Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Why NTU

What inspired you to study your subject?

"I have always had a passion for teaching ever since I was younger after looking after family and friends. After teaching at a local dance school and primary school during my gap year, I realised I had found what I loved to do. Also, during my education I had so many influential teachers who made a difference to me and I want to give back to someone else and inspire other people."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"I chose my course because I want to make a difference to someone else’s life, from seeing the impact you can have while putting a smile on someone else’s face when they finally understand a topic or answer a question. I love to see people develop and I thought this course was perfect to understanding how and why people learn and different conditions people thrive in.

I chose NTU because when I visited Clifton campus I immediately loved the layout and environment. It felt like its own little community and had a very friendly atmosphere with amazing resources and facilities from the sports to the accommodation. I was also excited to explore a new city with many opportunities and things to do in the area."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far? Can you pick out any highlights?

"Throughout first year I thoroughly enjoyed all the modules, especially outdoor learning during the first term. During this we explored different activities in the woods as well as the importance of holistic outdoor learning for children. The community education project was also a highlight where we were sent out into the Bulwell forest gardens to create a new range of activities for them. All of the modules have sparked an interest into many new areas of education I had not previously been exposed to."

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

"During my first year I joined NTU dance where I made so many friends who are now like family as well as becoming part of a team. From this I will now be the Secretary for the dance committee in 2024/25 and it has created so many opportunities for me in the future. All these skills I have gained from this club will help me in the future with my confidence and social skills when talking to a variety of individuals."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"Social sciences means a lot to me as it encompasses so many aspects of my life from working in teams to working with individuals in a variety of settings from schools to personal tutoring. It helps to create a positive impact on someone else’s life which may help spark an interest or hobby and help to guide them into a chosen career. It creates the ability to change peoples lives and not only create opportunity but shape them."

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course? If so, tell us about your experience.

"During my community education project we set out into the community to Bulwell Forest Gardens in order to help create an outdoor learning plan for KS3 that could be implemented. During our time there we ran an activity at an open day for the community making journey sticks. This was the most enjoyable and memorable time spent during this project, seeing the excitement of children as they found little parts of nature and could create a journey. It felt special to help brighten a person’s day with such a simple and effective activity and helped add to my leadership skills and confidence. This module taught me how to plan lessons, implement lessons as well as adapt to conditions or barriers that I may face, and reflect upon all of this. It was very enjoyable and as a team we felt like we had made a positive impact on a disadvantaged community in a short space of time."

Support

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

"The support available at NTU has been amazing this year with tutors and lectures always being reliable with responses to email, questions or queries, and all going above and beyond to make lessons and content fun and engaging. There are so many different services available at NTU you will never feel alone and no question is ever too small."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

"Going to university may seem daunting or scary but everyone is so friendly and I have met so many people and made friends for life. There are so many societies and events during the year so you are constantly meeting new people and living in halls made this super easy. University quickly became a home away from home for me and I never want to leave."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"After I finish my studies at NTU I would like to complete my PGCE and eventually become a primary school teacher. I also have a passion for travel and would love to volunteer in a school abroad or in a disadvantaged place in the future. I would like to continue teaching and helping people achieve their goals within the education system."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"My degree is helping me giving me all necessary tools and skills I will need to go into the working world as well as giving me placement opportunities to expand on my knowledge and kills. They also have many other services to help me find jobs or different areas within my chosen career I had not previously thought of. The support and advice given in all areas of the course has been invaluable already within a year."

Advice

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

"My top tips for anyone looking to study at NTU is to be themselves. There is a wide and diverse community at NTU and certainly something for everyone. Be courageous and give things a go even if you are not sure because there are so many opportunities and you never know where this could lead. Find something you are passionate about and go for it don’t leave with any regrets because the memories you make will last a lifetime. NTU isn’t just a place for study but a place to find yourself and what you love as well as making friends and creating a new belonging to a new place."