“I was an undergraduate at Greenwich (Primary Teaching with QTS), which made me feel more comfortable starting this next stage of my educational journey, with familiar surroundings and staff.” Alfie explained, “Rania, the programme lead, appeared briefly in my earlier degree, during an enrichment week. Rania presented in an engaging and challenging way, which made me think deeply about my choices within the classroom. I was very excited at the prospect of working with Rania in classroom-based seminars.”
When we asked Alfie about his experience so far, he told us that despite knowing that the course would be challenging, as he is studying part-time whilst balancing it with his teaching role, he has loved his first year on the course. “The expectations are high, yet the rewards are great.” Alfie told us. “A lot of content is covered, with a range of strategies used to help you engage with the reading and align it with your day-to-day context. Lots of support is offered and I feel the lecturers could not do anymore for the students. They put their heart and soul in.”
Alfie goes onto say that lectures are very varied and interesting and that no two weeks have been the same during his first year. “At times, lecturers will lead discussions, yet other times students lead,” Alfie said. “There’s lots of time for directed activities within sessions and group work. Often, alongside clear teaching points being covered, lecturers will allow the students to share, leading to much discussion and debate. Lecturers will question and scrutinise different educational approaches in a respectful and thoughtful way.”
We asked Alfie about his peers, he told us, “I was relieved when, as I hoped, I was joined on the course with professional, like-minded peers. Everyone has been passionate about education and their opinions, yet self-assured enough to have their ideas challenged. All of my peers are extremely friendly and easy to talk to, with many WhatsApp groups being created as a result.”
Alfie hopes that his course will allow him to develop professionally, leading to career progression opportunities. He explains he aspires to be a headteacher, who can lead on the curriculum and the visions and values for his own school.
Finally, we asked Alfie if he would recommend hic course. “I would highly recommend this course for educational professionals, in all stages of their career. This course allows professionals to look at our current educational system through a range of lenses. Lots of insightful, yet challenging reading and research lead to individuals developing their own approach to education, which is supported by a strong, research-driven rationale. You won’t regret it. It has completely changed my teaching and learning approaches, alongside making me a more thoughtful and inquisitive person.”
We thank Alfie for sharing his story and wish him all the best for the future!
