Erica
Pallett

Why NTU?

Why did you choose to study a PGCE?

"After graduating university, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. People had often said to me that they could see me as a teacher, but it never really resonated with me. I knew I didn’t want to spend every day working in an office and that I wanted to make a difference with my career. So, after a lot of thought I decided to study the PGCE in primary education and after spending time in primary schools I knew that it was the right decision for me."

Why did you choose your PGCE course at NTU?

"I went to university in Manchester and Liverpool, but I am from Nottingham, and I knew that NTU was well–renowned for teaching courses. I knew that a lot of people went to NTU to become a teacher, so I chose to do the same."

What was your experience of your course?

"I had a really good experience on the course because I made loads of new friends who I keep in touch with. I didn’t really know what to expect with this course because it was completely different from my other degrees. It was much more hands-on, and I enjoyed going to the subjects and experiencing primary school with my friends."

On Placement

Did you complete any work placements on your course?

"I completed two main work placements in primary schools across Nottingham. The one I spent the most time at was in a Year 4 class in Beeston. I loved my placement, I really enjoyed spending time with the children and feeling like I had my own class. The teachers in the school treated me like a colleague and I was grateful for their mentorship. I would say that this placement prepared me to be a teacher better than anything else, and even though it was challenging, it was very rewarding."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"I went on a residential with my placement class right at the end of the year. We went to Ilam Hall in Derbyshire where we did orienteering, hiking, and river dipping. This was a fun way to get to know my class better and to gain some more professional experience. I would recommend going on as many school trips or residentials as possible to build relationships with the children and staff in the school."

Support

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

"I think the tutors and staff at NTU offered a lot of support and there were many staff members who I felt that I could turn to if I had a problem."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

"Yes, I found it easy to make friends at NTU and some of my best moments were spent with them. Overall, I felt that NTU was a very friendly university, and I didn’t find it hard to settle."

Life after NTU

Tell us about what you’re doing now

"In September, I am going to have my own class in Year 3 so I will be a full-time class teacher. I’m really looking forward to this and I feel that I have been prepared well for it."