Personal Statement - Teaching 1ab

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Throughout life, my aspiration in terms of prospective careers has been shared by both education and business.

The allure of an education degree to me, is the prospect of some day stimulating the minds of young individuals and becoming an influential figure in their lives. In truth, I believe that an Education degree will allow me to explore all aspects of the educational field, and provide myself with an excellent basis for a career in teaching.

My choice of University reflects my longing to attend an institution that is renowned for its academic excellence in my chosen subject area, and will allow me to perform to my potential both academically and socially.

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

In my current Advanced level subjects I consider Business Studies as my forte, and this is supported by studies in Media, Sociology and History. The subject allows me to apply theory to real life situations, such as the theory of price elasticity within the consumer market. It is also my view that a degree in this subject will allow me to investigate in depth business, obtain valuable work experience, and obtain the vital skills that I will be able to apply in the world of work.

My current Advanced level studies are very demanding, but are the most beneficial academic programmes that I have taken part in. I enjoy the classroom teaching in a lecture style environment, but also get personal fulfilment from carrying out independent research, and adding my views to assignments that are set. I have recently enjoyed analysing the relative success and criticisms of the national curriculum in Sociology, which included analysing evidence from theorists such as Denis Lawton. I have also gained considerable satisfaction from studying the whole of my Business course, and on a daily basis research different mediums in order to obtain information regarding the business world. I consider this independent learning process as very beneficial and is a characteristic of undergraduate study that will best suit me.

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

As well as my compulsory educational programme, I regularly involve myself in extra curricular activities. I have taken part in the Young Enterprise scheme for which I was elected deputy Managing Director and Finance Manager. This was a very challenging activity that taught me the skills of dedication, motivation, teamwork, and time keeping in order for a business to function successfully.

In all of my educational institutions, I have been honoured with roles that carry with them a high degree of responsibility and pride. In my final year at high school, I was appointed as a peer councillor for lower school pupils, special needs assistant for children with English, Maths and ICT difficulties, and was also made year representative and prefect for my year. Theses are activities that have helped develop me as a person and taught me the skills of delegation, arbitration, listening as well as the vital skills needed to work with others in order to generate results.

Since the commencement of my high school education, I have developed an interest for music. I am now a competent violin player and am constantly striving towards improving my playing technique. I am at present working towards my grade six examination, and I have recently completed my duration with the South Glamorgan High Schools Orchestra. I am hoping to proceed to the County Youth Orchestra in the coming months. It is the playing of the violin that has taught me that preparation, determination and practice, are essential in life if you are going to achieve your goals.

My other hobbies are equally diverse and include activities such as weight training, Aikido and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which I have obtained the bronze award and am hoping to complete my silver in the coming year. These have helped me to develop my team working skills and I hope to continue with these activities during my university studies.

In the past year, I have also passed both my driving theory and practical examination and am now hoping to improve my driving by carrying out the advanced school of motorist examination.

For the last three years, I had been an employee of Post House Hotels. A job offer on their behalf has resulted in my carrying out my part time employment with them as a catering supervisor which involves co-ordinating and leading a team of twenty five staff, interacting with customers and controlling stock, staffing levels and financial affairs within my department. I am the youngest member of the supervisory and management team. This is a hands on experience that has given me an in-depth insight into the competitive world of business.

As well as my advanced studies this year, I am also attending my local Primary school for three hours per week in order to gain valuable experience within the educational field. This opportunity will allow me to experience first hand a real life-teaching environment and will hopefully inspire my studies thought my degree.

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.

Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.