Personal Statement - PCGE Secondary English

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My first experience of teaching was participating in a peer-education scheme in the sixth form. Standing before 30 expectant faces, I discovered that prepared worksheets and bold posters about drugs had to be delivered through dynamic teaching. I had assisted at social events at a local primary school, but find interactions with older students, such as mentoring freshers, to be more fulfilling. I also enjoy the academic challenge of reviewing personal statements online and offering advice. Using a balance of tact and criticism, I call upon my advanced specialist English knowledge to provide appropriate feedback.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

Part I of the *DEGREE introduced me to literature from 1300 to the present day, giving me a foundation in nearly all periods of literature. Practical Criticism has enabled me to approach an alien text with confidence and quickly analyse and explore alternative ways of thinking. The intensive nature of the degree demands an ability to investigate and assimilate lots of material quickly.

Undertaking a week’s work experience at *************** has solidified my resolve to become a secondary school teacher. I was able to observe English, media and drama lessons across the range of ages and abilities – from yr 7 to upper sixth. Familiarising myself with curriculum attainment targets for keystages 3-5 prior to my visit helped me to understand progression and gave a basis for professional discussions about how the learning and teaching objectives are fulfilled through schemes of work. I enjoyed observing learning and was given the opportunity to teach part of a lesson using an interactive whiteboard. I also directed small group work in drama, answered raised hands and helped with yr 10 coursework drafts. In some classes, students exhibited challenging behaviour which made me realise that teachers need to be flexible and in possession of a range of classroom management strategies and discipline systems.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Serving on the pharmacy counter at Boots called for the demonstration of sensitivity and confidentiality: I learnt to build rapport and trust with a customer quickly. Being part of an apprentice-style team taught me how to learn from highly qualified professionals in a work environment and in turn, pass on training to new staff. Keeping abreast of current legislation was imperative and being regularly assessed was normal practise. My part-time work sometimes involved dealing with confrontation in a professional manner. My extra curricular interests are mainly creative and social in nature – I am a member of the Dancers’ and Massage societies and am a keen photographer and artist.

I financed my summer inter-railing trip myself. I thoroughly prepared for the trip, and while travelling learnt a lot about self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. Problem solving without a network was frightening but manageable and I survived with amazing memories and experiences.

My travels and studies have taught me a lot about self-direction. I am computer literate and created a website about the organisational aspects of my travels and have received much positive feedback about its usefulness. I believe my communication and organisational skills, combined with my willingness to learn and enable others to learn, make me an ideal candidate for a PGCE.

Universities applied to:

• Manchester University

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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