Chris
Cash

Why NTU?

What inspired you to study PGCE Further Education and Skills at NTU?

"I graduated from NTU last year with a BSc first class honours degree in Film Technology and Production. Before that I was a professional tennis coach for almost 25 years having worked at all levels of the game and achieving the highest possible qualification for teaching tennis."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"I decided to do this course after my degree as it is the culmination of a 4-year journey to become a teacher of film and media in further education. Once I graduate I will look to seek employment in the sector teaching Film, Television and media.

I decided during COVID that I wanted to use my current skill set in an industry that would give me a better work life balance than tennis.

I chose NTU for my degree because it was local to where I live and work so wouldn’t be a huge disruption on my life. Plus, the facilities and educators are world class and top of their field so it was and is a great place to learn and study."

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

"The course has taken the skills of teaching that I had developed over a lifetime of working in tennis and given me the theory behind some of the decisions and choices I have made in the past. It has also enhanced my knowledge beyond what I thought was possible and challenged my beliefs and thinking around education. Cognitive load theory has proved an invaluable lesson and really help me develop the way I teach and the way I think about delivery."

On Placement...

How have you found your placement experience so far?

"I am lucky that I did my degree where I’m now on placement, so the building and staff are familiar. I have thoroughly enjoyed being in the classroom and working with the students and putting into practice what we are learning at university on the course."

The course has given me an excellent grounding in the skills and knowledge required to work in a further education setting, from behaviour management to how to structure an academic lesson.

Most memorable moment so far has been when a student left my class and said “You’re doing a great job sir, I love your lessons do we have you next week?”. This feedback gave me great confidence in how I was doing and the information I was getting from the course"

Support

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

"The support that I get from the course lectures is amazing, they are always on hand to answer questions and concerns and always respond promptly to emails. This level of care and support reduces any anxiety massively.

Being a mature student I have been made to feel part of the NTU community and not once I have ever been made to feel that I shouldn’t be here. One of my biggest concerns and fears was that I would be treated differently being older but that has not been the case at all."