All in all though I look back on my PGCE year as being a good year with lots of laughs, good experiences and I am really glad that I applied for and completed the course.

I did my History PGCE at UEA in 2004/5. My memories of my PGCE year are a real mixed bag.

I wholeheartedly enjoyed the social side of being on the course and met some good friends with whom I still regularly meet. Once I found my feet within the classroom I really enjoyed the teaching as well. That said, there were some moments, especially during the first placement that were very difficult, especially when you are faced with that class that know you are a student teacher and want to have a bit of a laugh at your expense! It was often a case of reciting ‘don't panic Mr. Manwaring!' and braving the storm.

There were also moments where it seemed that there was so much to do that I just didn't know what to do first. One of the benefits of the PGCE, however, is that you are with a group of people all sharing that experience and can meet to discuss problems and calamities regularly.

All in all though I look back on my PGCE year as being a good year with lots of laughs, good experiences and I am really glad that I applied for and completed the course.

Since qualifying I have been teaching at a rural(ish) school in Suffolk and have really enjoyed it. I teach 11-18 year olds and have not really got a favourite year/subject as actually they are all fun in their own way. I try to keep my classes as varied and as active as possible and am gradually amassing a great selection of comedy hats to inspire/persuade the kids to take part in activities.

I have been on residential trips to the Somme, Koblenz, Rome, Hadrian's Wall all of which I think are a real perk to the job! One of the best things about teaching (I think) is that the kids ensure that every day is very different from the one before and it seems that there is always room for personal improvement which keeps the job fresh and interesting (so far, anyway!). That said, there are downsides (as with most jobs) such as when you don't want to be marking exercise books at 9 o'clock on a Sunday night or constantly moaning at a boy in year 7 for talking when he should not be or telling him to tuck his shirt in!

But overall, I am really pleased I chose teaching as a profession and have thoroughly enjoyed my career so far. If I could do it all again, I would! Oh, and the holidays aren't bad either!