With a background in Psychology and a strong interest in child development, Mary chose to study PGCE in Primary Education (5-11 Years) with QTS at the University of Cumbria because the course offered the ideal blend of theory and practical classroom experience. Throughout her studies, Mary has built the skills needed to support pupils’ learning and development. Read her story below to find out more about how she stays motivated and her hopes for her future career after graduating.
Why did you choose to study your course – what or who inspired you?
I chose to study PGCE Primary Education 5-11 Years with QTS because I have always had a genuine passion for working with children, but my journey into teaching was also shaped by my personal, academic and professional experiences. From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to working with children and supporting their development.
During my undergraduate degree in Psychology, I developed a strong interest in child development, behaviour, and how children learn. Understanding the science behind learning deepened my desire to work directly with young people in a meaningful way.
After graduating, I worked in a hospital in my home country. That experience strengthened my communication skills, empathy and resilience, and it made me reflect on the kind of long-term impact I wanted to have in people’s lives. I realised that teaching would allow me to influence children at a crucial stage in their development, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well.
For me, becoming a primary teacher is about nurturing confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. Choosing the PGCE Primary Education (5–11) with QTS course felt like a natural and purposeful step towards making that difference.
Why did you choose the University of Cumbria?
After researching and carefully comparing different universities, the University of Cumbria stood out to me because of its strong reputation for delivering high-quality teacher training. The emphasis on practical experience, supportive mentoring and strong school partnerships particularly appealed to me.
As an international student, it was important to choose a university that not only excels academically but also provides a welcoming and supportive environment. I was especially drawn to the small class sizes, which allow students to build meaningful relationships with tutors and receive personalised guidance throughout the course.
I felt confident that Cumbria would equip me with the skills, confidence and professional grounding needed to begin my career in teaching.
What has been your favourite experience at Cumbria?
One of my favourite experiences at the University of Cumbria has been the strong sense of community within my cohort. From the very beginning, everyone has been incredibly friendly, supportive and genuinely invested in helping one another thrive. As it was my first time living away from home and family, settling in could have felt overwhelming, but instead, I immediately felt welcomed and that I truly belonged.
The support from tutors has also been exceptional. They build such positive, professional relationships with us and always take the time to listen. Whether it’s offering advice, responding quickly to emails, or seeking our feedback about the course, they consistently show that they genuinely care about our experiences and development. As a student representative for my PGCE cohort, I’ve seen first-hand how committed they are to ensuring our voices are heard and our concerns are addressed.
I also really value how practical and hands-on our lectures are. The emphasis on real classroom application, alongside regular peer discussions, allows us to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences in meaningful ways.
Beyond the course itself, the wider university support has been amazing. The library staff at the STEP desk are always friendly and helpful and the wellbeing services have been incredibly supportive when I needed someone to talk to. The Lancaster campus is also a beautiful environment to study in, with welcoming spaces like the Gateway building where we can meet, study and connect with friends.
Overall, my experience at Cumbria has been defined by support, community and genuine care.
How have you found your placement? Where was your placement, and what was it like?
I completed my first placement at a primary school in Morecambe, and it was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. As an international student, everything felt new at first, from the curriculum to classroom routines, so adjusting took time. However, that experience helped me grow both personally and professionally.
I was fortunate to have an extremely supportive mentor in school who played a huge role in my development. She always made time to listen when I felt overwhelmed and offered practical advice, particularly around behaviour management and building positive relationships with pupils. Her encouragement gave me the confidence to believe in my abilities, even during moments of self-doubt.
After the first few weeks, I began to settle into school life. By applying the strategies I had been given and focusing on building strong relationships with the children, my confidence in the classroom steadily improved. I was able to teach across a range of subjects and really develop my teaching presence. The class teacher and TA were also incredibly supportive and always willing to answer questions, which made a big difference.
By the end of the placement, leaving was emotional. What initially felt overwhelming had become a place where I felt comfortable, confident and truly connected to the pupils and staff. The experience taught me the importance of patience, resilience and allowing yourself time to grow.
I am now carrying everything I learned into my second placement. My advice to anyone going into placement would be to embrace the experience fully, take your time, ask questions, build relationships and gain as much as you can from every moment. It truly shapes you as a teacher.
How have you found studying at Cumbria as an international student?
