Christopher Quirk

To me Wirral Met does not just represent a second chance at learning, it represents another opportunity at learning. I originally went to study sports science at Edge Hill University and dropped out. Roughly 6/7 years prior to enrolling onto this course, I  dropped out due to some circumstances in my life that impacted my mental health and took some time out. Despite this I was still provided with another opportunity. If you are someone that is willing to put in effort and drive to meet Wirral Met halfway, you will truly thrive and gain so much from their courses, and they are here to support you in whatever way possible.

I live on the Wirral and was inspired to take this step while working as a learning support assistant at the college. Teaching had always been something I’d considered, but I never thought there was a route available to me without formal qualifications. Discovering this pathway made it feel possible for the first time. The flexibility of being able to study while working was a huge factor. The local campus also meant I didn’t have to manage a long commute on top of my workload, which made the whole opportunity feel more accessible. I would advise to speak to someone on the team if you are considering this course and take a tour. You’ll get a real sense of the environment and the support on offer. It can feel overwhelming at first, but the staff are incredibly helpful in guiding you and making sure the course is right for you.

The weekly twilight sessions are designed to fit around working hours, which has been essential for me. My employer has also been supportive, adjusting my schedule to make sure I have time to attend classes and prepare.

I really enjoy linking theory to practice, being able to take what we’ve discussed in class and apply it in real-world teaching situations. It’s rewarding to see what works, what doesn’t, and to explore better ways of doing things. I’m constantly testing and reflecting on different teaching theories. Each week is a chance to refine my approach and improve my practice based on what I’ve learned.

This programme has given me invaluable hands-on teaching experience, including guided support, mentoring, and the chance to lead sessions and receive structured feedback. I’ve also had the opportunity to explore teaching in different subject areas through secondary placements. The Edge Hill team has also offered regular careers support, which has been great for planning next steps. We’ve had regular visits from the careers team, and our tutors have maintained strong communication to help us with placements and assignments. Although I didn’t need to access additional support services, it was reassuring to know they were available.

The lecturers have been incredibly supportive guiding us through academic skills like referencing and critical reading, while also offering pastoral care during challenging times. Their feedback on lesson observations has genuinely boosted both my confidence and my competence in the classroom. At the start, I had a basic understanding of teaching and learning, but the programme has helped me go much deeper. It’s not just about knowing what works, it’s about understanding the evidence behind it and being able to justify and refine your approach based on that.

I plan to continue my studies with a Master’s in Education. My long-term goal is to teach on an initial teacher training programme and develop my own teaching and learning platform.