Back to stories listingKatharine Buchanan is a 2023 graduate in PGCE Primary Education at UoG and is now a class teacher at a primary school in Gloucestershire. Read what Katharine has to say about how her course prepared her for this first teaching role.
Why did you choose UoG?
“I worked in a school admin and finance role and then decided I wanted to teach. I looked at others [universities] but it was the feel of everything at UoG that made me choose to study here. Particularly, as a mature student, the quality of support was really important for me – the accessibility, feel and location that would put me in the best place to achieve my teaching qualification.”
What were the high points of your time at UoG?
“Definitely the staff support – I went through family trauma during my first placement and the support I had was absolutely phenomenal, whether it was an email with a query or support with an assignment. A PGCE is intense and it could be overwhelming, but the staff made it all possible. The quality and content of the course is amazing, but you need skilled and supportive course leaders and tutors. Michelle and the lecturers are amazing – it wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
What have you been doing since you graduated?
“The links into the teaching world, given to me by UoG, were invaluable. My first placement [school] requested me back for my third placement! It was lovely to be asked back and since my training year I’ve since got a full-time teaching role at the school.”
Your advice for those considering training to teach later in life?
“Don’t be put off being a mature student! That experience and the life skills I gained while balancing work and being a parent can 100% be an asset.”
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