Articles

I wanted to retrain to be a teacher to show students that Science is accessible to everyone.

TLDRoffon

Rebecca Richards, our alumna in Secondary Science with Chemistry PGCE had worked in schools for over a decade in a support capacity but decided she wanted to make the leap into teaching as working with students was her favourite part of the job.

Rebecca chose University of Greenwich as some of her colleagues had done their PGCEs at the university and recommended it as a provider: "I really liked the way the course at Greenwich was structured and for me, it offered the best combination of practical and theoretical skills for my needs." 

Rebecca says she enjoyed the course immensely. She recalls it not being easy, but it definitely prepared her for life in the classroom. It exceeded her expectations in that the lecturers were first class and she always felt supported and encouraged and even when in placement, nothing was ever too much trouble.

"The pedagogy sessions at Greenwich were excellent and meant I could effectively and confidently use up-to-date educational research and strategies in my placements and in my current teaching position. In addition, I received specialist support and advice on applying for jobs and preparation for interviews which was invaluable."

Rebecca loves the social interaction with students, and knew from the first week of her course, that this is exactly what she wanted to do. She currently works as a Chemistry teacher at Blackheath High School in Blackheath and absolutely loves it!

"Teaching is hard work but is so rewarding and I feel more confident thanks to the training I received at Greenwich. I keep in touch with the many friends I made on the course. I was worried I may be the only 'mature' student, but I wasn't and the age differences between us actually made us closer as all our experiences had been different. The ability to be able to bounce lesson planning ideas and resources around each other has really helped keep ideas fresh.​"

General public