After graduating in 2010, Alex Reed started working in the newly opened Manchester Communication Academy, becoming the school's first, and only, language teacher. A year later, he was joined by fellow Edge Hill graduate and newly qualified teacher, Sinead Moxham, who was also keen to take on the challenges – and possibilities – of a brand new school.
Why did you choose teaching?
Alex: I wanted to continue studying languages at degree level but the idea of teaching really appealed as well. The course at Edge Hill gives you the best of both worlds – you're training to teach and developing your language skills at the same time.
Sinead: I've always had a passion for languages and I wanted to inspire other children the way my teachers had inspired me.
Was the Edge Hill course good preparation for your career?
Sinead: Definitely. The fact that you train over three years means you get to go on more placements. You learn the tricks of the trade and get a good understanding of different school environments and different types of pupils. My placements were so diverse, there weren't really any surprises when I started teaching, and everything I learned on the course is still useful now.
Alex: There's no substitute for hands on, practical experience of teaching and I think I went on four or five placements. I also had the opportunity to work with AimHigher, teaching language sessions, which was great for my CV and gave me the chance to engage with children in a different context.
What was your favourite part of the course?
Alex: I really liked the opportunity to do placements in both primary and secondary schools. I now work in one of the MCA's feeder schools once a week, giving me a good understanding of the transition from primary to secondary school. Seeing it from both sides helps me support my Year 7 pupils better.
Sinead: I loved the placement in Angers in France. It was an amazing cultural experience and I really enjoyed the challenge of teaching English and Spanish to French children.
Alex: Languages change so quickly and textbooks can be quite out of date, so teaching in another country helps you keep your language skills fresh and improves your teaching.
Alex, you were responsible for employing Sinead – why did she stand out?
Alex: When Sinead applied for a position at MCA, I didn't know her but I knew she would be a great teacher because I know the course. Edge Hill trainees stand out in the marketplace, as an employer we have a history of recruiting very effective staff from Edge Hill.
Finally, how would you sum up the benefits of training to teach at Edge Hill?
Alex: You get a really good training in your subject but you also have the time to try out different things. I've had the opportunity to teach cookery, maths and humanities in my first few years of teaching - my confidence to be that flexible came from the broad scope of my training at Edge Hill.
Sinead: It's a tough course, but you get a lot of support and it really does prepare you for teaching.
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