The PGCE prepared me comprehensively for life as a teacher and it also fostered my skills as a practitioner researcher

Why did you decide to do a PGCE at the University of Sheffield?

I undertook the University of Sheffield’s PGCE (formerly PGDE) after making a fairly last-minute decision to apply for a teacher training course. The University of Sheffield’s PGCE was the only course that I applied to and meeting the tutor finalised my decision to apply due to the way that he spoke about teaching and the inherent values of the course. 

One of the main reasons that I applied to the University of Sheffield specifically was the number of masters credits that the diploma grants students, and I genuinely enjoyed and learnt a lot from each of the assignments that we were given.

I am hugely thankful that I did apply to the University of Sheffield because of the quality of training that I received and the subsequent opportunities and experiences that the course created for me.

Can you tell us about your career since graduating?

Three years after finishing my PGCE, I am still teaching English at the school that I trained at for my first teaching placement. Not long after arriving at the school, it was clear to me that the department was one that I would be happy working as part of and I was immediately made to feel welcome.

During my Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) year, I also completed the MA Applied Professional Studies in Education (APSE) which I found hugely beneficial for further developing my research skills. Undertaking the MA APSE also led to an adapted version of my dissertation being published nationally online and in print in NATE’s Teaching English magazine – something that I doubt I would have achieved without the University of Sheffield and the support of my tutors!

Whether at university or in school, I always knew that there were people around me who wanted to guide and support me in becoming the best teacher that I could be.

Daniella Dunn

PGCE (formerly PGDE) Alumna

What did you enjoy most about your course?

The best thing about the course was definitely the support that I received – both from my PGCE tutors within the University and from my mentors and host teachers within my two school placements.

Whether at university or in school, I always knew that there were people around me who wanted to guide and support me in becoming the best teacher that I could be. I massively enjoyed the sessions in university throughout the entirety of the course and learnt a huge amount from them that still benefits me in my teaching practice.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying for a PGCE?

To anyone thinking about applying for a PGCE at the University of Sheffield, I would recommend it wholeheartedly. It prepares you comprehensively for life as a teacher and it also fostered my skills as practitioner researcher too!