How do you feel the PGCE has helped you develop as a teacher?
It has helped to shape my teaching persona. It was not just about how to explain science. The lecturers build such good relationships with us as students. I still remember the first few lectures and we were all so impressed with their enthusiasm, and we were all thinking how are they doing this, but then throughout the year everything we have done has helped us to create our teaching style. By having lots of placements and watching different teaching styles, we have been allowed to develop our teacher persona and the mindset of viewing education as more than just a test paper.
Why did you choose Homerton College for your PGCE?
The first thing that drew me to Homerton was that the Faculty of Education is here. They have a lot of PGCE students and I thought it would be really nice to be in that community where there are other aspiring teachers with a similar mindset. I get to be around people with similar ideas and who are all thinking about children, the future and education.
What, or who, inspired you to pursue a career in Education?
My GCSE science teacher had the idea that if you didn’t understand it the first time then you were really trying hard enough which led me to hate GCSE science. I would avoid doing homework and thought science was just for super smart students. However, I did do science for A level, but I had a laid-back teacher who really knew his subject. And he taught so well. He would always repeat information three times so that he was sure we had taken it in, and I have found myself doing the same. He just knew how to deliver complex content in a way that was really simplified. I started to ask questions and he never shut it down, but would explain to me in class or one to one and he would tell me more about it. That’s why I went on to do Chemistry at undergrad level. He did biochemistry at Oxford, and we asked him why he was a teacher and he said he liked what he did. I did some tutoring when I was an undergrad and during my third year, I thought that there was no job that I would like to do more than teaching. That the best thing, it doesn’t feel like a job.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given or would pass on to prospective PGCE students?
In schools we learn is knowledge in boxes and subjects are separated from each other; you are either a STEM student or an arts student and I don’t like that. I enjoyed lots of different subjects and I think that stopping being focussed on either sciences or arts would give a more all-round education.
What is the one thing you think we should be talking about in Education now?
Teaching by theme, for example the environment, allows you to cover lots of different subjects in a cohesive approach. I think this approach would encourage the students towards higher education.
Tell us about your favourite place at Homerton?
The Buttery area where we all go on breaks, but also where you could work. It has a picturesque view and everyone gathers there and it has a relaxed atmosphere with lots of students from different subjects congregating.
