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Studying PGCE Secondary Mathematics at Cardiff Met: The best year of my life

Chloe Davies Secondary PGCE student
Chloe Davies Secondary PGCE student

Hi, my name is Chloe Davies. I graduated with a degree in Accounting and Management from Cardiff University in 2017 and am now coming to the end of the PGCE Secondary Mathematics at Cardiff Met. In January 2020, my life looked entirely different. I was the owner and manager of a luxury bridalwear boutique (career change – I know!) and had been in the job for three years. However, since I was a child, I’d always known teaching was my vocation.

Finally giving in to what I knew was my calling, I began researching PGCE courses. Having not travelled far for my undergraduate degree, I knew Cardiff Met was the obvious choice for the PGCE programme, and within weeks of applying I had my place confirmed for a September 2020 start – exciting!

The first few weeks of the PGCE course is the time to become accustomed with the staff, your Professional Learning Passport – PLP (which will later become your best friend) and the main theories which underpin teaching. Enjoy the minimal workload while it lasts!

The course at Cardiff Met is comprised of two school placements, university days and school-based training days, and I couldn’t praise the format of the course more. Whilst there are advantages and disadvantages, other Universities send PGCE students into school placements for around 6 weeks, with a week in university to conclude a half-term. Cardiff Met opts for a different approach – you are in placement for 3 or 4 days a week, with a day in university falling on a Friday. This gave me the chance to reflect on my week in school, share experiences with my peers and use the theory I’d learnt to inform my lesson planning for the next week. Oh, and it gave me a chance to breathe.

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions at the time it meant my cohort’s first school placement was almost entirely online, which felt strange and unfamiliar – teaching children through a computer screen. However, as NQT job vacancies began to arise, the time at home meant I was able to focus on securing a job, which I was offered in December 2020 to start in September 2021 at Caldicot School. I still can’t believe I secured a teaching post 4 months into my PGCE!

, Studying PGCE Secondary Mathematics at Cardiff Met: The best year of my life, CARDIFF MET BLOG
The PGCE has been the best year of my life, made so great by the people I’ve met.

The second placement felt like starting at a new school, with new peers to meet and new mentors to build relationships with. However, as I began my second placement with more knowledge and experience, it felt easier and I quickly settled in. Everyone tells you as you begin your second placement that you’ll love it just as much as your first school, despite your doubts, it really is true.

From the first day, the University tutors are supportive but don’t sugar-coat the truth; it’s an intense year of hard work and they are there to help and guide you. If you have the pleasure of working with Cameron, the Mathematics tutor, you’ll understand exactly what I mean – he’s calm, cool and gets the very best from his students.

When you start a new school placement, it’s entirely natural to feel daunted and anxious – it is quite literally the first day back at school. I have been incredibly fortunate with the mentors I’ve been given in both school placements, they’ve both been young, extremely intelligent and strong women who have been a great inspiration.

The PGCE year is like no other – the rewards are monumental, and the hard work is undeniable, but you’ll be surrounded by the most incredible, like-minded people who will guide you along the way and it’ll be one of the best years of your life.

Read Chloe’s Top Tips for studying a Secondary PGCE at Cardiff Met.