“The vast majority of our PGCE graduates go on to teach in the state sector,” Jacqui explained, “so it’s really important that they have accurate and up-to-date information on how to support those students who have the potential to apply to Cambridge, or other highly-selective universities.”
“Many of our NQTs find that because they’ve applied for and completed their PGCE at Cambridge, they are expected to be knowledgeable about the undergraduate admissions process, which is really quite different. This session was aimed at bringing all of our NQTs up to speed, no matter where they have studied for their undergraduate degree.”
Drawing on her own classroom experience, Jacqui’s presentation covered some of the ways teachers can encourage pupils to think beyond the curriculum, and highlighted the resources available from the University to help.
“I went through the application process as a state school student, at a school that wasn’t very familiar with sending applicants to Cambridge,” said Kenichi Udagawa.
Kenichi took his first degree at Cambridge as well as his PGCE and will be teaching in Croydon from September.
“It made me realise how much you rely on your school to know the process," he said.
“The presentation was very helpful. If you’ve been a student at Cambridge you can forget what it looks like from outside. Terms like ‘supervision’ can be a barrier. I need to be able to explain the system to the students at my school in straightforward terms.”
“Information, Advice and Guidance services in many schools have been cut back in response to funding cuts,” Jacqui said. “I hope this talk has encouraged our NQTs to get involved and help fill the gap.”
“It’s a great opportunity for them to work with motivated and enthusiastic students, and it’s very beneficial for the students to have the support of committed teachers in realising their potential.”
All students will also receive copies of the University’s guide for Teachers and Advisers in a special pack at their end of course ceremony today.
The University of Cambridge Secondary PGCE Class of 2014 enjoyed a special briefing session this week on how to support their pupils to aim high in their university ambitions, delivered by Jacqui Howard, Schools Liaison Co-ordinator for the Faculty of Education.
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