Mairi is a graduate from the PGDE Secondary Education: Chemistry with Science programme at the University of Strathclyde

Tell us a little bit about your background...

Hello, my name is Mairi and I recently graduated from the PGDE in Chemistry with Science at the University of Strathclyde. I live just outside of Glasgow in a town called Paisley and am currently working in a secondary school nearby. I have been lucky enough to study at Strathclyde twice, completing my master’s degree in pharmacy in 2022 with distinction. I worked as a pharmacist in various settings for two years before returning to Strathclyde for my PGDE in 2024.

What drew you towards undertaking this degree?

Throughout school, I always enjoyed STEM subjects, in particular science and maths. However, when it came to deciding what I would like to study when I left school, like most people, I really wasn’t sure! One thing I did know for sure is that I wanted to help people and therefore the most obvious option for me was going into healthcare. After graduating and working as a pharmacist for a couple of years, I knew something wasn’t quite right. Teaching had always been a thought in the back of my head throughout school and university, but I was worried I didn’t quite have the confidence to stand in front of a class. However, with the support of family and friends, I took the leap and applied for my PGDE – one of the best decisions I have made! I now work in a profession that I love and still help people every day, albeit in a slightly different way!

Tell us about the format of the programme. What was a typical week like?

The PGDE consists of 18 weeks of on campus study and 18 weeks of placements in schools. While on campus, classes usually take place on a Monday, Thursday and Friday. Monday and Thursday focus on various modules you are required to complete as part of the PGDE course, including your work on Professional Practice. A Friday involves all chemistry students coming together for Curriculum and Pedagogy, taught by your subject tutor. During placement, your week can vary massively! It involves observing experienced teachers, team-teaching and planning lessons for when you begin to solo teach. 

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

During both placements as a student, I had a really positive and supportive experience overall. The staff at my placement schools were incredibly encouraging, offering guidance and feedback that helped me to develop my teaching practice. It was quite nerve-wracking at first, especially when learning how to lesson plan effectively and managing the classroom environment, but over time I started to feel much more confident. Each lesson and bit of feedback helped me grow in both my subject delivery and my ability to engage pupils. As part of Professional Practice, I completed an assignment which looked at the use of retrieval practice in the chemistry classroom. It was an excellent chance for me to deepen my knowledge on various pedagogical tools which I still apply in my classroom every day!

What is the academic support at Strathclyde like?

The academic support at Strathclyde is excellent. My tutor, John, was especially supportive throughout the course. He always took the time to check in regularly on how things were going both on placement and academically. I’ve learned a great deal from him, particularly about the curriculum and the pedagogy of teaching chemistry. His insights have really helped me to develop a deeper understanding of how to make chemistry engaging and accessible for pupils. The support available helped me to build confidence and improve my teaching practice. I felt that there was always someone available to provide advice or reassurance when needed, which made a big difference to my overall experience on the PGDE course.

What are the facilities at Strathclyde like?

The facilities at Strathclyde are very good and really supported my learning experience. The library is excellent — it’s well-resourced, easy to access, and provides plenty of quiet study space, which was helpful for preparing assignments and lesson plans. The chemistry labs are also fantastic and gave me valuable hands-on experience with practical work.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to continue to learn and develop my teaching practice throughout my NQT year – to build on the skills and confidence I’ve gained during my PGDE and become the best teacher I can be. Ultimately, I hope to secure a permanent teaching position where I can continue supporting young people to reach their potential, especially in chemistry and the sciences (and hopefully encourage them to love it as much as I do!)

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

I would tell anyone considering applying for the PGDE in Chemistry at Strathclyde to absolutely go for it. It’s a challenging course, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Be prepared to work hard and step outside your comfort zone, especially during placements, but remember that your confidence will grow with experience.