PGCE Primary graduate — Lydia Wakeham
Lydia studied BA (Hons) Dance at Edge Hill University, she then went on the complete the PGCE Primary Education with QTS at the same institution
Why did you decide to pursue a postgraduate course?
After completing my undergraduate degree, I knew I wanted to complete my Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) next. I have always wanted to contribute to educating children. I have volunteered in schools since I was 15 and met lots of inspiring teachers.
Edge Hill has a fantastic reputation for education and teaching. After visiting an open day and meeting the lecturers I knew that Edge Hill was the place I wanted to study. Not to mention the beautiful grounds too.
Teaching is the best job. You must put in the hard work and be passionate about wanting to teach. Every day a child makes you smile. It is so rewarding. I would absolutely recommend Edge Hill for teacher training.
Tell us a bit about your course and what it involved?
The course involved a lot of school placements. I fully immersed myself when starting at my placement schools. I wanted to continually develop and better my teaching so asked lots of questions and worked hard to get the most out of my placement experience. My last placement school then offered me a teaching job. I really enjoyed teaching reception classes, as seeing the progress the children made was phenomenal, from their communication and language down to literacy and maths.
The biggest challenge I have had to overcome is how to deal with parents. During my placement my school mentor helped me when I had to talk to them about difficult issues and included me during parents' evenings.
The support from Edge Hill also continues after graduation to help us settle in our new roles. I've attended a postgraduate online seminar to discuss expectations of a teacher once qualified and offered help for postgraduates who were still looking for jobs.
What do you think makes a successful teacher?
Believing in yourself is so important. To be a successful teacher you need to be hardworking, prepared and dedicated to educating and supporting every child. You also need to be kind, caring and loving. A successful teacher aligns their philosophy into their teaching. If you are a good communicator and can show leadership, teaching incorporates these strong qualities every day. Creativity and adaptability are also an important trait in the teaching profession when planning lessons, teaching creative tasks or having to adapt to last minute changes out of your control.
What do you love about being a teacher?
Being a teacher is the most rewarding job, I love seeing children develop and talk about what they have learnt. Children walk in through my door with a smile on their face and are so enthusiastic about wanting to learn. I feel really proud that I have made an impact on their educational life.
What are your career ambitions?
My PGCE was school years one to six therefore I am continuously learning how a reception classroom operates and developing myself as a teacher by attending lots of CPD opportunities to further my learning. I would eventually like to become and early years lead.
What tips would you give to others choosing a Masters degree?
- Ask lots of questions.
- Be prepared and organised.
- Celebrate successes.
Find out more
- Read up on the role of a primary school teacher.
- Gain an insight into the teaching training and education sector.
- Learn more about the PGCE Primary Education with QTS at Edge Hill University.