Thomas Pilkington

I was inspired to study at university in order to pursue a career in sport, this eventually led to me joining Edge Hill to become a sport teacher. I was motivated to go to Edge Hill due to the excellent reputation it has regarding teacher education and training. In particular, the wide range of placement opportunities that are available.

My favourite thing about my degree is the high levels of support for assignments, and relaxed environment. The assignments are structured in a way that lessens workload. Content that is delivered makes sense and is highly relevant to my own teaching practice. Lecturers provide support whenever possible, are highly knowledgeable, and are friendly and approachable. Any queries I had were answered promptly. I was made to feel welcomed, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the university, which was primarily due to the lecturers. I also witnessed lecturers going above and beyond for other students, which solidified my own confidence in them.

My subject knowledge regarding teaching and pedagogy has been improved significantly whilst being on the course. I found lectures before placement helpful, they prepared me for being in a practical environment. This preparation enabled me to enter placement with greater confidence and a clearer sense of professional expectations.

There have been various theories and concepts that I have learnt through my course which I used within my current career. I have applied my learning by using cognitive load theory to present information in manageable steps, incorporating scaffolding to support student understanding, and employing effective assessment strategies to monitor progress. I also used cold calling and varied questioning techniques to engage all learners and check for understanding throughout lessons.

This degree has provided me with both the knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in education. My placement at Blackburn Rovers Sports College gave me the opportunity to apply what I learnt in a real-world setting, develop my teaching practice, and build strong professional relationships. As a result of the skills and confidence I gained during placement, I was offered a position at the college, where I am now employed. This opportunity has been a direct outcome of the course, highlighting how valuable the combination of academic learning and practical experience has been for my career progression.

My degree has significantly enhanced my employability by equipping me with essential teaching skills, up-to-date pedagogical knowledge, and hands-on experience in a real educational setting. It has developed my ability to plan and deliver effective lessons, use a variety of assessment methods, and adapt to different learning needs. The placement component, in particular, allowed me to build confidence, demonstrate my capabilities in a professional environment, and make valuable industry connections.

To me, the best thing about Edge Hill University is the supportive and approachable nature of the lecturers. They are not only highly knowledgeable in their fields but also genuinely invested in the success and development of their students, creating a positive and encouraging learning environment. Throughout my time at the university, I had access to all the facilities within The Catalyst, which was useful if I needed to complete work after lectures.

Having now graduated, I’m pleased to say that the course has enabled me to kickstart my career in education. My placement at Blackburn Rovers Sports College led directly to a job offer, and I am now working in a role where I can apply everything I’ve learned to support and inspire learners in a post-16 setting.

I would highly recommend this degree to anyone considering a career in education. The balance of theory and practical placement experience prepares you thoroughly for the classroom. The support from lecturers is outstanding, they genuinely care about your progress and are always willing to help. If you’re passionate about teaching and ready to develop both personally and professionally, Edge Hill is a great place to start your journey.