I’d never been in a classroom before, so let me tell you, this teacher training course was intense! All I had to my name was three weeks of volunteering in schools before I dived into the PGCE course. I crammed what some of my friends managed in three years into less than one year. Completing a Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in the British education system is truly a transformational journey. It equips budding educators with the skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm needed to make a positive impact on young minds. In this blog post, I’m going to take you through what it’s like to finish a Primary PGCE in the United Kingdom, delving into both the challenges and rewards.
Starting my Primary PGCE programme was a mix of excitement and nerves. The prospect of joining the education sector, inspiring young learners, and making a difference was exhilarating. One of the crucial aspects of completing a Primary PGCE is the deepening of your teaching knowledge. You’ll dive into various educational theories, teaching strategies, and classroom management techniques. My coursework covered subjects like child development, curriculum design, and assessment methods. This theoretical foundation equipped me to effectively cater to the diverse needs of my future students.
One of the standout features of a Primary PGCE is the teaching placements. I initially had a placement in rural Cumberland, and later, I headed to inner London for two more extended placements. I was studying at St Martins College Carlisle, part of the University of Lancaster, which also had a site in London, making the transition smooth. These teaching placements offered invaluable opportunities to put my theoretical learning into practice. During the PGCE, you’ll spend time in real classrooms, working alongside experienced teachers, and gradually taking on more teaching responsibilities. These placements help you develop your teaching style, boost your confidence, and foster strong relationships with your students.
Completing a Primary PGCE comes with its fair share of challenges. The workload can be demanding, with assignments, lesson planning, and classroom observations to juggle. To be honest, I still find classroom observations a bit daunting, but during the PGCE, my nerves were on a whole new level. You’ll face moments of self-doubt and a need for resilience. I often found myself working until around 10 pm most nights during my school placements. However, the support from tutors, mentors, and fellow trainee teachers helps you navigate these challenges and grow as an educator. My placements in rural Cumberland and London offered diverse experiences. The schools were completely different. I was fortunate to have fantastic mentors, although during my final placement, I sometimes felt a bit left on my own. I was told it was because I was doing so well, but I couldn’t help but wonder if they just needed some extra cover time!
Throughout your PGCE journey, you’ll learn to create engaging lesson plans, design educational materials, and adapt your teaching methods to suit different learning styles. The development of this teaching toolkit is an ongoing process that will serve you well in your future career.
One of the most rewarding aspects of completing a Primary PGCE is the relationships you form with fellow trainees and experienced mentors. This support network is invaluable. You can share experiences, seek advice, and collaborate on projects. The sense of camaraderie among educators is truly inspiring and contributes to your personal and professional growth.
As you progress through your PGCE programme, you’ll begin to see the results of your hard work. The joy of witnessing your students grasp new concepts, overcome challenges, and develop a love for learning is immeasurable. These moments of success reinforce your commitment to teaching and inspire you to continue making a positive impact.
Completing a Primary PGCE in the British education system is a transformative journey filled with challenges, personal growth, and deeply rewarding experiences. It equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to ignite the passion for learning in the next generation, shaping their futures and contributing to the betterment of society. While I often felt like I needed more time for study, I learned on the job during my first year of teaching in inner London. The road may be long and challenging, but the sense of fulfillment and the profound impact you have on young minds make it all worthwhile. So, if you’re considering a career in primary education, know that the journey of completing a Primary PGCE is profoundly rewarding. I’d also recommend gaining some prior experience in schools with children and undertaking some short courses before embarking on the PGCE.
Your PGCE can even take you on a globetrotting adventure if you fancy living abroad! Some international schools may hire you for your early career years, although most prefer a few years of prior experience. In the UK, there are plenty of teaching positions in cities like London, but they can be harder to come by in counties like Cumberland and Devon. In my home county, primary teachers tend to have limited job mobility. It’s a beautiful part of the world, so the demand for supply as well as school contract jobs is high. If you decide to take the course, consider where you want to live. If opportunities are scarce, be prepared to relocate to secure your first teaching job.
