www.liv.ac.uk/careers Examples of PGCE personal statements

I understand the challenges of teaching as both my mother and grandfather taught but I am confident that I possess
the ability to meet these demands and pursue this rewarding career.
Secondary (English)
I believe that teaching is an essential profession and that those in it have a great responsibility in their role as
educators. I come from a teaching background; my father is a retired foreign languages teacher, so from an early
age I have known what it entails to be a teacher.
My first experience of working with children came in 2007, when for two weeks I worked as a Classroom Assistant in
Liverpool Primary School. I spent this time with a Year 2 class undertaking a number of responsibilities; I worked
both individually and with small groups of children, helping with reading, writing and arithmetic. On a day trip to a
zoo I was in charge of a group of approximately five children. As I am a keen artist, the teacher allowed me to create
a number of different things with the class. These two weeks gave me the basic understanding of a working
classroom and the knowledge that working with and educating children would be something that I would like to
continue in future.
When I was in my second year I went on the Student Tutoring Scheme where I gained experience working with
pupils in Key Stage 3 and 4. I was a supervisor at break and lunchtimes and had to ensure that the pupils were in a
safe environment. As I attended a weekly boarding school, every evening I also supervised a group of pupils of
varying ages taking prep, making sure they worked and helped them if this was needed. I found these
responsibilities satisfying, as, although it was sometimes hard work, I gained the respect of those I worked with, and
I was able to develop a good rapport with them. During this time I also worked in the school office and so have
experience of the clerical duties involved within a school environment.
My studies have covered a wide range of the content involved in teaching this subject at Key Stages 1 and 2. As well
as my degree broadening my knowledge of grammar, literature, and drama I have demonstrated my communication
skills through giving presentations, both individually and in groups. I feel that I now have excellent writing skills, and
that I am good at picking up mistakes in the work of others. Furthermore, I took the ‘Introduction to Teaching English
as a Foreign Language’ module, which gave me a further insight into teaching; within this I learnt more about
teaching strategies and lesson plans. Through my degree I also gained time management, organisation skills and
computer skills; all important qualities for a teacher to have.
I would like to make a contribution to the wider school community by continuing my interests in sports and art. I
have played netball throughout school and University, and feel that sports in schools are essential as they encourage
teamwork, as well as being crucial for health and fitness. I am a keen artist and would be happy to continue this
interest through my role as a teacher; whether it is running art clubs or helping out with school plays.
I understand that the responsibilities of a teacher do not just end with the school day, and that there are many other
issues that must be dealt with. From previous experience I have seen that teaching provides extensive and
sometimes exhausting challenges, but feel that the rewards far outweigh the negatives and I look forward to being
able to contribute to this profession.
Secondary (Maths)
Teaching will offer me the challenge and diversity I seek from my career. I feel I have the right abilities to make that
difference in a young person’s life. I also feel I possess the skills that will enable me to make a positive contribution
to teaching.
I have always enjoyed and excelled at Maths, gaining a grade A at A level and a 2.1 at degree level. Maths is
important in everyday life, which is why it is an important subject to learn. I love the fact that we use maths in many
of our day-to-day simple decisions (i.e. from buying a bus ticket to buying a house). It is a problem solving subject
which I enjoy doing and my enthusiasm for the subject will be reflected in my ability to pass my knowledge on.
Since 2006 when I volunteered for Community Volunteers I realised that I enjoyed working with young people.
Active8 is a program run every year, for two weeks by North Moors Youth Club during the summer. I worked as a
coordinator of a few mini tournaments for the 11 – 16 years old to participate in. I had to apply my supervisory skills
to ensure no problems arose and when a problem occurred I then dealt with the situation in a calm manner to
ensure a happy outcome.
In May 2008 I was invited to observe lessons at St Mary’s High School. I found this extremely valuable because it
gave me a true insight into teaching and classroom life. I realised that there is a need to get the attention of the class
and maintain it for a successful lesson. The ability to control the class is important to allow everyone the opportunity