"When I left school I was unsure about what I wanted to do with my career. However, after spending some time as a teaching assistant during my gap year I thought that I might be suited to mathematics teaching. Initially I was unsure whether or not this was the right career choice, so the BSc in Mathematics with Education offered by Plymouth University seemed a perfect option. I would be able to find out more about teaching and learning as well as study mathematics to degree level.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Plymouth University. I studied a variety of modules throughout the three-year course and gradually opted for more and more education-based modules. Hands-on teaching experience gained during my second year gave me a valuable insight into some of the many aspects of teaching and learning. I was able to observe and teach episodes to pupils across the age and ability range and gain an understanding of classroom dynamics that would stand me in good stead for the demands of my PGCE course.
I am now in my second year of teaching and have been given responsibility for mathematics at Key Stage 5 in my school. The teaching and learning module studied on the course, as well as the research carried out in my dissertation, have given me greater insight into the dynamics of the classroom climate. The passion for teaching and learning, ignited through this research, allows me to frequently reflect and improve my practice in my day-to-day teaching. The modules in statistics and decision mathematics that I studied at the University allowed me to teach further mathematics and mathematics A level with a sound knowledge base and one which other members of staff frequently call on for support!"