What was your undergraduate degree and when did you graduate?
My degree was in Business and Information Technology. I enjoyed the University experience so much I decided to complete another year of study as a PGCE student.
What is your job title and role?
I teach IT in a secondary school I have a large in take at GCSE and have just completed a year as Head of Department. I teach both KS3 and KS4 pupils.
Could you briefly describe the organisation you work for?
The school is a large secondary school with catchment in the Llanelli area.
Did you complete a foundation degree or HND/C before studying for your degree?
Before starting my degree I completed my A levels at Swansea College.
What modules are most helpful to you in your job?
In comparison to my level of study what I teach is at a more basic level. The business modules that I chose have helped me in the work that I do away from the classess room in communicating with other colleagues, writing reports and analyzing results data.
Where do you find yourself using the transferable skills that you developed in University?
The most important transferable skill for me has been the ability to manage my time and organize myself, which I learnt through working to deadlines and attending meetings with my dissertation supervisor. I also have to be able to communicate effectively with a variety of different types of people from 1st year pupils who are very nervous and frightened to year 11’s who are on the cusp of adulthood and about to leave school. I also need to communicate with colleagues about pupil progress and whole school development and other agencies aswell.
Do you have a typical day and how would you describe it?
My days are never the same from the moment you enter the building you are there for the pupils and to make them feel valued. It is non stop from the start of the day and continues long after the pupils leave. There is no such thing as a quiet lunch in school when you teach ICT as you have the resources that all pupils want to leave. Luckily my school has been very forward thinking in terms of technology and have invested heavily in this area. We are now in partnership with Technocamps and are branching out from ICT into programming which I am sure will be another challenge.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy most?
I enjoy all aspects of my job, the easiest and most enjoyable part is teaching the pupils but there is a lot of work and preparation that goes in behind the scenes. In ICT the pupil enthusiasm for the subject is contagious and witnesses their achievements is a great reward.
Any tips for someone wanting to develop a career in your sector?
You have to want to do the job, it is not a position you can take on half heartedly “for the holidays” it is stressful. It is daunting that after leaving university you are responsible for someone elses education. however, it does get easier and helping young people to learn and grow is very rewarding and fulfilling.
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