PGCE Students

- degree in the Study of Religion from Bath Spa University; I have an Iranian father and Norwegian mother and thus have a very different background from many others. I have always been interested to find out the differences in opinions that people hold and why, and I have always believed that if we understand each others backgrounds people may be less prejudiced and maybe be less prepared to go to war and have conflict. Through the years I have had the most amazing teachers who have supported me through my life. I believe I owe my decision to teach to my A level teacher, Miss Collett, who always encouraged me to open my mind and think outside the box. I have always questioned the existence of God,a nd often wondered how I came to be. I love children and they represent the future. I believe that a good education makes better people. Education is the key to success and I would love to have the satisfaction of knowing I passed on some knowledge which may contribute to what will hopefully be a better world.

degree in Architecture and Art History from Reading University I studied RE at GCSE and got a B overall. I loved being able to ask questions about the world and my existence. I went on to study A level Theology and achieved a grade B too! I decided that although I really enjoyed RE, I wanted to experience other subjects at higher education and so took a BA in Architecture and History of Art. However, I made sure I tailored my degree so it had a religious element wherever possible. I looked at Islamic Art for one year for my dissertation. I decided RE was definitely for me and I'd wanted to be a teacher since childhood. At uni I took an active role in the chaplaincy and tried to do as much voluntary work in local churches to keep up my subject knowledge. I also took a world religion Booster Course this summer so I'm very well prepared!

degree in Theology and Religious Studies from St Mary's University, Twickenham From a very early age, RE has been an important part of my life. Going ot mass on a Sunday was a weekly routine in my home and I have continued to practice throughout my time at university. Having studied Religion at A level and degree level, my interest in the subject has increased and I have really enjoyed my studies. In the world in which we live today, I feel that education is extremely important and that RE should be at the centre of this. I am looking forward to teaching in schools and helping guide young people in their quest to gain a first class education.

- degree in Theology and Religious Studies with Education from St Mary's University, Twickenham; I have had always had an interest in Religious Studies purely due to the vastness of diversity if offers for study. In today's multi-cultural society I feel that everybody should be educated in religious studies in order to eradicate the ignorance of society. This ignorance is due to the mere fact of lack of understanding. My RE teacher had a big influence not only on my principles and values that I have as a person but also on my decision to become a teacher of RE. In every RE class from year 7 to Upper 6th she offered us as a class the opportunity to speak our own minds and gave us thoughts on ethical topics and traditions of different faiths. I have always been involved with young people and know from first hand experience that they are the most thought-provoking and inquisitive people to work with. Everyday as a teacher of RE will hopefully offer something new.

- degree in Geography and Theology and an MA in Spirituality; Throughout secondary school I was really interested in religion. As I am from a small town in Co. Tipperary, Ireland, there is now a lot more freedom with the subject than there used to be. Moral and social issues and world religions really interested me. I had always wanted to be a teacher from a young age. So I applied to Mary Immaculate College and got accepted. During my four years there I studies Geography and Religion to degree level. Originally, I was going to continue with the Geography studies but throughout my time in college I got more and more into the RE side. I think my lecturers had a lot to do with that. They were so approachable and I owe special thanks to Fr. Mick Wall who was also the college chaplain. He made Religion and Theology interesting and we had a great laugh with him also. I spent a whole year in Colaiste Phobal Ros Cre teaching religion from 1st year right through to 6th year. This was fantastic ad it developed my subject knowledge immensely. It made me want to be a teacher more than ever! After graduating, I decided to do an MA in Christian Spirituality. It was tough going but I got there in the end. After all this I still had not got my qualification as a teacher so that's why I am here. I have had lots of experience in the school environment as I have been a Resource Teacher in two primary schools all last year. It's been a huge move for me, but I'm hoping it will be worth it in the end! I'm a homebird but teaching RE is definitely the career for me!

- degree in Social Anthropology and Development Studies from SOAS; My interest in teaching RE comes primarily from a love of working with young people. I have been involved with running my church youth group for the past few years, and I find it exciting and fulfilling to help facilitate young people explore issues of faith and identity. I believe RE teaching will be a continuation of this practice. My personal experience of studying RE to A level is one which has definitely encouraged my decision to pursue a career in RE teaching. RE lessons were unique for me in that I would often walk home thinking of the discussions we had had in class. These discussions were often instrumental in the forming of my own personal opinions on many controversial issues such as the problem of suffering, and social debates such as euthanasia. I believe RE teaching gives pupils the opportunity to question and explore both their own beliefs and the beliefs of others, allowing them to come to an informed decision about their personal beliefs and opinions - this was certainly my experience! Furthermore, as a volunteer child mentor, I have seen first hand how educational disadvantage can massively impact on a child's life, and lower their life expectations. I believe good RE teaching can reverse this disadvantage , not only by providing academic knowledge but also by giving a sense of self respect and purpose.

- degree in Theology and Religious Studies with Philosophy at St Mary's University, Twickenham; I come originally from Swindon in Wiltshire. The reasons I have come to consider becoming an RE teacher stem from my positive experiences of school. Throughout my time studying for GCSEs, I received constant encouragement from teachers, particularly my head of year and RE teachers. This helped me to consider my future options and to really think about studying for my A levels. My interest for RE developed during my A level studies where I felt encouraged to think and ask questions myself. As my confidence grew I found myself more involved in class debates and general inter-action with others and I continue to ask myself ultimate questions and those of a spiritual and nature. Whilst studying for my degree, I volunteered as a mentor working with children. It was very challenging, but most rewarding. Thus I considered a career in RE teaching where I could maintain my interest in my subject and work within a challenging yet rewarding environment.

- degree in Theology and Religious Studies with Psychology from St Mary's University, Twickenham; I was born into a Christian background, but my mother is part Jewish and my dad is secular. I went to Hereward Community School and was inspired by my RE teacher, Mrs French when she let me take home Divali cards. My family always encouraged me to excel and I ended up studying at St Mary's because I liked the campus and the course. I have taken a couple of years out of study and I have traveled to India. I cooked and served food to the pilgrims there during Holi. I learnt to speak Hindi and Punjabi. All my experiences will equip me well for RE teaching.

- degree in History and Theology with RE, St Mary's University, Twickenham; Teaching is something which I have always been interested in because I have a family history in teaching. After my degree I felt as though teaching was not only a natural extension but something that interested me on a personal level. The opportunity to work in an environment which would always challenge me on both knowledge and people levels appeals to me. I would advise anyone who is thinking of applying to definitely go head - the course is challenging but very rewarding.

- degree in Applied Social Science from the University of Chester. I have always had a passion and interest for RE from a young age. Even at primary school I particularly enjoyed learning the fundamental values of religions and the diversity they bring. My enthusiasm carried through to secondary education. RE was the one subject where I was comfortable enough to make a contribution. I have always been lucky to have had inspirational teachers and it was at this point I began to think about the career for myself. Despite not having a background in RE at degree level, my interest for it has not changed. I now aspire to make my pupils feel as enthusiastic as I do and to inspire them as IU was at a young age.