Skip Navigation

Sophie Dottie

PGCE Primary Education with QTS

Primary Education with QTS student, Sophie Dottie

I’ve been given plenty of opportunities for continued professional development, and all my theory work is put into context either with real-life examples from my tutors, or when I see it first hand out on professional practice.

The University has a great reputation for training teachers. Having studied an undergraduate in Drama and a Masters in English, I felt the best way for me to apply and share my subject knowledge was to teach.

I was already familiar with the Edge Hill campus and the support systems in place, so this really helped the transition. In my experience, postgraduate life has a much higher expectation for self-directed study, so time management comes into play a lot more.

The application process was straightforward. I used my personal statement as a basis to form talking points for my PGCE interview too, so this was really useful. I funded my course through student finance, which I also found to be an easy process to complete.

I’ve been given plenty of opportunities for continued professional development. My PGCE course at Edge Hill involves theory-based learning, covering topics such as how children learn. All my theory work is put into context either with real-life examples from my tutors, or when I see it first hand out on professional practice. Each student on the course is assigned personal academic tutors, who offer advice and guidance throughout our time on the course. I’m finding this support system to be extremely helpful.

Professional practice placements out in schools are the best opportunity to put my theoretical learning into practice. My tutors at Edge Hill offer lots of support and regular contact throughout my time on placement, so I always feel supported and like I have guidance if needed. I’ve met so many inspirational teachers on my placements who have supported me in planning and delivering lessons. Building this support system and learning from experienced colleagues has really helped my confidence grow as a teacher.

Learning when to seek advice from more experienced colleagues is a top skill I have developed through my PGCE. Other key skills include managing classroom behaviour and how to transfer theory into practice. Putting them into practice out on placement is what has really made them stick.

I’m looking forward to making use of the alumni services offered at Edge Hill, such as the careers support and the free CPD sessions the Faculty of Education offer to graduates. Once I finish my PGCE, I am hoping to secure my first teaching position.