PGCE student Christina Neary
Christina Neary is among a growing number of people already working in the education sector who decide to study for a PGCE – in this case, a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics. We find out more.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background, and what brought you to London Met in particular?
I have been working in schools in London for the last five years, working in SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) provision. I felt it was the right time to undertake my teacher training so I applied to London Met to do my PGCE in Maths. I was very impressed by the approach the ITT team had to teacher training when I met the department on my interview day and decided that it was the right place for me to train.
What made you want to study in London?
I have lived and worked in London all my life.
What's your favourite part of the course so far and why?
I have enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on the work I have done working in schools over the past five years. To reflect on my existing practice as an educator as I build upon my skillset and develop as I train to become a classroom teacher. This is something that I would not have been given the space or opportunity to do had I taken a solely workplace-based route into teaching.
What's been most challenging about being a student?
I have had a lot of work to do from the very beginning and have had to organise my time between many tasks with various deadlines.
How have you found the professors / teachers?
Excellent, very supportive and with a great deal of experience and knowledge.
What drives you?
I am passionate about education and want to make a difference in the lives of learners, becoming a force for stability in their lives.
What are you most proud of in your life so far?
Seeing the impact I have made on the lives of young people I have worked with previously and seeing them grow in confidence and capability.
Do you have a favourite place within the University and why?
I haven't seen much outside of our PGCE classroom!
Are you working whilst studying? Tell us more...
No, thankfully the bursary for the course makes that unnecessary, not that I would be able to find the time to work if not for the bursary.
Tell us a little bit about your interests outside of uni and why they are important to you.
I am interested in chess. I taught myself to play over the first COVID lockdown and have been fascinated by the level of complexity the game holds.
What's your plan when you graduate, and how do you think London Met will help you succeed in this?
I am planning on working as a maths teacher. The relationships I make through my placements will be invaluable in this.
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Find out more about teaching courses at London Met.
"I am passionate about education and want to make a difference in the lives of learners, becoming a force for stability in their lives."