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Chloe completed her PGCE in History in 2018.
Hi Chloe,
What did you do prior to starting your teacher training programme?
Prior to the teacher training course I completed a degree in History at Queen Mary University of London.
How have you found your school experience? What helped you to prepare for your time in the classroom?
School experience is fantastic and difficult at the same time. I found that at first I was desperate to be perfect but I realised that what is important in teaching is practice. The more time in the classroom the more you will learn and the better you will become. It is important to put time into the planning and enjoy what you are creating and then you will be able to feel comfortable in the classroom. Having a solid lesson will make it much easier to handle the behaviour of students.
Teaching is something that I have always had a passion for and I love the way that it allows me to continue to explore history and to help others to do the same.
What is it like to train to teach in London?
London offers a fantastic opportunity to bringing the history of the city into the classroom. Students can directly relate to the history that they are learning that as it happened in the setting around them. I love living in London and feel for me it was great to keep my passion for learning alive whilst teaching.
Has there been an element of your programme that has impressed you or been particularly valuable?
I was keen to do the university route as I felt that it has a good structure and balance between university and placement studies. I also was keen to get the masters credits as I feel it gives me more options for the future.
What do you plan to do next?
I have got a job at a state comprehensive in south east London. I hope that I will be able in the future to progress within the history department and take a subject route of progression. The course has made a direct impact on my career plans and has made me thinking of more than just classroom teaching as a goal. I would also love to pursue a Masters degree in the future.
Is there anything else you would like to say about your teacher training year?
Although it has been tough I have really enjoyed the course. It was a very well planned year that has helped me to become more confident both in and outside of the classroom.