Personal Statement - Primary Teaching

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Since I was young, I've wanted to become a teacher. I've spent time helping the lower years with previous work experience; it is something I really enjoy. I prefer to work with young children rather than older as I feel the whole experience is more rewarding; they tend to be more receptive and excited about learning. It also allows me to bring fun into their education by involving them in creative activities so a primary teaching course is the right course for me. A close family friend who is a primary teacher inspired me to choose this career path. I spent two weeks at her primary school assisting her. She often speaks about her teaching and the activities she organises for her classes. The way she communicates and enthuses her class to make them enthusiastic for the lesson and how she acts as a role model for them as they tend to imitate others' behaviour has inspired me. I have a kind, caring and optimistic personality; the right qualities to be a teacher. I'm very passionate about teaching, I know it is hard work but I will relish the challenge.

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

I am studying the Extended Project Qualification course, which is 100% coursework. I chose to produce an essay on the most common and best techniques a teacher has at their disposal to engage children. Observation and evaluation are the key skills to obtain researching skills and to think decisions critically. It involves a lot of deadlines in which I'm easily meeting, as I keep to a schedule. I'm studying Applied IT where I learn the skills to use programs such as Microsoft Office and Macromedia confidently. This topic is enjoyable as I am learning the different ways you're able to present information. IT is used a lot in teaching as children enjoy learning with technology, already I'm able to present work in interesting ways for young ages. Last year I took a First Certificate BTEC Health and Social Care course, obtaining a merit. This course taught me a range of skills and techniques. I studied the successful ways to communicate, basic knowledge about the human body's systems and in-depth information about care workers. It took a lot of patience and hard work as it was 100% coursework.

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

During work experience in Year Ten I was a teacher assistant at a local lower school. It was highly interesting to know the way a teacher interacts with a large group of children using a range of techniques, to teach them basic knowledge needed. I helped them with small activities such as spelling, painting and ensuring their safety during break and lunch times. I know the primary teaching course is suitable for me as it involves a lot of practical work, going into temporary schools and working one-on-one with young children in a classroom. I enjoy helping others around me so I assigned myself to attend 'Student support' during my extra study periods; I attend a Year Eleven Graphics class and assist them by helping when needed. I often help out at Harlington Upper at their open days and parents' evenings. I am a responsible and trusted person around the school, this has been highlighted by my willingness in my part-time job babysitting young children, which I really enjoyed; I was able to organise activities such as playing board games and helping them with basic mathematics. I am a member of the Eco Council and have been for a few years now. This society is to help reduce the carbon footprint the school is producing, organise events to gain money and advertise the group. During this time I've learnt many skills; to be able to work in a team, organise events and how to be energy efficient. This demonstrates that I am a punctual, responsible person and am able to do teamwork if needed. Reading, cleaning and going out to socialise are my main hobbies to help me relax. I am an enthusiastic, hard-working and patient pupil so I will be a benefit to your university. I've had experiences with children so I am certain the primary course is suited for me.

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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