After seven years working in the construction industry, with a degree in Quantity Surveying, I decided to change career. On completing a three year Japan Exchange Teacher Programme, I applied for a PGCE place at the University of Birmingham. I was attracted to Birmingham because of its strong ties with local schools, and because a friend strongly recommended the course to me. I am now able to endorse that recommendation to others.

The course has been challenging, fast-paced and has demanded dedication and hard work. Nevertheless it has been a most enjoyable experience. All of the tutors, mentors and schools with whom I have worked have provided strong support and encouragement throughout.

I am amazed at how professional I feel after just eight months. The course has given me a firm grounding and the confidence to teach across the age and ability range. I am looking forward to a long and successful career teaching in Birmingham.

Nicky Vowles, PGCE Primary

I am from Nottingham, but studied for my Psychology BSc in York. I decided to move to Birmingham because of its wider range of opportunities. I was particularly keen to learn to teach in a diverse and challenging environment. I love the city and the staff and children I have been working with.

The PGCE Primary course provides an excellent grounding for a teaching career. The combination of teaching placements and lectures offers a good balance, and has inspired me to try ideas out in the classroom. My different school placements have really enhanced my learning. I have found the course lecturers to be knowledgeable, enthusiastic and always keen to help.

I hope to teach in Birmingham or the surrounding area. Working here is very rewarding; you get to work with such a mix of people. I am really excited about working with my own class of pupils.

Kali Bajwa, PGCE Secondary Science student

After completing my first degree in Biomedical Science in London, I decided to return to Birmingham to study on the PGCE Biology course, which had been highly recommended to me. The deciding factor was the Masters level assessment, which would allow me to gain a University of Birmingham MEd after my first year of teaching.

The course was very demanding and enjoyable. I was grateful that the impeccable tutor support at Birmingham kept me sane during times of stress. In both teaching placements, my mentors were extremely supportive, providing feedback which enabled me to learn from my mistakes positively. The university-based science sessions are carried out efficiently by specialist subject tutors and helped prepare us for our science lessons in schools. I would recommend anyone with limited classroom experience to apply for this PGCE course. Time spent in the university is an excellent preparation for teaching placements.

After qualifying I hope to become an NQT in London and teach for the three years before teaching in America for a year. I then hope to return to the UK to work in a comprehensive school. My particular interests are the development of opportunities for SEN pupils in Science.

Jean-Yves Rivière, PGCE Secondary MFL (French)

I came to the UK when I was 21 having been educated in France. I have experienced a variety of jobs because I wanted to experience other working environments before embarking on teaching.

I applied to do my PGCE at Birmingham mainly because of its excellent reputation. I have learned that the challenges facing teachers in British schools are different from those in France: you have to learn to be very adaptable to meet the individual needs of pupils.

I find it very rewarding to see pupils achieve learning objectives, use the knowledge gained to communicate, and to move on. I feel really proud when there is a ‘buzz’ in the classroom. It’s a great responsibility; you can change people’s way of life. Teaching is never boring; each day you are dealing with different challenges.

I have appreciated the support given by mentors, and the very clear guidance given by PGCE tutors.