Meet our Physical Education students

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Where are you from?

Penicuik (close to Edinburgh), Scotland

What were you doing before starting the programme? 

A Coaching and Developing Sport HND at Edinburgh College.

Who or what inspired you to become a teacher? 

I had a PE teacher in high school that used many different teaching models that helped me learn, something I struggled with in many classes. Using these models and styles I was able to take them to other subjects and develop my general learning in school. 

What do you want to achieve in your teaching career?  

Using this personal anecdote as inspiration it is something I use to carry out my mission as a teacher. My goal and mission as a teacher is to reach those that want to learn but do not have the learning styles to reach their goals 

Were there things that made you hesitate before starting your programme? What made you decide to go for it?  

I have always been a kinaesthetic learner and knowing going to university it would be challenging to use that same approach as I knew there were lots of readings and attention required. While I struggle with ADHD, my mission was not to fail due to this obstacle, while I struggle sometimes at university it has given me the opportunity to use different models to reach those with ADHD in schools as well as I know they help me. 

What advice would you give someone considering taking your programme?  

Never forget your long term goal. While sometimes the course may seem difficult, especially on an intellectual basis, the impact you’ll make to students that mould our future is worth the hard work.

What are you most looking forward to about being a teacher?  

Building relationships with students. The teachers that had the biggest impact on my life were the ones I had a trusting relationship with. 

Thinking about your time at school, do you wish there had been more teachers like you?  

I struggled a lot in school with attention and the teachers that helped engage me made me enjoy school. Therefore, if the teachers that I want to be like were more plentiful, then I would’ve enjoyed it more.

What do you hope to bring to the students and classrooms that you work with?

A passion for learning. When I enjoyed a subject I had a more of a motivation to learn more and therefore was more attentive to the subject. I believe passion = motivation.

What is / was the best thing about your teaching programme at Moray House?

The amount of resources at Moray House are plentiful. I am about to go onto placement feeling a lot more prepared and adaptable.

Have you had any experiences with the Place2Be programme? If so, what impact do you think this will have on your teaching, classroom, or mental health?

Having an understanding of not only your students mental health but also your own is beneficial to learning and morale in the classroom. Place2Be provides the support you might not always receive.

Where are you from?

Scotland

What do you like best about your programme?

There are so many things I love about the MA Physical Education course; my peers, the course camaraderie, the knowledgeable and helpful tutors and the invaluable placement experiences truly make the course what it is. This course not only develops you academically but also personally and professionally by providing you with the skills needed for your future teaching career.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about applying to your programme?

Don’t think twice!

What made you choose Moray House School of Education and Sport?

The reputation and the prestige surrounding not only the University of Edinburgh but also Moray House. Many of the best teachers I had came through the doors of Moray House and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.

How do you feel your experience has better prepared you for your future career?

Through this course I have had the opportunity to develop academically in a university context and have also been given the opportunity to apply my knowledge whilst out on placement. This experiential process of learning and applying  knowledge has not only increased my ability to teach effectively but has also booted my confidence ten-fold in almost every aspect.

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Where are you from?

Scotland (Wemyss Bay, Inverclyde)

What were you doing before you started your degree at Moray House?

Before starting at Moray House, I was a student at St Columbas High School, Gourock. I attended University straight from High School. I had also recently just signed a professional football contract for Dumbarton Football Club, where I was playing/training on a part time basis.

Why did you choose this programme?

I chose this programme because I wanted to become a Physical Education Teacher. After attending the open days at different Universities which offered similar courses, I knew that the University of Edinburgh was the right fit for me.

Why did you want to study at Moray House and the University of Edinburgh?

I wanted to study at Moray House and the University of Edinburgh because after attending the open day I saw the fantastic facilities that were available at both Moray House and the University itself. Having a strong interest in sport, I was blown away at what would be available to us on the Physical Education course.

What was the best thing about your programme?

The best thing about my programme was the togetherness of it all. Most days consisted of group work with fellow students on various Educational courses, and despite being nervous/not fully engaged at the beginning, it definitely allowed my confidence and social skills to grow (an important attribute needed in a teacher).

What did you enjoy about your studies?

One of the key parts of my studies I enjoyed the most was the teacher placements we were sent on. It is at this point that you get to put all of the knowledge you are learning at the University into the real teaching world.

What are you doing now?

Now I am currently living in Melbourne, Australia. I have been here for 2 years and have been teaching Physical Education in a state school.

How did your experience at Moray House help you get where you are today?

My experience at Moray House moulded me into the person and teacher that I am today. If it wasn’t for the group work, my social skills would have struggled; if it wasn’t for the pedagogy lectures, I wouldn’t understand teaching styles; if it wasn’t for the skill acquisition, my teaching content would be poor; and the list goes on. All of these combined allowed me to improve year on year at school placements, which later down the line proved pivotal as I was able to gain employment in a full-time permanent position at one of these schools.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying at Moray House?

If someone was considering studying at Moray House, I would advise them to immerse themselves fully within the University. Join a club, commit yourself and enjoy it. Always remember that everyone is in the same position as you are. During my time at University, I decided to continue playing football back in the Glasgow area and I missed out on a lot, I had the opportunity to train with the University team on a couple of occasions and it is something I had wished I had done.

How would you describe your experience in three words?

If I had to explain my experience in three words, I would say enjoyable, hard and unforgettable.