Mia arrived without the strongest grades, but with a genuine passion for teaching

PGCE Secondary History student Mia explains how the reward for a demanding year of training is shaping a student’s understanding of the world and influencing a young person’s life.

“My journey into becoming a history teacher began long before university; it started in my own secondary classroom, with teachers who believed in me at moments when I didn’t believe in myself. That early influence stayed with me and it’s what eventually led me to the Secondary PGCE course at University of Gloucestershire. My time at the university has been transformative, not just academically but personally. I arrived without the strongest grades, but with a genuine passion for teaching – and that passion has been nurtured every step of the way by staff who believe in my protentional even when I doubted it myself. Those experiences, paired with the support I’ve received during some tough moments, have transformed not only my confidence but the kind of teacher I am becoming – someone who understands struggle, values growth, and wants every student to feel seen and capable of success. What matters most is the commitment to keep improving, and the university has created an environment where that growth feels both possible and encouraged. Throughout the year as a PGCE trainee, I have met incredible people and made friends who have supported, challenged and inspired me through every high and low.

Training to teach is demanding, it requires resilience, hard work and patience, but the reward of shaping a student’s understanding of the world and influencing a young person’s life is incomparable. The combination of university sessions and practical school placement proves to be the perfect structure. It’s allowed me to take what I learn in lectures and immediately test it; refine it and see its impact in real classrooms. That blend of theory and practice has not only strengthened my skills as a reflective practitioner but confirmed that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.”

Read more about Mia’s course, PGCE Secondary History, or discover more about our other PGCE Secondary courses. You can also sign up for teacher training updates.