Back to stories listingLauren Marshall is a graduate in PGCE Primary Education at UoG and is now a class teacher at a primary school in Gloucestershire. Read what Lauren has to say about how her course prepared her for this first teaching role.
Why did you choose UoG?
“I chose UoG because of how good the teaching facilities are, especially the teaching library. I loved my time as undergrad and just knew I wanted to stay in the area!”
What were your high points during your PGCE year?
“I absolutely adored [course leader] Michelle, she is fantastic, she’s so committed and her knowledge of everything is brilliant. She’s so supportive and cares so much about how you are doing and checking in with you, she supported all of us.
“Although it’s a university PGCE, you are teaching in schools 80% of the time. There was a time in one lesson when all the children were staring and smiling at me – it was that moment where I’m thinking ‘OMG, I’m really a teacher’.”
Is going from a Criminology degree to teacher training an unusual route?
“Even though I did Criminology at undergraduate level it had so many aspects that I could apply to teacher training such as safeguarding and an understanding of issues children might be going through which gave really good insights into discussion on my PGCE. Switching things up was a positive for me.”
What did you enjoy most about your course?
“We were straight into school from the second week, with two experiential days in a year 5 class working as a Teaching Assistant and observing children and professionals doing their thing.
“I experienced working in 4 different schools, a single form entry in Stroud, a two form entry school in Quedgeley, one and a half form entry and two form entry in Ledbury (year 1), so I got to experience nearly every year group.
“There’s such a wide variety of people on the course giving you a strong support network. Our group have kept in contact since graduating, and we’ve shared experiences and job vacancies.
What were the lecturers like on your course?
“Our lecturers were experts in their areas. Michelle taught the professional practice module, behaviour management, safeguarding, SEN, and music and maths lessons. Tim’s specialism was PSHE and safeguarding. Rachel specialised in English, reading and writing.”
Describe a time you felt supported at UoG
“I chose Maths as a specialism and then primary languages (French). Whilst you are in the classroom straight away, you’re not thrown in at the deep end. I planned a lesson and watched someone teach my lesson, and then we team taught for the following 2 weeks. Link tutors come into school from the university while you are on placement to check how you are progressing and that you have got the right support.”
Describe a time you felt challenged at the university
“Every time I was at university or on placement, I was always just outside my comfort zone, constantly working hard but with that support. It took a lot of time, dedication and effort, though that is a fair reflection of what teaching is really like.
“During my final placement I was teaching all the time. I’m thinking I’m responsible for these 30 children, I’m teaching them and they are learning, I’ve come so far. It was a real sense of accomplishment.”
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