Amy Smith

My favourite thing about Edge Hill is the support and genuine care I felt from the staff to get me to complete my degree to the best of my ability.

During lectures, we were taught the structure of a lesson, the timings we should have for each section and how we can assess pupils. There was plenty of support through examples of the first-hand teaching experiences that the lecturers had as well as modern case study recommendations that supported what they were saying.

During my degree I had real first-hand experience of being a teacher in different locations and different year groups. I was able to have professional conversations with current teachers and understand what they did in their role, how they managed their time, and find out about the extra activities they did to contribute to the growth and development of their pupils.

I began my degree during COVID, Edge Hill provided an online placement where I was able to see the different teaching aspects of the pandemic and gave me an opportunity to research techniques teachers used and why they would to this. I was able to have professional conversations with teachers regarding their preferred way to teach, assess and behaviour management techniques to assist in my developing pedagogy.

I was lucky enough to go on diverse placements with children who had additional needs. This allowed me to understand how teachers assist pupils with their learning and how to adapt planning to suit their needs.

I believe my career was enhanced from the confidence that Edge Hill gave me and the understanding that I could ask so many questions and always get the same level of support and assistance.

I was able to walk into a classroom and teach pupils immediately after I graduated from the confidence they instilled in me and the support they gave me.

Graduating from such a prestigious and well-known university was helpful with job opportunities, as many teachers had been to Edge Hill University and knew the high standards of teaching. Therefore, when I was explaining about my experiences and the opportunities I have had to teach, they knew I would be an asset to the team.

The top three skills I have gained from my degree are:

• Communication skills which I can use and adapt for all ages. I am also able to hold professional discussions with other adults and can liaise with parents and other carers in relation to their child.
• Patience and understanding. Pupils need opportunities to experiment, experience and make those mistakes to ensure they have the learning embedded in their minds and not just forgotten.
• Developing a sense of pride in my work, my teaching and my experiences. Edge Hill taught me to be kind to myself and to celebrate my achievements and accomplishments.

It is important in all jobs to remember you are doing great, and I did not realise that until I attended here. I think this is an important part of our mental health and wellbeing which I feel Edge Hill nurtured within me. I can say I am proud of what I have done without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable.

My inspiration for my current career came because I wanted to help students have the best placement opportunities like I did when I was a student at Edge Hill. I found it easy, helpful and so much fun when I attended Edge Hill and I would love to be a part of someone’s journey on their placement.

I can explain and assist with any worries current students may have and give them an insight into a typical day in school life. I have the experience to explain expectations that teachers have of them when they are in the class.

I love Edge Hill, when I was a student there I had such a good experience that I wanted to give back and assist those who would be on future placements.

A typical day in my job involves assisting students who are apprehensive of their placements. I liaise with staff and students to ensure their time at placement runs as smoothly as possible and I enjoy the knowledge that I have made their experience a little bit easier.

My plans for the future are to continue to assist students with placements and develop my knowledge and understanding of partnerships with other schools.

My advice to someone considering studying at Edge Hill would be to go for it. The awards the University has gained in the Faculty of Education speak for themselves.

The facilities provided by Edge Hill are amazing. All lecturers have their students’ best interest at the forefront of their mind.

Edge Hill feels like a massive family and when you need help after you graduate, they are still available to help.

I enjoy coming back on Alumni days to see the development of different places around the University. I loved my course, the lecturers were so engaging and inspiring.