Tobias Scarlett

Tobias completed his PGCE in Post Compulsory Training and Education in 2014, he is now employed as a course lecturer at Reaseheath College.

I chose to study at Birmingham City University, because the university has a great reputation. I knew a few people who had previously studied here and had nothing but good things to say about it. I was attracted to the course because it was tailored to F.E teaching and mentored training.

What I enjoyed most about this course was that it was shorter than studying a degree, being only a year long. The course involved plenty of practical teaching allowing me to build my skills and put theory into practice. The course lived up to my expectations. Reflecting back on the course, I know it was very useful in developing my teaching skills for the future. Staff had very high expectations of all the students on the course, which I believe helped me when going into employment.

During my time at Birmingham City University I was also able to undertake work placements. I strongly believe my work placement was very beneficial and useful in getting me to understand the ins and outs of practical teaching. The staff at Birmingham City University were very supportive. Both Karen the programme leader and my mentor Marianne were very helpful and encouraging.

My qualification has been very useful for me and helped me gain employment only a few months after I completed my qualification. In the future I plan to gain more experience and develop my teaching skills and practice. I would also like to be able to complete a professional qualification to gain my QTLS status.

For anyone looking to do their PGCE at Birmingham City University, my advice to them would be to embrace the course. It is important to remember that a PGCE isn’t the same as studying a degree; it will mentally and physically challenge you.