Nick Hall in school

My name is Nicholas Hall and I completed my PGCE in Secondary Business Education at the University of Manchester in 2015. My background is in special educational needs having been employed as a teaching assistant supporting young people with learning and behavioural difficulties. For two years I have also been a social support worker with a young person on the autistic spectrum. Moreover, I also volunteer to help a local charity which provides respite for young carers in Stockport.

In September 2014 I began a PGCE in Secondary Business Education at the University of Manchester.  My undergraduate degree is in Business and it is a subject which I have always enjoyed dating back to secondary school.   My experience at the University of Manchester was fantastic. The support, expertise and knowledge on offer was exemplary. I had two placements, one at a further education college in Macclesfield and the other at a grammar school in Trafford. These experiences helped to develop my teaching style, I was able to learn from experienced colleagues who were always happy to help. I was also able to teach different business courses to a range of different ages. Personally, I always enjoyed the time spent in University. In particular I thought the continuing professional development days were extremely useful. You are given the opportunity to choose educational areas of interest such as behaviour management. There is then an expert giving an insightful and informative speech with practical tips and strategies for the classroom. I could also add that the University’s facilities are second to none. In particular the library and the ‘Alan Gilbert Learning Commons’ provide a comfortable and modern area to study. The PGCE at the university is challenging but there can be no doubt that it prepares you well for your NQT year. The course gives you solid foundations for life as a teacher, as well as providing you with a plethora of new ideas and skills to apply in your first teaching position.

The most important thing in my mind is your desire to work with young people. I have found that this will see you through the challenges that teaching throws at you. I was successful in application for a teaching position at the Manchester Federation of EBSD Schools. The federation provides education for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. It was the ideal role as it combines my two passions of special educational needs and business education. I am loving my NQT year and my teaching practice is developing all the time. My first observation was graded ‘outstanding’ by the head teacher.

To anyone thinking of doing a PGCE I would say look no further than the University of Manchester.

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