Final year Secondary Physical Education with QTS student, Isobel, gives us an insight into what it was like studying on her course.
Why did you choose BCU?
I chose BCU because the city attracted me and the Open Day was great! I got a great insight to the course from the lecturers, and decided it was the best place to go! I’m originally from Leicestershire so Birmingham was close enough to move away and be independent but also allowed me to come home as and when I needed to! Birmingham appealed to me due to the brilliant women's football links and great nightlife, having previously visited for weekends away.
What course did you do?
I did BA (Hons) Secondary Physical Education with QTS. I chose the course because I knew I didn’t want to work with primary school children full time and I also didn’t want to do an unnecessary fourth year [by doing a sport degree and then one year teacher training], so this course was perfect. I wanted to get into teaching as soon as I could!
What were some of the memorable moments on your course?
The highlight of my course was getting the opportunity to attend two athletic events in London with my placement school – two great trips! I gained a lot of experience and understanding of how trips worked, and the kind of paperwork and organisation required to plan and manage a school trip. It also allowed me to see the huge impact school trips can have on students, especially students that have potentially never left their area. It gives them amazing opportunities to gain sporting experiences as well and social skills.
Another memorable moment was when two of the Year 9 students on my last placement told me they saw me as their 'Miss Honey' (a reference to Roald Dahl’s Matilda) which made me realise just how much of an impact I’d made on these girls, and how I had become such a supportive role model to them! I received so many cards and gifts from students at the end of my placement – as a student teacher, it meant an incredible amount to me. To know that I had made such an impact at the start of my teaching career makes me so excited to continue doing this!
Over the three years I’ve gained a greater understanding of teaching and become more passionate as time has gone on! I have definitely gained confidence too, thanks to the support from BCU.
What have you learnt on your course?
The course covers absolutely everything! I gained knowledge I didn’t even know I needed. Enrichment weeks allowed me to gain experience in a variety of areas – benefiting me massively. The lecturers are extremely supportive, and I’ve had the best three years of my life at BCU doing this course.
I hadn’t had experience of some sports, particularly teaching them, including cricket, tennis, and hand ball. Through placement experiences, additional course opportunities and lectures, I feel prepared to teach these sports now. If I ever felt stuck for lesson plans or needed support, I could easily contact the course team or my placement mentor. I have been so well supported.
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What did you get up to outside of your course?
I’ve played football from a young age so got involved at BCU too. I’ve been Social Secretary for BCU Women's Football, and in my final year, was President of the club. Almost all my best friendships have come from being involved in BCUWFC and BCU Sport as a whole. I have loved being a part of the University football team; the opportunities are incredible and the bonds to be made are amazing. From away days to sports socials, to Christmas meals and presentation evenings - I will genuinely miss the team so much. A huge part of my three years!
You’re about to graduate, so what’s next for you?
I’ve secured a full-time teaching job in Birmingham which I start in July – before I even graduate! Unfortunately, there weren’t any female PE teacher vacancies at either of my placement schools but the role I’ve got is at a school with a similar demographic to both of my placement schools, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed!
I found a love for Birmingham, having spent three of the best years of my life here. The nightlife is good, and there is always so much to do. I have made some fabulous friends here and made some great connections. My best friend, also on the same course, has secured a job here too so we’re living together in a flat. This course has allowed me to make a friend for life and continue our 20s together in this amazing city.