Ben Jackson

PGCE (Upper Primary)

Campus-based, Full-time

Tell us a little bit about your background

I started the PGCE (Upper Primary) after taking a gap year which I spent working as a Teaching Assistant. My first degree was in Management and following graduation I started thinking about a career in accountancy. I soon realised this wasn't for me, I wanted something more enjoyable and rewarding. I'd always enjoyed working with children and was involved quite heavily with cricket coaching for children in my local community. I decided to go with my instincts and begin my teacher training.

What attracted you to the Programme of Study here?

I am local to Leicester and had heard positive reviews from friends which persuaded me to do my PGCE at the University of Leicester.

Can you describe your experience of studying with the School of Education at Leicester?

Intense! Its hard work but engaging and very rewarding. You can feel yourself progressing from placement to placement. The course keeps you on your toes but it has also been fun, I will be sad to leave!

What do you enjoy most about your course?

Apart from the school placements, seminars and lecturers we also had some interesting sessions as part of 'Learning Outside the Curriculum.' We visited the Botanical Gardens and Rutland Water in Leicestershire where we were taught how to use school trips to enhance and develop children's learning.

How has your course influenced your thinking about teaching?

It has made me appreciate how hard teachers have to work! It's certainly not just long holidays, teachers have long working hours and then there's all the lesson planning in the evening. You really need to be prepared for a challenging course and a career of hard work and preparation but it's definitely worth it.