Why choose Exeter for your Secondary PGCE

Steve

Secondary with Mathematics

Every day on placement is different and exciting in a special way and I love the practical side of actually teaching. I embrace the challenge of working with different groups of students all with different abilities and temperaments and bringing out the best in them. I have worked with an amazing group of teachers who have given me the freedom to trial different teaching strategies, from running practical mathematical activities with the students to developing their skills with respect to mathematical proofs and offering constructive feedback on my teaching.

My second placement has involved me travelling from Exeter to Newton Abbot by train. The 25-minute commute along the scenic Devon coastline offers me some invaluable time to quickly run through my teaching plan for the day and on the way home some personal time to unwind.

I would definitely recommend studying a PGCE at University of Exeter. The Exeter Model provides extensive training on campus in Term 1 and before you are thrown in the deep-end of teaching, you get some tasters in schools whilst your confidence is built up. By the time we are being sent into schools, there is a feeling of: I am ready to do this!

Below is an example of a typical week for me whilst on placement combining teaching, study and time with my family:

Matt

Secondary with Mathematics

My time on campus in the Autumn term allowed me to go into placement with the confidence that I had the knowledge about teaching to succeed. A huge benefit of having the first term on campus was that I developed strong friendships with the other trainees which created a strong support network that has allowed us to help each other throughout our placements.

My first placement school was in Teignmouth, a 30-minute drive away and the commute was straightforward. My second placement school was in Exeter and so I have been able to walk in every day. Finding accommodation was not difficult as I was happy to live with other students over the year and there are always rooms available to rent in the short term.

If you are considering teaching, training will be tough however, the Exeter PGCE prepares you and supports you in a way that you will always be on the right track. It is the most rewarding job and developing relationships with students, seeing them progress and knowing you have made a difference is the best feeling in the world.

Below is an example of a typical week during my placement:

Camille

Secondary with English

For someone who was rather unfamiliar with the specifics of the national curriculum, the development of literacy and more generally with wider issues in education, Term 1 was the perfect way to help me build that knowledge and understanding of learning processes before going on placement. The course leaders are extremely supportive and care about the wellbeing of trainees; and the level of expertise of the teaching staff involved in teaching the first term is excellent.

By Term 2 I was excited to finally start putting all of it into practice. Being on placement is about exploring teaching strategies, forming relationships with pupils and staff, and learning from highly qualified practitioners. Being on placement is about becoming the teacher you want to be, and this is an exciting adventure!

Below is an example of what a typical week on placement looked like for me:

Jack

Secondary with Mathematics

I felt that the first term based at Exeter was a great way to develop a strong foundation of pedagogic knowledge before getting into the classroom.  Schools are fast moving and demanding places, so this gave me the confidence to make decisions and take risks knowing that my work was informed by a good grasp of the literature.  Furthermore, the first term at university gives you the chance to create a support network with other PGCE students for when you need it.

What I have enjoyed most about being on placement it the freedom to observe a variety of teachers and the time to implement change in to your own teaching practice. Each school I was placed in was very supportive of me and staff were always available to discuss ideas or answer your questions. 

For me, the most rewarding part of being a teacher comes in two moments.  In the short term, it is those magical times when a classroom is lit up with “light bulb” moments and you know that you are responsible.  In the longer term, you really value the trust and belief that pupils put in you to teach them, they can become surprisingly clingy! In this profession you will never know it all and you will always be developing and refining your practice, which keeps it interesting! 

Below is an example of how a typical week on placement looked for me:

Becky

PGCE Secondary with Modern Foreign Languages

I feel that at Exeter, the time spent at university in Term 1 gave me a lot of ideas to test out when it came to entering schools. A lot of trainees struggle with coming up with ideas for activities, but we had so many that we were desperate to try out in a real classroom scenario. The peer teaching and theoretical knowledge that you acquire before entering a placement, allows you to build confidence and have some idea of what you are doing before you are let loose in schools!

The subject tutors are experienced and knowledgeable and will do everything possible to help you at every stage of your training. The links that the University have with its partner schools are brilliant and it will allow you to have such a range of experiences throughout your training year. All in all, the course will set you up very well for your future career.

Below is an example of my typical week during placement: