Christy
Simons

Why NTU?

What inspired you to study BA (Hons) Primary Education?

"After having my daughter, I realised I loved teaching her things and watching her learn and decided I had finally found my passion at the age of 33! I did some volunteering at a local primary school which confirmed my love for working with children."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"I chose the BA Primary Education course because it is a four-year course and includes Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) which means that I will be a fully qualified primary teacher by the end of the course. The course also includes enrichment opportunities such as fieldwork trips and special placements which I felt would be beneficial to my teaching career.

I chose NTU because it is a modern university with plenty of support services should I need them. I also admire the fact that they are sustainable and based in Nottingham. Nottingham is my home city and it's perfect because it has anything a student could need."

Turing Scheme Mexico Trip

Tell us about the Turing Scheme Mexico Trip you were part of. 

"I heard about the Mexico trip via an email from the summer abroad team. The application process was to answer a few questions about why we’d like to go on the trip and how it would benefit us.

Alongside 20 other students, I went to Ensenada Mexico to the CETYS University where I completed a two-week course on sustainability and competitiveness and spent one week volunteering at local primary schools. In addition, there were trips and cultural emersion activities planned for us too, such as learning to cook a traditional Mexican dish. The volunteering involved painting and planting trees at the local primary schools, which made us feel like we were making a difference as the children’s schools looked a lot brighter and ready for their return. The headteacher was extremely grateful too.

The funding that was provided allowed me to travel to experience this wonderful programme which I would otherwise not have been able to afford. We were extremely well looked after during our trip.

The outcome of this trip was gaining knowledge from my course, being aware and enjoying integrating with other cultures and also lifelong international friends."

Social Sciences

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"It makes me feel like I can make a difference to people’s lives, not only children but other adults too."

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course? 

"I have been on three main placements so far - an inner-city primary school in Foundation Stage 2, a suburb catholic school in Year 5 and currently in a large inner-city school in Year 3 /4. I started by just observing and I am currently up to teaching the children 80% of the time. Mostly I have gained in confidence in all aspects of teaching such as subject knowledge, lesson planning and behaviour management. Building relationships with the children is what I have enjoyed the most. Watching the children flourish and learn on a daily basis has been a real highlight for me."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"A memorable moment from placement was taking the children to the annual swimming gala. I supported the children in taking place in the gala and a real highlight was when the children came 7th which is the best they’ve ever placed - a really proud moment."

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

"The support from the staff and tutors has been excellent so far. Each time that I have needed additional support, the staff are so accommodating and have provided support when needed."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

"There are plenty of opportunities to make friends at NTU, not only are there the people on the course, there are various different clubs to join and get involved in."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU? 

"After NTU I am going to go full steam ahead into my career with a wealth of knowledge and confidence."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals? 

"The course is providing all of the knowledge and experience I will need for my career and there is also the employability team that provide support."

Advice

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

"Go for it. It’s a lovely university, Nottingham will have everything you need as a student, and you’ll be a confident teacher by the end of the course."