"After finishing my degree in Modern Languages, French and Portuguese, I wasn’t sure which career path to take. Some of my friends were applying for PGCEs, so I decided to explore teaching as an option. When I came to Sheffield Hallam for my interview, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere immediately stood out. The communication from the university before the course began was clear and supportive, and the course overview really appealed to me - a balance of lectures led by expert practitioners and small group sessions where you can learn from each other. I also liked that Qualified Teacher Status was included as part of the PGCE, and that there were placements built in so I could develop my teaching skills in real school environments.
"Languages and performing arts have always been my passions, and teaching brings both together. During my undergraduate degree, I spent time teaching English abroad, which confirmed how much I enjoy helping others build confidence through language learning. My performing arts background also helps me bring energy and creativity into my lessons, which makes teaching languages so rewarding.
"The course has been full of learning, both academically and practically. One of the most valuable lessons has been how to teach languages through culture. Whether that’s through music, videos or photography, I’ve seen how much students enjoy connecting language with real life. I’ve also learnt the importance of inclusive classroom practice and developed strong organisational skills that I rely on every day, both at university and in school.
"Placements have been the highlight of my PGCE. I’ve spent time in six different schools, including two long placements, and every experience has taught me something new. Even a single day in a different school gives you fresh ideas and perspectives. I’ve also been surprised by how much I enjoyed the academic side of the course – researching aspects of language teaching and applying them in the classroom has been really rewarding.
"The support at Sheffield Hallam has been excellent. The course team were approachable and responsive throughout, always keeping us informed about lectures, assignments and placements. Whenever I had a question, I knew I could reach out and get helpful advice. On placement, having a mentor in each school was invaluable – they guided me through every step of the teaching process and really helped me to grow in confidence.
"Looking ahead, I’m interested in working more with pupils who speak English as an Additional Language and would love to get involved in extra-curricular activities that build confidence through communication. I’m also keen to learn another language, like Spanish or Italian, to broaden my teaching repertoire and continue developing as a teacher."