Edinburgh Napier University offers a PGDE in specialisms such as Maths, Physics, English, Biology & Chemistry, both full-time and part-time.
The practical focus of the course, paired with the specialist knowledge from tutors, helped stand graduate Erin Lowe in good stead in her first teaching role. Having completed her PGDE in English, she has now been teaching at Tynecastle High School in Edinburgh for two years – and has even returned to mentor other ENU students.
“I absolutely loved my time at Napier and felt so supported by the entire team throughout the process. Everyone is so passionate about teaching, learning, and improving the lives of young people and this bleeds through into their engaging and inspiring lectures. It is a welcoming department, and the importance of inclusivity and equity was highlighted on our very first day. I was so inspired to see our tutors challenge assumptions and prejudices throughout the course; helping us all to become practitioners who are committed to social justice.
All of the content and concepts we learnt felt fresh, current, and relevant. Since becoming a teacher, I have gone to many CPD events where we are taught concepts and ideas that were embedded into my practice as a result of my training at Napier. Napier truly feels like a leader in teacher training and seems to be doing something quite unique. There is a real focus on effective teaching and learning with helpful strategies and ideas that become second nature by the time you go out on placement. I understand how learning happens and what I can do as a practitioner to ensure my pupils are learning as much as they can while in my classroom. I use what I was taught every single day and feel very confident in my pedagogy as a result. Of course, I am always reflecting and learning but Napier embedded this in me too!
Our time with the English cohort was inspiring, reflective and fun. I learnt so many new techniques and texts to teach and it felt truly collaborative. I met one of my now best friends on the course and now we work together and continue this collaborative approach as we continue to share ideas and reflections every day.
Of course, nothing beats being in a classroom in front of young people but being in a lecture hall with some incredible friends, now colleagues, learning from wonderful professionals was a fantastic way to start my teaching career. I wouldn’t be where I am now without Napier and I am so thankful to the incredible team that helped me take my first steps into teaching!”
Read more about Erin’s graduate success in the Edinburgh Evening News.