We recently sat down with Primary Education student, Jack Busby, to chat about what it’s like doing a teaching degree at St Mary’s (SMU).
Jack is a third year on SMU's Primary Education with QTS course, which includes seven weeks of placement each year in a primary school.
We asked Jack how he’s finding his degree so far, and what his school placement experience has been like.
What made you choose Primary Education with QTS at St Mary’s?
I've always had such an interest in early years education, but also safeguarding and mental health. Primary education is such a good pathway into safeguarding and I really liked the course structure at St Mary’s. All the teachers I had at school were so helpful to me growing up. I’m not from the best of areas, so as a kid it was nice to have teachers who were real role models. They really pushed me up and inspired me to do a degree in education. Half my family are in teaching too, so I remember back in the day when they'd come home I'd sit there helping to tick and mark things - so I think it’s always been in me!
What are you enjoying most about your degree so far?
I’d definitely say placement. I love going into different schools, and obviously London is such a diverse area so I’m getting to work in diverse communities with lots of different students. It's just so wholesome and nice to see how different students work. I’ve also really enjoyed meeting new people with the same interests, and just seeing how they work differently to me and learning from that. Everyone is so helpful and you have such good contact with your tutors. I feel so supported at St Mary’s and tutors provide you with all the information you need to know. They're always really open to answer any questions that you have too.
What was it like going from being taught on campus to actually going into a school and working?
I have general anxiety so going into placement felt like a big leap at first, but it just goes so quickly. Anxiety is always going to be there, but once you’re in the classroom you sort of forget and just get into a headspace where you stop overthinking. With teaching it's so nice to actually go into a space where you can leave all your issues behind and just focus on the classroom.
Have you had a standout moment from your degree so far?
I have two standout moments. The first was when I did my biggest project and I got my best mark so far, which has really given me motivation for the rest of my degree. The second was when one of the class teachers came up to me and said I was doing a great job and that they trusted me with the kids. As a trainee teacher, hearing that and being trusted to teach the class by myself is one of the best feelings.
What has your experience at St Mary’s been like?
My time at St Mary’s has been amazing, I feel really happy here. I think some people undermine the fact that we're a small university, but it’s what makes St Mary’s special. You grow so many new connections with people you wouldn't actually think you'd make a connection with. There are so many opportunities to meet new people and try new hobbies. I didn't know anything about West London until I came here, but it's such a pretty area and a great place to live. I've been living on campus for three years and this year I'm actually a Senior Resident, which shows just how much I’ve grown.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about doing a degree in teaching?
I’d say ride it out, stay strong, and just enjoy it. There will be times where you will be saying that you can't do it and closing your laptop halfway through an essay, but just keep going. Find that momentum and motivation because you can do it. Little things will also surprise you but in a good way. I think that's the best thing about the course, so many things just pop out of the blue and will motivate you even more to get through the degree. And at the end of the day, you are changing the lives of future generations, and I think that's so important to remember and hold onto.