Case studies: PGCE student: Chris Knight

Chris has a BA in Religious Studies from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Carmarthen, Wales and is studying towards a PGCE in secondary religious education.

My degree in religious studies from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David  was an ideal grounding for entry on to the PGCE in secondary religious education as it provided me with an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge of world religions.

During my degree I also took the opportunity to study some modules related to the field of education, and my dissertation project looked at religious education in secondary schools. All of this helped me in my PGCE course interview as I was tested on my knowledge of world religions and was also able to demonstrate my previous interest and experience relating to religious education.

A degree in religious studies enabled me to build up a solid knowledge base about the main world religions but also gave me an opportunity to develop numerous key skills valued by employers. Thinking and communication skills were an essential part of my degree and will definitely aid me as a teacher. Critical thinking was an essential part of the religious studies programme, as well as being objective when exploring the beliefs and ideas of others. My degree also taught me excellent academic writing skills, and opportunities to present to the class or department aided my presentation skills - essential for any teacher.

During my time at university I also took part in a study tour of Turkey, which opened my eyes to the wider world and gave me some first-hand experiences of a contemporary Islamic culture. I was also a student representative, which meant I had to attend staff-student meetings and provide feedback from students on course-related issues. I also took the opportunity to do a one-week work experience placement in a local secondary school, which demonstrated my interest in teaching and gave me a brief insight into what being an RE teacher would entail.

The PGCE programme is intense and packed full of information. However, it is great to be putting my degree to use in such a relevant way.

My career aim is to become an RE teacher and to pursue further part-time studies relating to the field of religion and education.

AGCAS

Sourced by AGCAS editors

Date: 

October 2011

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