Lucy is a graduate from the PGDE Secondary Education: Languages programme at the University of Strathclyde

Tell us a little bit about your background...

I graduated with a modern language degree back in 2021 with the hope of becoming a teacher one day. I had the passion, but I wanted more experience in a classroom setting so I got a job as a pupil support worker in a high school. I worked as a support worker for 2.5 years in different schools and loved it! I knew teaching was what I wanted to do. I went back to Spain and France for several months to study in both countries and whilst I was there, my confidence grew. After spending time in both countries, I applied for the PDGE course.

What drew you towards undertaking this degree?

Strathclyde has a great reputation for their courses and staff. After meeting Kandi at my interview, my mind was made up and I wanted to study at Strath. I felt confident that I would enjoy the course due to my time spent in schools and I knew I wanted to make a difference to young people’s lives.

Tell us about the format of the programme...

On the PGDE secondary programme I was on campus around three days a week. Monday and Thursday were shorter days of around 2-3 hours. Tuesday was the longest day, this was when we had class in our specific subject with our tutor. We started our first placement in a secondary school in later October to Christmas and our second placement was from February to May with some time on campus in between.

Tell us a little bit about your experience on placement...

Going to my first placement was a daunting experience but was made better by my excellent colleagues in my placement schools and my university mentor. The pacing of placement is great because your first two weeks are observation only and then you build your teaching time up with a gradual mix of solo teaching and team teaching. This really helps you ease into placement and allows you time to learn about the school and the pupils from experienced professionals. By the end of placement I was improving on feedback every week and really felt ready to have a classroom of my own.

What is the academic support at Strathclyde like?

The support at Strath is amazing. Right from the induction day you are signposted to all the support available to students. Everything is clear and staff are great at answering any questions you may have. My mentor (Kandi) was fantastic and her door was always open to students who had any concerns or queries. During placement you have a school mentor who helps you through the process, but your university tutor will regularly check in with you to see how you’re doing. Kandi really made my PGDE experience great and her support and guidance was second to none.

What are the facilities at Strathclyde like?

The library is well-equipped with various study rooms you can use as well as access to IT. The support/IT staff are fab and are more than willing to help with any problems you have.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I am currently a class teacher in a secondary school and I would like to continue to put everything I have learned this year and from my student year into practice in the classroom.

What advice would you give someone considering applying for this course?

The PGDE course can be challenging but the staff on campus and on placement are amazing and there to help you. Take every day as it comes and don’t be too hard on yourself. Always ask for help if you’re unsure and know that hard know that hard work does pay off in the end.