Wirral Met College is proud to deliver Ofsted Outstanding Teacher Training through our partnership with Edge Hill University.
PGCE in Further Education student, Claire Leak, started her journey to a rewarding career in teaching with Wirral Met, juggling her busy life as a full-time accountant and a mum of three, alongside her studies.
We spoke to Claire about her time at Wirral Met.
Where do you live and what inspired you to study an Edge Hill University programme at Wirral Met College?
I live on the Wirral, so having the opportunity to complete my teacher training in my local area has been invaluable to me as a busy mum of 3 young children.
Are you the first in your family to undertake a programme like this?
Yes, I am the first in my family to enrol on a postgraduate course. I completed my undergraduate degree in Economics over 18 years ago, so returning to academic study after so long has been both daunting and exciting in equal measure!
What was it about Edge Hill and Wirral Met College that made us stand out?
I knew of Edge Hill’s high reputation for teacher training courses through friends and family who had studied there in previous years, and I have a family member who had completed their Business degree at Wirral Met College. So, when the opportunity came along to study my PGCE course with the support of both institutions, it was too good an opportunity to miss.
What’s your favourite thing about your programme?
Wirral Met College are in the unique position of being able to offer their trainee teachers the opportunity to both study and complete teaching placements in-house. This meant that I was made to feel a part of the college from day one.
How have your lecturers helped you during your programme?
All of the lecturers at Wirral Met College have a wealth of experience in the Further Education sector. I began the course with no experience in teaching or even of working within the educational sector. The lecturers supported and encouraged me every step of the way during my steep learning curve.
How has the programme supported you in balancing studying and working?
The programme was very well structured. We were provided with the dates for assignment submissions at the beginning of each term. This allowed me to work with my subject mentor to ensure that I was able to meet the demands of both my teaching and assignment commitments.
How has your subject knowledge improved over the course of your programme?
Over the course of the programme, I have gained first-hand experience of how students learn and progress with their studies at different rates. I have developed skills for breaking down my subject knowledge and providing alternative explanations of topics that students find initially challenging.
How have you implemented your learning within your professional practice and/or your work environment?
My pedagogical knowledge has increased vastly over the course of the programme. Edge Hill provide weekly suggestions of academic articles related to evidence-based research in the field of further education. I have been able to apply this knowledge to my teaching and develop first-hand experience of the methods of best practice.
What opportunities has the programme given you?
The PCGE programme has opened many doors for me. Juggling life as an accountant and busy mum of 3, the possibility of retraining as a teacher felt like a fanciful daydream. With the support of Edge Hill and Wirral Met College, I can now pursue my dream career, teaching and supporting students. My PCGE qualification also provides academic credits towards a Masters degree in Education, a course that Edge Hill University has a very high reputation for providing.
How has your programme helped enhance your employability?
Through the programme, I have gained experience of teaching both adults and sixth formers on a range of different courses. Wirral Met College gave me the opportunity to take responsibility for the delivery of a full course module, providing me with experience of creating an inclusive and adaptive curriculum, assessing student’s prior knowledge, supporting student’s learning progression and preparing students for external examinations. Along with the academic teaching provided my lecturers, this experience has greatly enhanced my employability in the education sector.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
I am hoping to secure a permanent teaching placement at Wirral Met College. I have enjoyed my time over the programme and hope to continue working with everyone at the college.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying an Edge Hill programme at Wirral Met College?
Do it. I took a massive leap away from my comfort zone by enrolling on the course, having been away from education for so long, but I have absolutely no regrets about doing so. There is no better way to complete teacher training than being fully immersed into college life at Wirral Met.
How has Edge Hill/Wirral Met College supported you during your programme/degree?
Edge Hill university provided extensive careers advice throughout the duration of the programme. Members of the university’s careers team ran sessions on how to build a teaching CV and when to look out for and apply for teaching jobs.
Lecturers at Wirral Met College went above and beyond to support and champion students on the programme, to open-up career opportunities for us.