PGCE Primary 5-11 with QTS
Oxford Brookes stood out
for its strong balance between hands-on school experience and regular in-person sessions on campus. The small and personal nature of the course made it feel really supportive, and the flexibility to train as a Primary teacher without specialising in a single subject meant I could develop skills across a broad curriculum.
The tutors are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable,
and are always available to offer help and guidance. Their communication has been excellent throughout, and their emphasis on student wellbeing has made a real difference. They genuinely prioritise mental health wellbeing and ensure that everyone feels supported during the course.
The nature of the course meant that I regularly connected
with people in the same position, and our cohort became a really strong support network. I’ve made lasting friendships, and we still stay in touch. Being placed in schools alongside course mates was also a huge advantage - it made the experience feel much less daunting to have familiar faces around.
Library resources are straightforward to find,
thanks to a dedicated session at the start of the course led by the librarian. This introduction made accessing the right materials simple, helped with assignments and independent study.
A key challenge was translating my classroom experience into formal written work.
Shifting from the language used with children to the academic tone needed for assignments was difficult at first, but the support from my placement mentor and Oxford Brookes tutors helped me make that transition. The extra in-person guidance made a huge difference, and I was able to refine my writing and achieve strong marks.
The course has provided a solid foundation
of contemporary and valuable teaching knowledge that I use in the classroom every day. Many of the topics covered came up in job interviews, reinforcing how relevant and practical the training is. This strong grounding has given me the confidence and skills to shape my teaching practice and start my career on the right foot.