Ben
Crossland

Why NTU?

What inspired you to study your subject?

Throughout school I have always had the impression that physics isn’t regarded a cool or exciting subject by students, but I feel with the right methods teachers can really bring the topics to life and show how amazing it really is if more people engaged with it.

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

NTU’s offering of a 3-year teaching training course is extremely important. This makes it possible to get into schools earlier to connect with students and share my passion for physics with others.

What’s your experience been like of your course so far?

So far, I feel like the mix of our chosen subjects and education have been balanced well even with the heavy content involved with a physics degree. As most of my peers in our education cohort will agree, our secondary education lectures nicely break up the intense core knowledge behind our degrees. The highlights of the course are the days spent on placement where we were able to put into practice what we had been studying so far, as well as observing current teachers.

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

Within the physics course we do a range of experiments and projects that supplement our studies, one of which being a trip to Alton Towers to do a project and report on.

NTU has a wide range of societies which make it possible to still get in on the action with events throughout the year.

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course?

So far in the course I have done a one-week placement at Tuxford Academy where we observed qualified teachers in the classroom. This was to aid our Intensive Training and Practice, focused on classroom management but it also gave us the chance to teach a little ourselves where we could act as a TA in the classroom and get involved in the lessons.

This year we will have another two placements before the final year where we have one day a week in university and the rest on more placement.

Support

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

The support for all students at NTU is phenomenal, not just on an education course. The university really does go above and beyond for its students from lab technicians to financial support, they couldn’t do more for you if you needed it.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

Personally, I’m a massively outgoing person but what you have to remember is everyone is in the same boat when they come to university. All the welcome events and activities make it very easy to meet people and if you’re having fun you’ll find your people.

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

After NTU I hope to do go straight into teaching and my Early Career Teacher years. I hope I will continuously learn and improve in the art of teaching to ensure the best grades for my students.

Advice

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

You don’t have to be the next Albert Einstein to study physics and education at the same time. All it takes is determination to dig deep and get the work done knowing at the end you’ll be able to benefit hundreds of thousands of people throughout your career.