Tom Heyes

Through studying History at an undergraduate level I wanted to find a way to pair my interest in the subject I love with a career. Ultimately, I decided on studying a PGCE in Secondary History. I was offered a place at several universities but I decided to complete my studies at Edge Hill due to the reputation the university has for producing great teachers. Living locally, I had regularly visited the campus and knew there were lots of indoor and outdoor spaces to study. There are plenty of green spaces to have a walk or sit down with a coffee and get to know other people on the course and study together. I think this really helped me focus on what is quite a demanding and different style of course to an undergraduate degree in history.

I found the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studies to be challenging at first but manageable with the quality of support I received on the course. Managing school placements as well as the academic content of the course can be tough. Tutors were great at adapting sessions to suit the confidence and pace of students on the course and encouraging us to bounce ideas off each other. We had the opportunity to work in groups on designing activities and delivering micro-lessons to build our confidence and support each other before going on placement. This teaching style created a supportive and friendly environment where we were able to share our ideas and give each other constructive feedback and advice.

As well as forming supportive bonds with other students whilst on the course, I received amazing support from my tutor, they always found the time to meet virtually or to schedule in a coffee meeting on campus. My tutor was able to provide advice and guidance that helped me develop my personal teaching style and support me with coursework alongside my placement. The support from my tutor has even outlasted my time on the course; they have provided me with advice and support for a recent application to study an MA in Education at Edge Hill, which I will be starting in September 2024.

During the course I enjoyed my placement time, but I particularly liked learning about educational theory and exploring educational policy. The course, in addition to the professional placements, encourages you to complete research and reflective practice which helps you improve as a practitioner and really focus on an area of education you have a real passion for. There are also lots of extra opportunities whilst on the course which encourage you to go beyond the classroom. We had the opportunity to support with school clubs, revision classes and contribute to the wider school community.

As well as giving you the skills to become a great teacher, the course is also fantastic at opening your mind to the different areas of education and working with young people in general. A PGCE opens multiple avenues beyond teaching and working in schools. Whilst on placement I was able to plan and teach lessons and support students with additional needs in subject areas unrelated to history which developed my appreciation of working in different roles within the school setting.

I now currently work in Education Liaison working with schools and colleges to support their students who are looking to apply to universities up and down the country. Despite not going into teaching directly, this course prepares you for life throughout the education sector. My confidence and understanding of education developed through the PGCE has enabled me to pursue a career working within Higher Education. I regularly use the knowledge gained from my PGCE in my current role; liaising with teaching staff, providing guidance to students, or designing content to engage school audiences. The qualities and confidence developed from my postgraduate qualification is something I regularly use in my current job.

The best advice I have if you are somebody thinking of a course in teacher training is that it can take a little time to adapt to a different style of course and that is okay. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to develop my confidence on the course but that wasn’t the case at all once I expressed these concerns to my tutor. Reach out to other students on your course, and don’t be afraid to ask your tutor for help when you are struggling, it is what they are there for. You’re also not expected to know the entire national history curriculum before you start- it’s huge.