Sammy
Kingsnorth

Why NTU

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

"From coaching football to instructing skateboarding - I have always loved working with children! It wasn’t until year 11 where my love for teaching began. I completed my work experience through voluntary work at my old primary school. I enjoyed this so much I stayed on for additional voluntary work and fell in love with teaching."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"I knew from the first open day at NTU that it was the right university for me. There was an immediate warm, friendly aura that made me feel so welcome. The primary education course at NTU includes in-school placements which offer opportunities for valuable classroom experience. NTU also offer a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status meaning I can begin teaching as soon as I graduate!"

What’s your experience been like of your course so far? Can you pick out any highlights?

"The course offers endless opportunities to make incredible memories from the diverse range of subjects studied, drama performances and even seeing your tutor roll down a steep, grassy hill on a field trip! One specific memory I look back on fondly is the ‘lecturers vs students’ dodgeball game during values week. They love to remind us at any given opportunity about how they beat us – we will get them next time."

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

"One thing I particularly enjoy as part of the primary education course is the Male Network Group run by one of the male tutors. Being a minority on the course can be overwhelming and can potentially feel isolating. The Male Network Group is a place for male trainee teachers to regularly meetup and discuss assignments, general course studies, or just university life! Interacting with other trainees has been a useful when seeking assignment support or advice for any struggles I encounter – the free coffee at meetings is a bonus too!"

Social Sciences

What does Social Sciences mean to you? 

"When I hear the term ‘social science’ I think of working with the future generation. I have the power to install self-confidence and belief into the next generation, along with an important ‘can-do’ attitude."

Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course? 

"In my first year at NTU I was placed at a primary school in Long Eaton. During the six-week placement, my teaching progressed from one-on-one sessions, to small groups, and finishing with some full class teaching. Throughout this, my school mentor was there for support - offering constructive feedback and support in target setting. I loved building professional relationships with the other teachers and putting my university studies into practise."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"One specific memory of placement that I look back on fondly is teaching a full classroom of children for the first time. Although it seemed quite daunting at first, I loved having the whole class engaged in a task that I had specifically planned and prepared. Shortly after this, I taught a sequence of full class PE lessons which significantly boosted my confidence in full class teaching. These experiences made me more inclined to search for opportunities to teach full class whenever they emerged and taught me valuable self-evaluation skills."

Support

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

"Whether by email or a visit to their office, tutors are always happy to help - offering support and advice whenever needed. In addition students in later year groups often run support groups for newer students, offering first-hand experience of upcoming assignments and/or placements. Studies aside, NTU offers a vast range of support for mental and physical health. There are 24/7 safe spaces on campus if required, along with medical centres that have always accommodated for any of my concerns."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

"I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to make friends at NTU. Everyone on my course was so outgoing, making the initial introduction stage a lot smoother. I found joining a society during first year was a particularly useful thing to do as you can engage with activities you enjoy and meet like-minded individuals."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU? 

"After graduation, I plan to return to my old primary school in Kent to teach Key Stage 2. After a few years of valuable teaching experience, I aspire to transition into other roles such as headteacher where different responsibilities and challenges are involved."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals? 

"The primary education course at NTU is perfectly catered to provide me with the necessary experiences and tools I need in my future line of work. Despite sometimes being hard to explicitly see, progression is always occurring and I am becoming a better, more informed teacher every day."

Advice

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

"My biggest piece of advice is to approach the course with an open mind and be prepared to be pushed outside of your comfort zone! Many experiences on the course may seem daunting or embarrassing at first such as: singing, dancing or even putting on drama performances. However, with an open mind these can become great learning experiences and tools to utilise for childrens’ progression in a wide range of subjects."