Niamh
Edmunds

Why NTU?

What inspired you to study your subject?

I worked as a Learning Support Assistant in my gap year teaching a range of subjects, and English has always been my favourite. That experience highlighted my passion for teaching, but especially English.

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

I started a different degree at a different university and was looking to go into full time employment rather than pursue a degree until someone recommended NTU. From the first interaction everyone was lovely and NTU stood out to me, being so supportive and helpful consistently. The course seemed interesting and had lots to offer with placements and extracurricular opportunities.

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

I have loved the course so far, the staff are helpful and make the course engaging and interesting. I enjoyed the microteach sessions and working as a group to practice teaching on placements.

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

Only the placements in first year, it was really interesting to go to a different school and see how other teachers operate and I’m looking forward to more placements soon.

What does Social Sciences mean to you? e.g. working with people, transforming lives, frontline services

I think it’s really important to help people and always do your best to improve yourself and others by making a positive difference. Social sciences gives us the tools and opportunities to support people and create change that can transform lives.

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course?

So far I have been to Tuxford academy, I found it really useful to experience a different school setting as this school was very different to when I worked as an Learning Support Assistant and it was nice to see how larger classes are managed and see the different activities/ lesson plans used. I got to shadow teachers and see how different classes are ran and managed, and I look forward to going to more schools in the future.

Support

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

The staff at NTU are always supportive and considerate, I always feel like I can go to my course leaders if I have a work or a personal issue, and I know they will try their best to help in any situation.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

I thought I would struggle as I started the course late into first year transferring from another university and commuting, but I found everyone to be really welcoming and friendly. the course offers lots of group work and whole-class activities so it was easy to start conversations and meet people.

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

I would like to go into teaching as soon as possible after finishing my degree. I loved my year as an Learning Support Assistant and look forward to teaching my subject full-time. I would like to teach English but would also enjoy doing some part-time work in SEND departments or extracurricular activities.

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals? 

The placements are really helpful in gaining experience as well as meeting people that can support your career goals. For example my placement at Tuxford, many of the teachers were enthusiastic to get to know you and share details about upcoming job offers, what it’s really like to work in education, and were generally helpful in preparing you for a teaching role.

Advice

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

Definitely attend open days and see what societies, events, and activities the university has to offer. I never researched NTU before applying so in my first year I missed lots of opportunities and experiences that would have been fun and useful. Put yourself out there and be involved!