Thinking about progressing into a career teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector, including sixth form and Further Education colleges?
We caught up with a group of Level 6 Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Post-Compulsory Education students to hear about their journeys so far at Barnsley College.
Luke Swaby, a trainee teacher based in the Esports department, said: “I love the environment at College. Everyone has made me feel comfortable and confident in my abilities; I feel like I can be myself which is why I’ve continued to study here!”
“Whenever I need help, my tutors use their valuable experience to offer me support to reach my full potential. If they don’t know the answer, they provide the opportunity to get it from elsewhere.
“I love how the knowledge I gain from the PGCE course allows me to understand how to tailor my approach towards different students. This understanding will ensure I thrive in the future.
“My favourite part of my PGCE course is teaching Esports because I’m passionate about the subject and it fills me with pride when I see students improving and gaining skills and knowledge. I also promote Esports at local schools to encourage others to get involved.
Megan Ascough, a trainee teacher based in the Sports department, commented: “My tutors are supportive and always have time to observe me teaching. I get the feedback I need to further develop as a sports teacher.
“I would recommend studying a PGCE at the College because the course modules are easy to follow, structured well, and consist of a wide range of assessment methods to enhance skills and learning. I enjoy written reflections as I see my development as a teacher.
“I have lots of opportunities on my course to develop my teaching style. I keep a log with my strengths and weaknesses to track my progress and see how much I have improved from my very first lesson. I also find it really valuable having the opportunity to observe people teaching in other subject areas.
“I also use the Health and Wellbeing Centre, digital education support and study skills, and encourage my students to access the physical and mental health support that the College provides. The College also assists me in developing my digital and academic skills by giving me new tools, such as Kahoot and Jamboard which I implement in my teaching to see students’ progression, recap topics and make lessons more engaging.
Luke Storey, a trainee teacher in the Art, Graphics and Fashion department, went onto say: “I love College! I chose to return to College to study my PGCE after attending Leeds Beckett University because my tutors were all supportive when I was studying Level 3 Graphic Design. I wanted to return and be the same type of supportive figure to students as my tutors were to me.
“I get to work with a variety of students in subject areas like Art, Fashion, and Graphic Design. My favourite part of the course is teaching students to design, animate, and augment their work. It’s a lot of fun and I really enjoy it!
“My advice for anyone thinking of studying the course is you get what you put in. I have pushed myself and I can see the reward through my students’ work and attitude.
Train to become a teacher at an Outstanding College!
If you’d like to find out more about studying the PCGE course with us in September 2023, contact our friendly and knowledgeable Information Team. They’ll be able to answer any questions you have about the course and fees or provide advice about how to enrol.
Telephone: 01226 216 123
Email: info@barnsley.ac.uk
Ready to apply?
Visit the PGCE course page to apply for a full-time PGCE course or a Part-time PGCE course.
Last updated: 21st March 2024