Elsbeth Rollinson

I’ve always loved every aspect of film production/studies, and after finishing my degree, I knew I wanted to teach it. I live in Manchester, but I was happy to travel for the right course. The Edge Hill programme at Wirral Met really stood out because it offered a solid route into teaching with a strong focus on practical classroom experience. It felt like the best place to help me turn my passion for film into a career in education.

My mum was a teaching assistant, and I’ve had other relatives who’ve worked in education too. So while I’m not the first to go into teaching, I am the first to take this specific route. It’s felt like a natural step for me, especially after seeing how rewarding a career in education can be.

The blend of academic learning from Edge Hill with the supportive environment at Wirral Met really stood out to me. It didn’t feel like a traditional university experience where you’re stuck in a lecture hall all the time. It felt tailored to future teachers who want to get into the classroom and make a difference. I loved the smaller classroom size as it allowed me to have a personal experience. I’ve been able to apply so much from the course directly into my lessons. From scaffolding techniques to behaviour management strategies, I’ve really seen how the theory connects to what happens in a real classroom.

I came into the course with a love for film studies, but this programme has helped me develop a much deeper understanding of how to teach it effectively. I’ve learned how to break down complex ideas for learners, and how to make the subject more accessible and inclusive. Having a mentor with a strong subject knowledge really helped me too.

Honestly, my favourite thing about my course has been the mix of theory and real teaching experience. Being able to test out strategies in the classroom, reflect on them, and see the impact they have on learners has been incredibly rewarding. The structure of the course has made it possible to juggle both studying and working. It’s intense, but manageable because the expectations are clear, and the support is there if things ever felt overwhelming.

The lecturers have been brilliant. They genuinely care about our progress and are always willing to offer support and honest feedback. Whether I needed help understanding a theory or just a bit of reassurance, they were always there. I’d tell anyone considering this course to go for it! It’s challenging, but the support is amazing and you’ll learn so much. It is not just about teaching, but about yourself too. It’s a great environment to grow in.

This course has opened the door to a career I really care about. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with a range of learners and gain confidence in leading lessons while reflecting on my teaching practices. I feel much more confident about stepping into a teaching role. It’s helped me build a strong CV with practical experience, and I now feel ready to apply for jobs knowing I’ve got the training and knowledge to support my students. It is great to know I can use Edge Hill’s careers team for three years too. There’s also a fantastic digital skills team who’ve helped me build my confidence with tools like Teams, PowerPoint, and digital teaching resources, which have been especially useful for my lesson planning. The Careers Hub has also been really helpful as they’ve supported me with preparing for interviews and thinking about my next steps after the course.

If you’re passionate about your subject and want to share that through teaching, this course is a brilliant starting point. It’s not just about learning how to teach, it’s about growing in confidence and understanding how to support all types of learners. I’ve come a long way both professionally and personally, and I genuinely feel ready to take the next step into teaching thanks to the support from my tutors. I’d love to continue teaching Film Studies in further education. Eventually, I’d like to specialise in inclusive teaching practices and work with students who may face barriers to education.