University News Last updated 17 July 2015
Anneka and Sanya Hoque are no strangers to working together. Having both decided to pursue a career in teaching, they progressed through an Early Years course at college before studying at the University.
When they saw that Adderley Primary School in Saltley, Birmingham, was recruiting for a number of newly-qualified teachers (NQTs), they hoped that one of them would land a role but they ended up both securing a post.
Sanya said: "Our mum works in a school so we used to go in and help her. From that, we realised that we both enjoyed working with children and we wanted to go into teaching. As we lived in the city, Birmingham City University was always our first choice. I've enjoyed it a lot because the staff were really supportive and there are a lot of resources that help you to do your work."
Anneka added: “We've always been very close, and although we’re in different groups on our course, we still helped each other out a lot and then when we went on placements at different schools, we were able to compare ideas and experiences."
With the end of their studies approaching, the next stage was finding their first teaching position. Having successfully come through an interview and teaching practice at the school, both secured positions teaching in Year 1 or 2.
Sanya said: "We both applied and thought if one of us gets it we’d be pleased. We didn't expect to get roles at the same school, but it was the right job at the right time so when they offered jobs to both of us, we were happy to stay together."
Anneka added: "The main priority now is to get settled in and get used to working as a teacher, but it’s great that we’ll be able to support each other again."