After a positive experience on her undergraduate course, Lucy Speight took on a PGCE Geography course at Sheffield Hallam, which has helped her to become the teacher she always wanted to be.

“I wanted to be a teacher since I was in primary school. I have a deep passion for geography and I’m particularly interested in climate change. I believe it’s important to teach this topic in school as it is our current students who can make a real difference. With hope and opportunity, they can make the changes needed to create a better, safer and more sustainable world.

“This is one of the main reasons I am so passionate about teaching my subject. I know from experience how important the support and encouragement from teachers is in shaping someone to develop their passion and enthusiasm to become the best version of themselves.

“This course has provided me with so many learning opportunities and the amazing lecturers and mentors have taught me so much. The main things I have learned, and that I am currently using in my placement, are the pedagogy and adaptive teaching skills needed to become an outstanding teacher – as well as how important the relationships are that you build with students to create a safe learning environment.

“One thing that has stuck with me is a lecture about using a pedagogy of hope and allowing students to be the drivers of their own education. Students are at the heart of education and should be a priority for everything teachers do. By leading with a pedagogy of hope, you are giving them the power to succeed and be hopeful for their future. This is important for shaping young people as leaders of the next generation.

“My favourite thing about the course was the placements. I had such a good experience at both placements, and it was amazing to be able to get into the classroom and put the learning into practice.

“I loved seeing how quickly relationships can be built with the students, but it was difficult to leave the placements because of this – which just shows how rewarding a career in teaching can be! We also had a residential field trip to Cranedale, which was such an amazing experience with memories to last a lifetime.

“Sheffield Hallam is such a supportive university, but my academic adviser really stood out. She was amazing throughout our studies and assignments and helped me to develop into the teacher I am today. I know I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support she has given me and I will be forever thankful for the opportunities she gave me and the time and effort she put into all lectures, seminars, workshops and meetings to allow me to grow and develop.

“I have met many people on my journey through the PGCE course who have inspired me to become the best teacher I can be. Therefore, I want to continue to develop all the different aspects of teaching as I know I can also improve and develop further.

“As well as geography, I am very passionate about the importance of extra-curricular activities. Therefore in the future, I would love to lead a dance club in school to build on the extra-curricular activities provided and allow students a safe space to express themselves.”