Making a Difference...

My main reason for wanting to teach was that I really wanted to make a difference. I'm interested in developing strong thinking characters capable of succeeding in life both in and outside of school.

I chose the PGCE route because I wanted an academic qualification and QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) so that I can have a career in teaching, and I chose the University of East Anglia because I had a friend who trained there. He told me about how good the course is.

The curriculum sessions were really useful and they got me to think about issues which helped me to grow and develop as a teacher. The emphasis on Key Stage 3 strategy, as well as GCSE and A Level, really helped my teaching. I still have contact with some of the others on the course; we developed some really deep friendships. The discussions we had in sessions helped me to develop. When you know that someone else is going through similar things then you do not feel that you are on your own.

I'm now working in a rural 13-18 comprehensive. The other teachers are very friendly and supportive. You never get bored as a teacher, there is never time. Succeeding with a group, developing relationships and trust, is really special.

The majority of the children are keen to learn. I have a really nice sixth form class. My Year 9 are brilliant, I've just had a great lesson with them. My Year 11 are talkative but I really like them, they are a great group. My two Year 10 groups are more difficult but I'm enjoying the challenge. It's great when I feel that I have taught them something. In three years time I see myself in the classroom still. But the more I teach the more I find that I would like to know more so I would like to be doing another degree related to teaching because I want to study in more depth how pupils learn and how schools operate.

One of my friends told me that East Anglia is boring because it is so flat! But I found it so green and nice. People in Norwich are much nicer than people in some other cities. There is a great atmosphere.