PGCE - Primary and Early Years (Physical Education) with QTS

Dan MacKintosh

I knew that Birmingham City University had a good reputation for the quality of their teacher training which was important to me as I wanted an experience which would help my employment prospects upon graduating. I also knew that the university had a high standard of facilities in the School of Education, such as the gym and specialist classrooms for each subject area. This was particularly pleasing as it allows lecturers to demonstrate what lessons might look like in the primary classroom.

I believe the practical side of the course was the most important and is where I feel that I did the most learning. I had two placements which were very different, one being in a large inner-city school in Birmingham and the other in a small, rural school in Warwickshire. Both presented a range of challenges and gave me a broad experience which has proved valuable to me in my new role as a Year 2 teacher.

Support on the course was excellent. Lecturers were always willing to make time for you, particularly my personal tutor and placement link tutors. This helped particularly on the academic side, which after a few years out of university I found harder than I expected, especially as the Level 7 aspect of the course is a step up from undergraduate study. During my placement I created a blog about my time as a PGCE Primary Education student, which is available to read on the School of Education’s website.

Over all I was very pleased with the course and feel it has left me in a great position to start my career. Be under no illusion that it isn't hard work, it is. However once you get into school the children remind you what it's all about and before you know it, it will be over and you will be preparing for the next leg of the journey - being an NQT!