Farah Ali

Year 5 Teacher

Every single day of your placement is a learning experience, whether it has been a great day or a difficult day. The staff at Leeds Trinity are always happy to help if you require any advice or support.

Why I chose to attend Leeds Trinity

I chose to study at Leeds Trinity, because it had a great reputation for Teacher Training and the course they offered enabled me to experience teaching the full primary age range.

Overcoming challenges

The lecturers, student administrators and placement team were so supportive during my studies. During my time as a trainee teacher, my course was disrupted due to having to have an operation and then having my placement suspended due to the pandemic. The staff at Leeds Trinity were so supportive in offering me guidance on my next steps and during my final placement. As a student teacher on the Primary PGCE course, Leeds Trinity has equipped me with knowledge on how to teach all the subjects across the curriculum.

My best memories

My best memories have been during the foundation subject lectures, where we were taught how to make topics like history, religious education and geography as engaging and interesting as possible.

Leaving with new skills

Since finishing university, I have gained a more positive outlook on life and make a conscious effort to step out of my comfort zone. With the challenges I faced during my time as a student, I have developed resilience and confidence to tackle things head on. I have also developed skills in making learning creative and fun, which is something I have been doing as a tutor for the National Tutoring Programme (NTP).  

My teaching career

Since gaining Qualified Teacher Status, I have been working as both a private online tutor and an NTP tutor. I tutor primary aged children in maths, english, phonics and reading. I have really enjoyed gaining experience and knowledge in teaching children across years 1 to 6. This role has given me a working knowledge of the National Curriculum objectives for the different year groups in the primary age range. I secured a teaching position in a primary school, to be a teacher in Upper Key Stage two, starting in September 2021.

My advice to prospective students

To any prospective student thinking about doing a PGCE or similar course, the advice I have to offer is to never give up. Every single day of your placement is a learning experience, whether it has been a great day or a difficult day. The staff at Leeds Trinity are always happy to help if you require any advice or support. So, you will never have to face challenges alone. It is also important to make the most of your time as a student teacher, before entering the world of teaching. Do not feel afraid to ask any questions and try to take advantage of any professional development courses or sessions offered by the university or your placement school.