Beccy Pook, Geography (Secondary) PGCE
I am originally from Brighton, although I was born in London, grew up in the Fens and studied and worked in London before coming to Brighton after my first son was born 15 years ago. Now I am the mother of two boys who are both at secondary school.
After being awarded my degree in Geography, I pursued a varied and interesting career including house management in a conference centre, working as a director on a £100 million housing regeneration programme, childminding, garden design and working as Geography subject specific teaching assistant .
Best teacher training schools in the South East
I chose to study at the School of Education having heard about its reputation of one of the best teacher training schools in the South East with an excellent performance in Ofsted inspections. The geography course and course staff have an excellent reputation nationally and with the geography teachers I have worked with, some of whom had studied at Brighton themselves.
Going back to study
Initially I was daunted at the prospect of returning to academic study. One of the things I enjoyed the most was the chance to spend time reflecting on educational theory and practice for my masters level credits. It seemed a luxury to me to be able to study at this level with all the facilities of the University at my disposal.
I also thoroughly enjoyed my placements which were organised really well with very professional mentors. Being able to return to university between placements to share my experiences with friends was also very helpful and served as reflection in itself.
Studying at the School of Education
Almost every element of the course is carefully considered and monitored as well as being constantly improved upon. I enjoyed features such as the opportunity to work in mixed subject seminars and whole day events on subjects such as diversity with very well selected external speakers.
The course was structured in such a way as to support you through each assignment. In turn the assignments built your skills progressively so that you were ready for the next stage of the course or the next assignment.
Course tutors visited the placement schools to observe me and check on my progress and the schools provision to support me; as well as being prepared to mediate with school mentors and professional tutors as and when it was necessary.
Individual tutorials were carried out regularly which was an opportunity to make sure that my assignment choices were sensible and that my evidence based paperwork (otherwise known as the infamous Professional Development Profile) was properly structured.
Preparing for teaching
I have started working in a very demanding position and whilst it has been a little overwhelming and tiring I feel confident in every element of the job and do not feel there is anything I am being asked to do that I am not trained for or that is beyond my capabilities. Given that I am teaching four subjects over four year groups and have a form tutor group to mentor I think that speaks volumes for the ability of the course to prepare people for the teaching profession.
The course was rigorous in making sure I was ready to teach in the classroom, take on the professional responsibilities that are expected of me and be properly aware of all important legislation and how it affects me as a teacher.
Goals for the future
I have been told I could expect to be an outstanding teacher within two years and that is my initial goal as well as securing a permanent contract. Beyond that I would like to complete my Masters in Education and further into the future I believe my existing management skills would make me well placed to take up a position as a Head of Department, perhaps once I have supported my own children through their GCSEs!
Find out more about our Geography (Secondary) PGCE course...
