PGCE Personal Statement Example

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I would like to study a PGCE as I embrace teaching as an opportunity to engage pupils in subjects about which I am passionate. I am confident that I am suited to study a PGCE because this particular course of study allows developing teachers to apply their specialist subject(s) in a creative way.

Having researched the PGCE course content I have found it to be dynamic, engaging, and of great value to teaching expertise and personal development. I look forward to engaging with children and young people and receiving and developing their ideas. Indeed, one of my greatest strengths is my ability to communicate. I convey my ideas and thoughts to students succinctly and enthusiastically, while appreciating the ideas of the pupils themselves, ensuring that they are listened to and understood. An enthusiastic and friendly disposition is essential to encourage interrelations between pupils and teachers. I am passionate about finding the most effective ways of stimulating and sustaining creative development, and it is important to me to optimize student engagement and success.

I am currently studying my BA in English and Media studies, and work as a Teaching Assistant in a secondary school. Studying at undergraduate level has taught me to schedule my time well, and I credit myself on being punctual and reliable. I enjoy working to deadlines, finding that working under pressure sharpens my focus. I understand that a PGCE is a full time occupation and will require considerable periods of preparation time, before teaching in a classroom. I keep an organised and balanced home environment, designed to maximise the benefits of my home study time. Indeed, my home environment when younger was particularly supportive of my interest in teaching, which has been cultivated from an early age.

I appreciate the value of acquiring behaviour management skills. Although I have had experience in dealing with difficult situations in the classroom, I look forward to developing these skills during a PGCE where I will be introduced to children of varying ages and abilities. As demonstrated throughout my BA I am an able public speaker, not afraid to speak in front of groups of people, and am confident that during a further year of study and experience I will become competent in controlling, and challenging, difficult behaviour.

I believe that I can contribute creatively to existing methods and theories in the practise of teaching. While I understand that conventional teaching methods must be respected, I believe that the development of a creative teaching style ultimately rests with the individual. I look forward to studying the national curriculum and applying it in a classroom environment, while at the same time relating it to the design of my own lessons to meet the standards which it sets. My work experience in a school environment has made me aware of the importance of school rules, and that teaching places great emphasis on the enforcement of these rules. I understand that it is sometimes extremely hard work to manage pupils who do not want to apply themselves and am willing to invest substantial time and energy into the challenging situations which might arise during a PGCE.

The theory and practice of teaching should ideally be integrated. I am an independent thinker, a quick learner, and adept at applying myself to the different facets of teaching. Yet I also work well with others, and enjoy sharing and cultivating new ideas in both the theory and practice of teaching. I believe that study within the Humanities can help students acquire confidence in their own abilities and can expand their experience of the world. I aim to help pupils develop the skills needed to work independently and competently, while encouraging them to enjoy and gain the most that they can from their studies.

During my time teaching at secondary level, I have seen that classroom study can be complemented and enriched by practical activities, such as excursions to museums and lessons in using library resources. Furthermore, while the classroom environment remains crucial to students’ assimilation of ideas and knowledge, the interpretation of these ideas that can be encouraged through critical study projects and even extra-curricular projects aimed to stimulate and perpetuate creativity. During my work as a Teaching Assistant I have developed a good rapport with the students. Already I have begun to develop a reputation as being kind, enthusiastic, and dedicated. Aspects of my character which I will carry into a PGCE are patience, conscientiousness, affability, and efficiency. Throughout my University career I have shown that I am competent at organising. While always handing my own work in on time I have helped to organise extra-curricular activities for students in the Humanities departments, such as workshops and seminar programs.

The development of my own education is important to me. I have taken additional courses to complement the BA course program. I would like to continue developing my own knowledge and skills throughout my proposed career in teaching, as I believe that progress and time management are key components to establishing my identity as a teacher. Furthermore, during my experience as a Teaching Assistant I have learnt the value of continually refining teaching practices and have recognised the importance of growing as a teacher. It is crucial that teachers recognize the influence inherent in their role and are self-reflective about their actions.

I am keen to share my knowledge of English and Media within the Humanities, and feel that I could make a substantial contribution to your department which enjoys a high reputation. The School is clearly very successful with a creative and stimulating approach to education, and I would be honoured to be a part of this. As part of a PGCE I envisage that further professional training and experience would be extremely valuable to me, and I look forward to applying my creative and personal skills in an academic environment.