Student Profiles
The following quotes and case studies are from past and present students studying on the SKE programme at the Institute of Education:
French
Case Study
Andrew Sykes joined the French Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course in 1999. He is now a qualified teacher working as the head of MFL in Gillotts School, Henley on Thames.
What did you do before you started the FSKE Course at Reading?
Once I had finished my degree (Mathematics at the University of York) I worked in London for 2 years for an Accountancy firm. I started to take the accountancy exams but it wasn't for me so I went to France to work for Eurocamp for the whole season. I had done vacation work for them through University so I knew the ropes. I got a TEFL qualification and then taught in the Loire Valley for 5 years.
How do you feel the course prepared you for your Initial Teacher Training?
I spent the SKE year on my French language because although I could speak it fluently I was not so confident with the grammar. No course will ever fully prepare you for what you will find in school. So much is learnt on the job but I am incredibly pleased that I chose the route I did.
What were the best bits about studying the FSKE Course at Reading?
I found the course really interesting. We studied a lot of cultural things and I was able to put into context the things I had seen and heard while I was living in France. It was a small group and we all got on. I am still in contact with someone who completed the course with me and now lives in Germany. We went to Nice for 6 weeks which was a highlight and the course was very hands on which suited me.
Tell me more about French Subject Knowledge Enhancement.
Mathematics
Case Study
Stuart Phillips joined the Mathematics SKE course in Feb 2009 aged 50, having hung up his boots running a youth football club, he now feels passionately about helping children understand Mathematics enabling them to use it confidently in their adult life. He initially trained as a Geographer.
What did you do before you started the MSKE course at Reading?
I initially worked in central government in finance and project roles before moving on to work as a consultant for a software company. From this I moved into sales and sales management roles in the software industry and more recently for a market research company.
How do you feel the course is preparing you for your Initial Teacher Training?
Although I have experience of mathematics in the work place I felt I had the need to refresh and build upon my mathematical knowledge. The MSKE course is providing me with the grounding and framework from which to develop my skills, and will allow me to go into my PGCE year with confidence that I have the required subject knowledge.
What are the best bits about studying on the MSKE course at Reading?
The MSKE course at Reading is fast paced and varied, encouraging me to constantly push myself further. The institute uses a number of lecturers who have both the teaching experience and knowledge to make the subject challenging and relevant. The course also allows me to work alongside other students from different backgrounds, enabling a sharing of ideas, best practice and approach.
The 2009 cohort made the following statements about the Mathematics SKE course:
"I would recommend it as something I enjoy and look forward to each day."
"It's interesting, fun, enormously informative, an excellent learning experience."
"Challenging but fun"
Tell me more about Mathematics Subject Knowledge Enhancement.
Chemistry
Case Study
Patrick joined the 2009 CSKE aged 47, to pursue his career goal of teaching chemistry in schools up to A level. He initially trained as a Chemical Engineer.
What did you do before you started the CSKE course at reading?
I spent 15 years in advertising, 12 years of which I ran my own commercials production company, producing TV commercials for major clients and brands. I also enjoyed passing on my knowledge by giving workshops at principle advertising college courses to new talent entering the industry. Prior to working in advertising I was a TEFL teacher in Spain so had experience in teaching. Advertising and teaching are very similar disciplines as they require communicating ideas effectively.
How do you feel the course is preparing you for your Initial Teacher Training?
The course is giving me the science and maths knowledge I had forgotten during a long career in a different industry. The course has allowed me to unlock the knowledge from my degree, that I thought I had lost. It has been an enjoyable process.
What are the best bits about studying on the CSKE course at Reading?
The tutors are excellent and teach using a variety of different styles and techniques. They are also passionate about teaching their knowledge and experience, which is invaluable prior to doing a PGCE. One of the best things about the course is that the students learn a lot from each other, as they come to the course with varied professional backgrounds and experience which they share with one another, something which you don't get from classical training and education.
The 2009 cohort made the following statements about the chemistry SKE course:
"Stimulating, fun and builds subject knowledge."
"A very good refresher course."
"Go for it."
Tell me more about Chemistry Subject Knowledge Enhancement.
Physics
The 2009 cohort made the following statements about the physics SKE course:
"It's a great way to build up your physics knowledge in prep for a PGCE."
"Extremely useful course to build subject knowledge."