Adult Learning and Skills Service

Providing enjoyable, successful learning opportunities
for adults, employers and the community

Student Profile

Karen Simoneli - PGCE Student

"I have been studying courses with Hammersmith & Fulham's adult learning service for two years. I have found the courses extremely beneficial and also convenient which as a parent is essential."

Whilst studying with The Open University for my History degree I decided on a career in teaching. After graduating I still needed to pass my GCSE in Maths at C grade or above and also needed experience in school in order to meet the requirements for a place on a Primary PGCE course.

After studying at the Macbeth Centre I passed my Maths GCSE in September 2008, but I was unable to get any school experience. I decided to study for the ECDL to improve my IT skills and for the NCFE Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools certificate, which needed a school placement alongside the coursework.

The topics we have studied and the related school experience were extremely useful to me during the PGCE interview process where both were used as the focus for the discussion and my portfolio of my experience of working with children in education."

The course has given me a greater insight into the many issues concerning primary education and has increased my confidence both during study sessions and time on placement.

The course has been invaluable to me, as I believe I would not have gained a university place without the learning and experience I have got from the course, not forgetting the support from my course tutor. I have now gained a place on the Key Stage 2 Primary PGCE at Roehampton University starting in September 2010 and look forward to qualifying as a teacher.