Gurneet
Banga

Why NTU?

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

"I graduated from BSc Communication and Media Studies in 2022 and went straight into working as a Pastoral Mentor at a sixth-form college. My days were all about guiding students on their journey to becoming the best versions of themselves – both academically and personally. It was incredibly rewarding to help them reach their potential and navigate the ups and downs of student life!"

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"I chose to study this course to progress my career. While I loved the one-to-one pastoral work with students, I felt a strong pull towards teaching. Working with this age group is such a pivotal experience because it’s a crucial stage in their lives, and I really wanted to play a bigger part directly from the classroom – this course allows me to do exactly that."

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

"My experience of this course so far has been an exciting journey of growth and learning. One of the most valuable things I’ve discovered is that teaching goes beyond just knowing the subject – it’s about reflecting on what works and constantly improving as each classroom brings its own set of dynamics and challenges."

On Placement...

How have you found your placement experience so far?

"My placement experience has been both exciting and insightful. It’s been wonderful to see theory put into practice and to develop my teaching skills in real-world situations. The support from my mentors and the opportunity to plan, lead, and observe lessons has been so helpful in building my confidence and abilities."

How has this course helped you prepare for your time on placement?

"This course has given me the tools to feel confident in the classroom. From learning different teaching strategies to understanding how to manage diverse needs, I feel well-prepared to face the challenges on placement and adapt my approach as I go along."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"One highlight was planning and leading a Murder Mystery CPD activity alongside my mentor for the staff in my department! It was extremely fun to organise and even more rewarding to see it come to life. I was grateful for my mentor seeing my potential and letting me showcase this to the wider staff (many of who I hadn’t met before). The staff loved solving the mystery, and it was amazing to see everyone engaged and having fun while learning. It definitely added a unique twist to professional development.

As for students, one of my most memorable moments was in a Photography class where they were tasked with capturing 'things that make them happy'. One student picked a packet of crisps and decided to open it over her head for the shot - the clean-up was a nightmare, but the photos turned out amazing! It was one of the earliest moments where I realised teaching is about inspiring creativity and helping students bring their ideas to life."

Support

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

"The support from all staff has been amazing. My tutors are always approachable, responsive, and genuinely invested in our success. Whether it’s through one-to-one meetings, detailed feedback, or simply being there to listen, they’ve created a supportive environment that really makes a difference."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

"Settling into NTU was incredibly easy, thanks to the welcoming atmosphere and the sense of community that’s encouraged from day one. The university does a wonderful job of bringing students together through various events and activities, making it easy to connect with others and feel like a valued part of the NTU community."

The next steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"After graduation, I hope to step into a Media and/or English teaching role in the FE sector as I am currently teaching Media at my placement setting. My goal is to apply all the skills and knowledge I’ve gained from this course and inspire the next generation of learners. Long term, I’m aiming to grow into a senior role in education, focusing on student support and curriculum development."