Why did you decide to study the MSc Teacher Education course at Oxford University?
I wanted to be more informed about how to prepare new teachers for QTS and the research-based element of the course seemed perfect for that. I was also keen to study at Oxford University.
What was your full-time job during your MSc Teacher Education?
I was Programme Lead for a SCITT, designing the curriculum, delivering training, marketing the SCITT, recruiting new trainee teachers, arranging and chairing governance meetings, preparing the SCITT for Ofsted. I was also teaching maths to Years 7, 9 and 13 in the secondary school the SCITT was based in.
What did you particularly enjoy about the course?
I really liked the structure of the course, with the first section spent thinking deeply about the subject and what it means to teach it, before spending time learning about teacher education and the design of courses/sessions. I enjoyed meeting other people on the course and learned from them too as we shared our contexts. I liked the mixture of modes of studying such as the residential weeks, the online sessions, the weekly tasks and I loved being able to access and read research relevant to my role. The tutoring and teaching on the course was excellent.
How has studying the course helped with your professional development?
I learned so much from the course and felt more confident in my role as teacher educator. I continue to keep in touch with colleagues I met on the course.
What is the community (students & staff) like at the department?
Staff were friendly, supportive, interested in people’s roles and motivations, and experts in their field. Their guidance was very informative and helped me produce the best work I could.
What advice would you give to people who are applying to the course?
You might think you can’t fit it in with your job, but somehow you will make it work, don’t be put off by the commitment but make the most of it.
What is your favourite memory of studying at the department?
The in-person sessions were great, I loved having time dedicated to discussing research and sharing ideas, and the teaching was brilliant.
The in-person sessions were great, I loved having time dedicated to discussing research and sharing ideas, and the teaching was brilliant.