Studying at the University of Cumbria as an international student has been a truly rewarding experience. Moving to a new country and adapting to a different education system was initially a big transition, but the support I received made all the difference.
From the start, I felt welcomed by both my cohort and tutors. The sense of community within the programme helped me settle in quickly and feel that I belonged, even though it was my first time living away from home and family. The tutors are approachable, supportive and always willing to listen, which created a safe space to ask questions and grow in confidence.
Academically, studying in the UK has broadened my perspective and strengthened my professional development. Experiencing the UK curriculum first-hand through placements has allowed me to develop resilience, adaptability and a deeper understanding of teaching practice.
Overall, my experience as an international student at Cumbria has helped me grow not only as a trainee teacher, but also as an individual.
How have you found studying at Cumbria as a mature student?
Although I began my PGCE within three years of completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology, I came to Cumbria with valuable academic and professional experience. Studying Psychology gave me a strong understanding of child development, behaviour and learning, which naturally deepened my interest in working with children.
Choosing to pursue Primary Education felt like a purposeful next step. I approached the course with clarity and commitment, and I feel that both my Psychology background and professional experience have positively influenced my confidence, empathy and classroom practice.
Studying at Cumbria has allowed me to build on those foundations while developing the practical skills needed to become an effective teacher.
What’s been the most difficult obstacle you’ve overcome in your student journey?
One of the main challenges I faced was adapting to the intensity of the PGCE course. Balancing assignments, lesson planning, resource preparation and other placement responsibilities required strong organisation and resilience, especially during my first placement while adjusting to a new education system.
With support from my tutors, school mentors and peers, I gradually developed better time management and prioritisation skills. By planning ahead and being open to feedback, I became more confident in managing the workload and navigating classroom practice.
Although the course is demanding, overcoming these challenges has strengthened my resilience and prepared me for the realities of the teaching profession.
What do you enjoy most about your course?
I enjoy how practical and hands-on the course is. The strong link between theory and real classroom experience through placements has helped me develop both confidence and competence as a trainee teacher. I also value the peer discussions in lectures, where we share ideas and learn from one another’s experiences.
How have your tutors supported you during your studies?
My tutors have been incredibly supportive and approachable. They build positive relationships with us, actively seek our feedback and respond quickly to any concerns. Their guidance during lectures, placements and assignments has been invaluable and they genuinely care about our progress and wellbeing.
How is university life beyond your studies?
University life has been a really balanced experience. Alongside my studies, I’ve built strong friendships within my cohort and become more independent and confident. As an international student, I’ve appreciated the welcoming environment and the support services available when needed.
What do you enjoy the most about student life at your campus/in the area?
I really enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the Lancaster campus. It’s a beautiful and calm environment with great spaces like the Library and the Gateway building to study or meet friends. The sense of community on campus makes it feel supportive and inclusive, which has made settling in much easier. I also enjoy going to the sports centre with my cohort for P.E lessons where we engage in lots of physical education activities to develop our P.E subject knowledge.
What would be your top tips for people thinking of doing the same course as you?
For anyone considering Primary Education, I would say take time to reflect on your “why.” Teaching is a purposeful and impactful profession and having a clear motivation will carry you through the more demanding moments of the course.
Once you begin, organisation is key. The workload can be intense, particularly during placements, so planning ahead and managing your time effectively makes a huge difference. Be open to feedback, ask questions and allow yourself time to grow, confidence develops gradually.
Most importantly, build positive relationships during your placements. The connections you form with pupils, mentors and staff shape your experience and help you develop not just as a teacher, but as a professional.
What are your career plans, and how is your course preparing you for your future career?
My goal is to become a confident and effective primary school teacher who creates a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment. I hope to continue developing my skills in behaviour management, child development and inclusive practice.
The course is preparing me by combining strong theoretical foundations with extensive classroom experience. Through placements, lesson planning and professional reflection, I am developing the practical skills, resilience and adaptability needed for a successful teaching career.
Is there anything else that you’d like to add?
Studying PGCE Primary Education 5 -11 years at the University of Cumbria has been a journey of growth, both professionally and personally. As an international student, I have developed independence, resilience and confidence in ways I never expected. The sense of community, support and genuine care within the course has made a lasting impact on me, and I am proud to be part of it.