Rob – PGCE

Course: Post Graduate Certificate in Education

Career: Teacher at Red Moor School, Lanlivery.

Having graduated from his BA (Hons) Degree in Theatre & Performance at the University of Plymouth, Rob was keen to return to a college environment to undergo his teacher training as he had enjoyed his own college experience so much. Rob studied his PGCE at the University Centre and since graduating in 2021, has gone gained his dream job by combining his previous degree and his PGCE experience and now works as a performing arts teacher at a local SEN school. Enjoying his role and wanting to continue to develop his experiences, Rob has also taken on a role as a 1:1 teacher at the same school and teaches evening English classes online.

Rob said: “I wanted to do my teacher training in a college setting – I loved college as a teen, more so than school, so it seemed like the right way to go.”

“The PGCE class was around 10 plus – it was definitely beneficial for my learning to have a mix of people’s styles and opinions when it comes to learning the teaching.”

“We had great support – the staff really wanted us to succeed and did everything they could to help us. Equally, the staff in the college (on the teaching placement) were also brilliant – so welcoming and supportive.”

“Then course was quite intensive, but it was the full time 1 year course, so that was to be expected. I found that I had plenty of time for family commitments when I planned well, which is what you need to do as a teacher anyway, so it was a good ‘trial run’ for the life of a teacher.”

“There was a lot of work in between the academic side and the teaching placement, but this was essential in preparing you for the reality of becoming a teacher.”

“The highlights of my career are seeing the achievements of the students I taught in the teaching placement at Truro, getting my teaching certificate, and getting a job as a teacher and getting to work with amazing children every day. Being a teacher is the first time in my life that a job doesn’t feel like a job, it feels like a purpose, and it means so much – the importance of being a teacher and what we do cannot be measured in words. Truro gave me that opportunity for which I will always be grateful. ”

“My advice to anyone considering a PGCE at Truro would be – throw yourself into it. Do as much teaching as you possibly can, more than what you need to do to pass the course if possible, as it is invaluable in gaining essential experience.”