Vicky Sheperd - Bachelor of Education
What is impressive is how the teaching staff galvanise students to want to excel and become a teacher who really can make a difference
”Background
My first work experience placement as a fifteen year old was in a primary school which gave me my first taste of the rewards of being a teacher but family circumstances meant that any career which required attending university full time was out of the question. I therefore entered the work arena, however, delivering workshops as an image consultant for out of work adults and also helping in my children's classes showed me how rewarding and stimulating teaching can be. I began to research my options by talking to teachers, undertaking regular volunteering in a school and most importantly discussing the idea with my husband, who's encouragement and reassurance, promted me to apply.
Highlights
Highlights without a doubt include being invited for interview and then actually being successful at interview for the BEd. I heard the next day that I had been awarded a place on the course which prompted me to cancel an interview at another university immediately. I knew for sure where I wanted to study and this, I believe, has been instrumental in my success to date. As a mature student who hadn't written essays for many years, I was incredibly apprehensive about how capable I was and if I would be good enough to be an undergraduate, but the course is designed to scaffold learning for all and ensures that students are guided through what is expected of them with great clarity and relevance. Staff use their own experiences and enthusiasm to ensure that lectures and workshops are designed to meet the needs of the students.
Gaining Experience
The opportunities for gaining experience are rich and diverse, from quality assured teaching practice placements to optional, additional courses and the fantastic Charity Week. With the help of your Personal Tutor, who is assigned to you for the duration of your time as an undergraduate, you can build a valuable and significant Personal Development Profile. The week I spent in a Special Needs School was incredibly humbling and worthwhile and has allowed me to develop my practice as a mainstream teacher. Without such experiences afforded by this course, training to become a teacher would simply be far too one-dimensional, but what is impressive is how the teaching staff galvanise students to want to excel and become a teacher who really can make a difference.
