Head of Department, Dame Alice Owen's SchoolI had actually come into contact with Middlesex University through a job I did previously. I used to work at Keele University and it was there that I met the Dean of Middlesex University's Law School.
What made Middlesex stand out for me was the links it has with local schools. At a lot of London universities, you don't know where in the city you will end up teaching. You could live in North London and end up teaching in a school in South London.
My course was accredited and I got to specialise in the subject area I had studied at degree level. I wanted to focus on biology and some universities try and push you to do chemistry.
I also really liked the fact that during my PGCE at Middlesex I spent time at the university each week. Some universities have block placements where you spend two months at the university and then don't really go back but at Middlesex, you have a four day placement each week and then spend one day on the university campus. Having this constant support throughout the course was great.
I think getting to know the schools I was placed in and also the great support network of people at the university. At Middlesex you have some lectures with PGCE students from other subject areas which is helpful as you get to learn about the teaching strategies applied by other trainee teachers in different subject areas.
I also really liked the fact the course focussed primarily on application rather than theory. All of our university assignments were based on our teaching practice so were really practical.
I think my fondest memory was my last day with students on my course. We had all passed and went to the Science Museum to watch an IMAX movie together. On our PGCE course we became a bit like a family and it was fantastic we had all succeeded.
I would say ask about the links to schools and for advice on where would be best to live based on the schools you are likely to be placed in. Also make sure you prepare for a year of hard work but also make the most of your free time. Get organised!
You need a professional qualification in order to teach so I couldn't have gone into teaching without one. Middlesex went beyond just helping me get my qualification though. The university has really good relationships with schools and my course tutor got a call from Dame Alice Owen's as the school had previously employed Middlesex graduates and was looking for a Biology teacher. He put my name forward and on the strength of his recommendation, I secured an interview. As a result, I am now working for one of the top schools in the country.
I worked really hard in my degree so I wanted a job that used what I had learnt while studying for a BSc in Biology.
The days just fly by! I really enjoy building a rapport with students. Today I sang the Fresh Prince of Bel Air rap to a student! It's good to have a bit of banter to build those relationships. I also really enjoy being kept on my toes – students never miss a trick!
Other pros include the carer progression opportunities. I have just done a year post qualification and I have already been offered the role of Head of Department. Unlike other careers, it doesn't matter what age you are if you are ambitious. The pay is also good, as are the holidays! Colleagues are also really supportive – it isn't a really competitive environment. The main con is the work/life balance but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. It's a fun job.
As mentioned earlier, this was thanks to my tutor. Middlesex has such good links with schools which really helps. I wouldn't be working for one of the best school in the country if my tutor hadn't had a good relationship with the school and been asked to suggest a possible candidate for the position of Biology teacher.
There have been two to date. Firstly securing a job at such a great school and then becoming a Head of department after only a year post qualification.
Progressing as a teacher. I don't just want to be a good teacher, I want to be the best! I would also like to go into teacher training at some stage. I loved my university experience and would like to play my part in other students' university experiences.
Build your contacts network, always going out of your way for people if you can and share resources. Don't be competitive. In teaching you need to be a team player.
