Case studies: PGCE student: Laura

Laura graduated with a BSc Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Bedfordshire. She is now studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), training as a PE teacher to teach in secondary schools.

I studied sport and exercise science at the University of Bedfordshire. They also offer a PGCE PE, so in the second year of my undergraduate course I met with the head of the PGCE to discuss how to get on the course, as I had heard it was competitive. He recommended a list of experience and qualifications. Getting a 2:1 was a must, as was a good personal statement and a broad range of coaching qualifications such as swimming and athletics, preferably above level 1. In addition, at least 50% of my degree had to be in a relevant subject.

Based on this advice, I obtained rugby and tennis coaching qualifications, as well as a rounders umpiring award, during my final year of undergraduate study. I also tried to get as much school experience as I could in a variety of schools.

When I was writing the personal statement I included why I wanted to train as a PE teacher and what I could bring to education in the way of experience and qualifications. It was also important to demonstrate that I understood the curriculum of my subject. I recommend you get people to read over your personal statement and get as much feedback on it as possible, especially a PGCE leader/personal tutor/parents or friends who are good at English.

A typical day on the PGCE course varies. For the first three weeks, lectures take place from 9am to 5pm. I am then in school three days and university two days a week until Christmas. From then on, my school experience will increase.

The course is very hands-on, so when we are being taught gymnastics, for example, we will then go on to consider how we are developing our own teaching style.

When I qualify I would like to get a job teaching and then, with experience, eventually go on to become a head of department. What I most enjoy about teaching is that it is very practical and hands-on. I can do it, reflect on it and later develop my teaching on the basis of my experience. I also like the fact that on the PGCE course I will get time in university to keep learning and developing what I do in school. The most challenging aspect is that this will be my life for the next year!

My advice to other students is to get as much relevant experience as possible. Be proactive - I organised all my experience myself. All coaching/voluntary work is useful.