Why did you choose to get into teaching?
I choose to get into teaching because I have always wanted to work with children. I am eager to make a positive impact on children’s lives and give them the stepping stones to create their futures. In college, I studied health and social care, during that time, I undertook placements, some of which took place in primary schools. This inspired me to become a primary school teacher due to how much I enjoyed my placement experiences.
Why did you choose the University of Cumbria?
I choose the University of Cumbria because I loved the campus, I loved how close the campus felt. All the tutors know you on a personal basis, which you would not experience on a big campus. I also loved the nature aspect of the university with lots of greenery around the campus. I also love Lancaster as an area in general; it is a small city but with everything you need. There are lots of great places to visit, with Williamsons Park across the road from the campus, as well as the city centre, which includes lots of historical places to visit, like Lancaster castle and several museums.
"I 100% recommend doing a teacher training course at the University of Cumbria if this is something that you are interested in. It is an amazing experience and allows you to become a brilliant teacher, as the tutors provide the best quality of teaching and support."
What was the most difficult obstacle have overcome in your student journey, so far?
Moving into halls was very difficult for me as I had never lived independently before; however, this was the best decision I could have ever made. Through moving to halls, I have grown in my confidence and independence massively. It was a scary transition but the best one. It allowed me to make lots of new friends and experience university life on another level.
What advice would you give to others that want to get into teaching?
I cannot recommend getting into teaching enough! It is a brilliant course with lots of support from tutors. The placement experiences are amazing and allow you to gain an insight of what teaching is all about. The assignment work can seem overwhelming at times, but it is all manageable and there is lots of support available. It is a very fun and engaging course which is not always just sitting listening to lectures in a classroom. It is a very hands-on course which involves lots of fun and engaging activities. Outside learning also takes place quite frequently. The tutors try to create lectures which would be very much like how you would teach in a primary school. This involves lots of group discussions, lots of creating fun and exciting things like hand puppets in design and technology, making dens in early years and creating lots of mathematical resources in maths.
Tell us about your experiences on placement.
Each academic year, you will undertake a placement, which usually last about a school term. These placements are amazing as they allow you to experience what it would be like as a teacher. You get to create and deliver your own lessons with the support of your class teacher and mentor. It allows you to build great classroom relationships with the children, which will make you never want to leave. It allows you to see how all the work you are doing at university is contributing to your progress, which is a huge motivation.
How is university life beyond your studies?
Beyond studies, you will create the most amazing friendships, and there are lots of things to do in Lancaster with your friends. There are lots of places to eat around Lancaster, which is always a bonus.
The train station in Lancaster allows you to quickly access many different places. Manchester is not far away from Lancaster and is a great place to visit on the train. There are also lots of walks around Lancaster not far from the campus. The Lake District can be reached by train and is a beautiful place to visit.
I am currently a part of the netball team, and I hugely recommend being involved in a sports team. Each week, the team plans different socials with different themes. For example, around Christmas time, the team dressed up as a Christmas decoration and the whole team went on a night out around town together, which is so fun, even if you are not a big drinker! Training also takes place weekly, which allows you to develop amazing friendships whilst playing a sport that you love.
What do you enjoy the most about student life in Lancaster?
I enjoy the mixture that student life brings in Lancaster. You can have a balanced social life, as the city can get busy and thrive during the nighttime with different night clubs to attend. But, if you enjoy a peaceful quite life, then Lancaster provides this also. There are several bars and pubs to visit. I think it is a good balance, because it is not too quiet nor too busy, allowing you to have a good time. I enjoy that there are lots of places to visit as well as a student, and lots of discounts available for students in different places, especially many of the shops in Lancaster. During Christmas time, there is an ice-skating rink, a big wheel, and lots of festive stalls. In the summertime, there is a festival called “Highest Point”, which takes place at Williamsons Park, very close to the campus, which is a bonus if you like festivals. I like that there is always something to do in Lancaster even in a small city.
What is it like living in student accommodation?
Living in student accommodation on campus is great because it is a brilliant price with all bills included. It is also a quiet and peaceful environment and not too noisy for on-campus accommodation. The accommodation team is also very attentive and will quickly respond to any needs or issues you have regarding accommodation. There is also security on-site 24/7, which is handy if like me you sometimes forget your keys! While I have never lived off campus, there are many off-campus living options available to students, allowing you to find the right place for you.
What has been your overall experience training with the University of Cumbria?
It has been difficult at times, but I have enjoyed every minute of it! It has been a brilliant experience, where I have been able to develop a lot of personal and academic skills. It has shaped me and motivated me into becoming the best teacher I could possibly be. It has allowed me to develop with the necessary skills and provided the experience to confirm that teaching is the career path I want to pursue.
What are you looking forward to the most with regards to a new career as a teacher?
I am looking forward to being able to have my own class and start teaching. This has been my dream for a long time, so I am looking forward to putting this into action. I am looking forward to being able to provide children with the best learning experience and working towards becoming the best teacher I possibly can be.