through email: pgceinfo@uea.ac.uk or telephone: (+44) (0)1603 592855.