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I’ve always wanted to be a teacher since I was very little, so I started volunteering at a local Brownie group while I was at sixth form, and also volunteered in some local schools. I just really enjoyed helping the children learn new skills that they could take with them for the rest of their lives, and it’s making that difference that made me want to become a teacher.
I also really enjoy being in education – writing essays, doing my own research and finding out new things, so university was definitely the right option for me!
My favourite part of the course has been developing my subject knowledge in English and maths, and having the opportunity to practice skills for the workplace, like reading stories and planning lessons, because I know they’ll be useful to me in the future.
I’ve volunteered in a whole range of primary schools in cities and in more rural areas, which has given me a real insight into the dynamics and challenges of different teaching environments. The more work experience I’ve had, the more I’ve realised that there isn’t one set way of teaching, and that as a teacher you have to adapt the way that you teach to suit the class that you’re in on the day.
Not only has work experience helped with my assignments, especially those focused on child development, but I’ve also been able to bring what I’ve learned on the course into the classroom and better support the children that I’ve been working with.
I’ve always known that I wanted to become a teacher so I wanted to apply for a Primary PGCE once I’d completed the course.
I decided to give applying to the University of Cambridge a go, and I’ve now got a conditional offer to study there!
The biggest thing the course has done for me is reinforce the fact I wanted to become a teacher, and show me that I had the ability to teach.
The teaching staff at ARU have always supported me and others on the course and given us the confidence to investigate study or career options we might not have previously considered, which is ultimately why I decided to apply to Cambridge.