Alex Balayac

What made you decide to come to the University of Portsmouth to enrol on your course?

The PGCE course at the University of Portsmouth was my first wish when I applied because many school teachers I knew recommended it to me for the good results they got, and their OFSTED evaluation is outstanding.

Before starting the PGCE, I was already working in the region and I really enjoyed it here; the place is great and the campus of Portsmouth has a very good reputation.

How have you found the course?

The course was of high quality; all the lessons, interventions and the information we got throughout the year were relevant and very useful.

The training/placements in schools was well organised and tutors at university were following us all year long - they give lots of support and understanding. I now feel well prepared to start teaching.

How have you found life at the University of Portsmouth and what aspects of being a student here have you valued?

The atmosphere within the students in our group was wonderful, we all helped each other and we never found any competition between us, only support and friendly relationships. The course administration in St Georges building do a great job and they are always there to help solve any problems.

How has the course affected your life?

It was a very demanding course and I am even more proud to have completed it. It made me feel more responsible and mature; now I realise that when one works hard it always pays. The course affected my life only in positive ways as I have learnt a lot about myself and I know that even if one thinks it is too hard one can always achieve it thanks to perseverance and also mutual help.

Would you recommend your course and/or studying with the School of Education and Continuing Studies to others?

I would recommend it to others since it is a very good course, of high standard and very well organised in order to make everyone progress and achieve. The University of Portsmouth staff are very professional and friendly. It gives a good qualification and an excellent teaching practice.

Rachel Jackson

What made you decide to come to the University of Portsmouth to enrol on your course?

I originally completed my BA (Hons) Spanish Studies degree here at the University of Portsmouth so it made sense to complete my PGCE here after my degree. I had the best years of my life in Portsmouth whilst I was studying for my degree! Prior to studying the PGCE, I also completed the TDA French Extension Course at the University of Portsmouth, which made me sure that I had made the right choice about choosing to study the PGCE here.

The city’s location, with connections to France and Spain, makes Portsmouth University the best place to learn a modern foreign language and the city has a vibrant mix of people from all different countries and cultures.

I had read all about the PGCE course at the University of Portsmouth and attended open days. I was really happy with what I saw and so I knew that I had made the right decision.

How have you found the course?

The shortest possible answer for this particular question is that it has definitely changed me for the better, both personally and professionally. It is very intensive and a lot is expected of you both in the professional sense and as a student but if you are willing to give it your all and you are determined to succeed in your chosen career path then you will have a great experience. I learnt so much about not just teaching in general but teaching modern foreign languages and if I compare myself now to how I was in September and how much I knew, I have really developed my thoughts, work and professional practice as a teacher. This course has made me grow as a person and I feel a better person for having completed it.

The support from my subject tutor was fantastic and help is always available whether it be via email, phone or in person. Everyone pulls together to help each other on the course and of course to organise socials when end of term is near!

How have you found life at the University of Portsmouth and what aspects of being a student here have you valued?

Well, having completed both my degree and PGCE here at Portsmouth University I will always have fond memories of the city and the University. The atmosphere is great, not just in the University but in the city also. Also, the University Library is brilliant – it’s got everything there in terms of research assignments for the PGCE and the Student Union is great for nights out with everyone – just one of the many places you can go in Portsmouth for a drink! The support service that the University provides is second to none from health to financial issues and housing. There will always come a point when you might need to use any of these services and they are readily available and accessible. This is just one of the many aspects of being a student here that I have valued.

How has the course affected your life?

This course has enabled me to pursue my career of teaching, something which I have always wanted to do since I was young. Although the course is nine months in total, I found that this course has changed me much more than my four year degree did.

I have learnt to become not only more reflective in a professional sense but in a personal sense also and to be more understanding of other people’s actions. It has taught me to be a good listener, a confident speaker and has generally made me into a better person.

It has taught me to be persistent, develop good relationships with not only children but colleagues also and to appreciate and really value the contribution that other people can make to not only children’s lives but my life also.

The PGCE has definitely affected my life for the better in all senses.

Would you recommend your course and/or studying with the School of Education and Continuing Studies to others?

The simple answer to this is YES! I had a brilliant time here on this course and met some amazing people. I am not going to lie – it’s not easy and a lot of hard work is required but if you want to get into teaching languages then this is the course for you. The support on this course is remarkable and the tutors are all remarkably experienced in teaching their particular subject and researching their field. You change in person for the better (in many aspects) and make a lot of good friends.

Samantha Chesshire

What made you decide to come to the University of Portsmouth to enrol on your course?

I decided to come to the University of Portsmouth because I had already completed my degree there. During this time I had felt very supported by all members of staff and the current students, so I was keen to complete my PGCE somewhere that I was familiar with. I was also aware of the positive reputation that the University of Portsmouth had, with regards to languages and the PGCE course.

How have you found the course?

I have found the course extremely challenging yet rewarding at the same time. It is fast paced and rigorous for the whole year, however the rewards at the end are worth the hard work. I have been given the opportunity to work on my weaknesses and develop my strengths both academically and socially. I have met an amazing circle of friends and have found staff to be demanding in their expectations yet incredibly supportive in helping you achieve your potential.

How have you found life at the University of Portsmouth and what aspects of being a student here have you valued?

I have valued the opportunity to get to know such an amazing group of people. I have valued the social life of the local area and the supportive ethos that the University upholds. I have also felt lucky to have been taught by experts in their field who have pushed and assisted every step of the way, leaving me with skills and qualifications that I will be able to use for life.

How has the course affected your life?

After finishing education I was able to go into full-time employment straight away. I have met people who I will keep in contact with for life. It has also given me skills which are transferable and relevant to the careers that I am interested in.

Would you recommend your course and/or studying with the School of Education and Continuing Studies to others?

I would definitely recommend the course. The staff are skilled and supportive, the city is great and the students are amazing.