Leon
Whalley

Why NTU?

What inspired you to study your subject?

"Many different things inspired me to want to study my subject however the main factor would have to be the amazing teachers that I had in school. The passion and drive they have for the subject are something that I share and would like to pass on to others."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"I chose my course as it offers the perfect opportunity to equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in teaching. I chose NTU as it offered the best balance of student life. NTU has a large student population and many different societies and opportunities, allowing a good balance between social and studying aspects."

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

"My experience so far has been outstanding. After worrying about settling into the course, as I’m attached to Computing, I’ve been made to feel welcome within their course and part of the School of Science and Technology while still belonging to the School of Social Sciences. The modules this year have been a perfect level of challenge for the first year. The teaching within the course has been to a high standard and the content delivered encourages further study outside of the lectures and labs. The main highlights of my course this year would have to be the placement opportunity and the creative freedom within coursework to allow me to go beyond lectures and labs to create items such as websites and games of my own specification."

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

"I’ve been involved in managing a small 5-a-side team for Sunday Football through NTU sport which has been a positive experience and enjoyable to do alongside my studies. I’ve also taken part in planning a Teaching taster event which was a great chance to have a taste and my chosen career. I’ve also made use of the city and Clifton gym sites provided by NTU which was a cheaper and great alternative to using public options."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"Social Sciences, to me, means working with different people and communities and providing a positive experience all around in whatever challenge is put forward."

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course?

"I have completed a 5-day placement within a school. It was an outstanding experience all around and spent the week embedded within the department. During the placement, I observed lessons, school events, and department meetings and spoke to and watched experienced teachers within the school environment. The main thing I gained from this placement was a reinforcement of teaching is the career I want to pursue after seeing and being a part of pupils’ education."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"There were a few key memorable moments within my placement. The first would have to be getting to see a lesson from the teacher’s perspective and being inside of a school environment for the first time in a few years.

However, the main memorable moment was when talking to a student, and after being asked on how to do a piece of work and after helping them achieve that gave me a sense of fulfilment in being able to help that student with a small piece of their education."

Support

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

"NTU provides an excellent level of support for students from day one. Staff are easily contactable either via teams or email and in person if required. My personal tutor this year has been excellent and has answered all questions given and directed me to the appropriate people if required. The course leaders for my course have also been brilliant in the support that they provide and remaining in contact with students regularly during the first year."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

"Moving to university and out of home for the first time was a nerve-wracking experience. However, from day one I realised everyone was in the same boat and quickly made friends with my flatmates and people on my course. It took a few weeks to settle and get into a good routine however it was a lot easier to do by putting myself forward for any opportunities available."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"After NTU I aim to be a fully qualified computing teacher, teaching within a Secondary School. I’d also be potentially interested in coaching football or something similar after gaining some experience within my first year."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"NTU has a great level of information available to help me prepare for my future career. Via the course of the employability team, there is plenty of information out there. It also provides a great range of extra-curricular activities to work alongside study to provide a positive and good student experience."

Advice

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

"Firstly, I would suggest getting involved in any opportunities given! The course itself is great but anything extra offered provides a great link between studies and future career opportunities.

I would also suggest getting involved in a society or sporting events. These allow you to escape from sometimes a very busy schedule of study.

The most important bit of advice for anyone studying my course is that if you are unsure about anything and do not know what to do, just ask for help! The library, course leaders, personal tutor and module staff are all available to help and no question is a silly question. It is better to spend 5 minutes writing an email asking for help instead of spending 5 days not knowing what you’re doing."