Patrycja
Socha

Why NTU?

Why did you choose to study for a PGCE?

"I chose to study this course because I wanted to continue my educational, professional and personal growth. After my undergrad, I had the desire to learn something more specific regarding early years, and the Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) course allowed me to do that. It showed me the impact that I can make as an early years teacher on children's futures."

Why did you choose your PGCE course at NTU?

"I chose to do my EYITT qualifications at NTU as I believe that the staff at NTU are very knowledgeable and deliver very high-quality teaching in a fun and engaging way. Every staff member that I had the pleasure of working with was been very supportive, which made the learning very enjoyable and a lot less stressful than I anticipated."

What was your experience of your course?

"I have had a very positive experience. I always looked forward to my Fridays at the university as I knew that I was going to learn something that I am passionate about that could help me support different children in my setting. I have created strong relationships with people on my course who have been extremely supportive throughout. From the start, we made a promise to each other that we would all graduate together, and that is what has happened. I definitely would not have passed with such a high grade if it wasn't for the support from my peers and the course leaders."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"Social sciences to me means the study of society and how to interact with one another. In early years it is important to be able to successfully interact and communicate with children and co-workers to provide the best quality care and teaching possible."

On Placement

Did you complete any work placements on your course?

"During my course, I completed two placements - one at an alternative age placement and one at a local primary school. Both placements taught me different things but the main skill I gained from the placements was leadership. I would have not learned how to be a successful leader if it wasn't for my alternative age placement. The nursery I was placed at needed someone who would take charge of the baby room whilst they looked for a replacement and they put their trust in me and allowed me to gain leadership skills as well as support the room staff in their personal development and rearranging the room to enhance children’s learning space. I can now use the skills I learned at the alternative age placement in my setting which I am very grateful for.

My school placement was also very fun and it has allowed me to get an insight into what my current pre-schoolers will be doing once they go to a foundation class. This experience helped me bring new ideas into my setting, that will enhance the children’s school readiness, as I knew what the teachers were expecting from children once they get to school such as independence and great fine motor skills."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"The most memorable moment for me was when I finally fully settled at my alternative age placement and the babies/toddlers that I have been getting to know for just over a week, have been coming to me for comfort when they were upset, even though they knew me for a short period.

I have always been quite negative about working with such young children, as I always believed that I was not very good with them, but this placement showed me that I am very adaptable and I can do anything I put my mind to. That moment has changed my opinion on working with babies, and it is something I am open to in the future."

Support

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

"The support from tutors and staff and NTU has been incredible from start to finish. It was very visible that the course staff wanted us to be successful and achieve the best grades possible. They were always happy to meet before or after the session to explain anything that I was not sure of, as well as provide additional study materials."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

"Settling in at NTU was very easy! Everyone on campus is always happy to help, the campus itself is really easy to navigate.

As I mentioned before, I have made really good friends at NTU, which have helped me throughout the whole course. Everyone has been very supportive of one another and kept each other motivated. I have definitely made friends for life."

Life after NTU

Tell us about what you’re doing now

"After the course finished, I was promoted to an assistant deputy at my current setting, as well as an early years teacher. The skills that I gained during the course and my placement have enabled me to progress at my workplace. I am still working towards making myself the best early years teacher possible by attending different courses or reading relatable books/ articles but without the successful start at NTU, I would not be where I am today."

How did NTU help you to achieve your career goals?

"NTU has made me believe in myself and given me the confidence to go for whatever I want in life. Furthermore, it has given me great employability, as after updating my CV online, I received many job offers in early years."

How are you contributing to society and the local community as part of your career path?

"As an early years teacher, I am providing the best possible outcomes for the children in terms of care and teaching. I’m ensuring that children are ready for school and are experiencing things that they might not get a chance to at home for different reasons. Providing children with a great start at such a young age will set them up for a successful academic future."