David Woo

After achieving a BA (Hons) in Primary Education in 2016, my vision for teaching was simple – inspirational and enthusiastic teachers pave the way for motivated and passionate learners. Indeed, easy to write, however, was this possible in the classroom? In my opinion, yes. Developing a class ethos that encouraged children to make mistakes, become resilient, enjoy, and have fun in their learning, could open the door to outstanding teaching and learning. However, after many years in the education sector, there was a realisation that the very system that is there to develop our children was having an overwhelming effect on their mental health and wellbeing, and this is where I began to reflect on my vision for teaching and learning – finding myself questioning the ethos I previously had, and leading me to dedicating myself to developing a set of skills that enables me to advocate for the marginalised and vulnerable.

Studying at Edge Hill was like a breath of fresh air. Although there were students from a range of diverse backgrounds, there was always a sense of ‘team’. It was amazing to see students, lecturers, and workshop providers all coming together to work on one goal. I found it valuable studying with younger students, as I developed more of an understanding of any age related issues. I also developed an understanding of international dynamics, through my international counterparts. Having such a diverse range of people on, and facilitating, the course really allowed me to develop my professional and personal understanding of many different problems and solutions.

The MSc equipped me with a range of skills that I am able to apply in my current role. It helped me develop a robust understanding of developmental psychology and mental health frameworks, which are relevant in today’s social and economical landscape. It also allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the educational contexts in which young people navigate their formative years. As well as this, it gave me a knowledge to work closely with Senior Leadership Teams to ensure there are relevant evidence-based strategies and procedures put into place – ensuring that more children do not fall through the cracks and into crisis.

I believe social inequality and deprivation go hand in hand with trauma, meaning that the course’s fundamental pillar of knowledge is interweaved into everything I currently do. This gives me a lot of confidence, when walking into a room full of professionals. The systems theory module is one that prepares you well for working with local and national government, as the language and thinking you develop in this module is the language and thinking that is used in many a meeting. As well as this, the leadership module really prepares you for working with a diverse range of individuals, and it develops your understanding of how a small shift in an organisation can have a larger impact on the organisation’s whole culture and ethos. This module, partnered with systems theory, gives you powerful tools to move into the professional world.

My tips for studying this degree is to lean into the uncomfortable. It is not going to be easy, but you really should embrace that. Ask every question and question every answer. Give yourself time: time to study; time to relax; time for friends and family. It can be quite a ‘heavy’ course, so finding time for all of these is really important. On a personal level too, do not be afraid to speak to your tutors. They are there to help you. They want the best from you.

During my time studying the MSc, I was the course’s Student Representative. Within this role, I would represent students at any course evaluation sessions. Here, I would speak with students regarding the course content and facilitation. Any issues or recommendations were confidentially taken back to the teaching faculty for them to action, appropriately.

My current role is an Education Policy Officer. A typical day can look very different, depending on which season we are in. During the autumn, we work to build connections with the main political parties, through attending their Party Conferences. Here, we run a ‘Fringe’ event and exhibition to try and build alliances, for our cause, on a national scale. Post party conferences, we work on building our own local and national deprivation and homelessness conferences for people from diverse backgrounds to attend. Throughout the year, we lobby local and national government to support our policies and request amendments in current and future Acts. My favourite part of my job is seeing actual change – whether that be on a school level, local level, or national level.

Currently, I am in the pursuit of a PhD, so I am keeping my eye out for opportunities around my research interests.