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Why NTU?

What inspired you to study PGCE Further Education and Skills at NTU?

"Prior to this course, I studied the 3-year BSc in Equine Sports Science at NTU's Brackenhurst campus. I graduated in Summer 2024. Due to enjoying my experience with NTU for my undergraduate degree, I wanted to complete my masters degree with NTU.

I chose the PGCE in Further Education and Skills as I have always wanted to be an educator. I feel that it is important to pass on the correct knowledge in relation to horses and equines, in a method to give back to all my fantastic lectures I have had along my own education story which have helped me along my journey."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far?

"The lecturers are fantastic and so detailed in their delivery of the content and knowledge of the subject. It makes the course very interesting. They are also very helpful in relation to my placement and the course assessments.

The topic in particular which has been most beneficial to me has been 'behaviour management' within the 'Key Educational Theories' module. This module helped build my confidence in front of the classroom and taught me how to correctly manage behaviour for a multitude of different learners."

On Placement...

How have you found your placement experience so far?

"My placement at Derby college equestrian centre (Broomfield campus)  is amazing, I couldn’t ask for a better place to learn on the job and practice what I've learnt on the course. The staff are incredibly supportive and lovely to work alongside. I take part in practical sessions and theory lessons, teaching students aged 16 to 19 who are studying a Level 2 Diploma or a Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Horse Care.

One of the highlights from my placement has been designing and creating my own module 'Stable Management'. I have worked on the content, the scheme of learning, the assessment and delivered the practical in a multitude of methods as I please. I feel the learners are enjoying the new module as it helps provide additional equine real-life experiences which can help embed the theory lessons which work hand in hand. This system works due to planning the scheme of learning myself and comparing and analysing the other modules they learn to provide the best support, and through creating a fun learning environment, as you can’t bring horses in the classroom.

The Further Education and Skills course has helped me to prepare for my time on placement through encouragement and guidance of what to expect and how to behave. It has also helped me settle in correctly and taught me the do's and don’ts, in methods of finding our feet."

Support

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

"The support is very good. Questions are always answered promptly and I am given the correct support and signposting to help with any issues, whether technical or academic.

I made friends fast through ‘ice-breakers’, games and activities during induction week. In which we sampled methods of teaching strategies and shared ideas for future reference in our career paths."

What are your plans after you graduate?

"After I graduate my PGCE I wish to continue in the equine field of the education sector. Equine FE courses consist of a Level 2 (Diploma) course in horse care and a Level 3 (Advanced Technical Diploma) course, which I am thoroughly enjoying teaching at my placement setting. I therefore wish to continue educating learners aged 16 to 19 years, and teaching them the correct management skills and the physiological and biological processes behind the equine/horse."