Studying Initial Teacher Education at York St John

Choosing the Right Course at University

When thinking about starting university, you’ve got to look at it from all angles. Hopefully, I can give you some of my insight to help inform your decisions and tell you what YSJ has to offer.

When looking back at myself, I changed my course so many times, but primary education kept coming back to me. Whether this is a newfound love for you or something you’ve always dreamed of doing, YSJ is the place to be.

Why I Chose York St John

The passion felt from every single tutor strongly influenced my decision to come here. Whilst I loved the look of the university and the subject-specific classrooms, it was talking to the tutors about what I would be experiencing and their passion for the job that made YSJ my top choice.

The amount of choice you are given in all three years to dictate where you take your learning is amazing. Currently, I have chosen the Learning Outside the Classroom module, and it is amazing. Being able to physically take part in the learning that I would be delivering to children is beyond anything I can describe.

I’m a very physical learner, and I like to learn from example. Experiencing it myself lets me know the expectations that I’ll be wanting from my children and how I can meet their learning needs.

Learning, Creativity, and Support

In addition to modules, assignments are designed to let your creativity and philosophy come through. Exploring your own ideas about teaching and what is important to you as the teacher, whilst linking to key policy and theory.

My biggest advice would be to take every opportunity in your stride. Three years have never gone so quickly for me, and the thought of having my own class soon is both unbelievably terrifying and exhilarating.

However, if there is a chance for you to expand your learning or explore an interest, you must go for it. Choose the modules that you are drawn to, not just the one that your friends have chosen. It is ok to stand out from the crowd and follow your own path.

Jump into every lesson that you plan and give it your best shot. If it doesn’t work out, that’s ok. Try it again or take a different route. Be reflective and always open to improving and wanting to better yourself.

You will have a tutor both within school on placement and within university. They are there to support you and help you become the best teacher you can be.

Looking Ahead

If you take anything away from this is that this is only the beginning. You will continue to grow, change, and adapt to make the best decisions for yourself.

I personally couldn’t have picked somewhere better to start my journey, and I’ll never forget the experiences and growth that I’ve gotten from YSJ. No matter your decision, I wish you the very best of luck and know you’ve picked the best profession in the world.

— Tamara Kerr

Find out more about the Initial Teacher Education course at York St John.