Embarking on a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is an exciting and transformative journey. As you prepare to shape young minds and build a rewarding teaching career, it’s crucial to understand the wealth of services, support, and resources available to you during your course.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you can expect and how to make the most of these offerings:

Academic Support

Personal Tutors: Imagine having a dedicated guide to help you navigate the ups and downs of your PGCE journey. Personal tutors are your go-to for discussing progress, seeking advice, and tackling any concerns. They are your first port of call and almost always have an answer to everything.

Study Skills Workshops: Think of these workshops as your academic toolkit, packed with essentials like academic writing, research skills, and time management tips. They’re your survival kit for handling the course’s rigorous demands. Some skills, like academic writing, may be second nature to you if you recently completed your undergraduate degree. Others might need a refresher, especially if you’re returning to university after some time. The library offers plenty of workshops, both in-person and online, to meet all your academic needs, particularly for those big assignments. Some great workshops include sessions on critical reading or managing procrastination. A full list can be found here.

Wellbeing and Counselling Services

• Counselling Services: Balancing the demands of a PGCE can be tough. Our university offers confidential counselling services to support your mental wellbeing. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to chat with, these services have got your back. Find them here.
• Wellbeing Workshops: Workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and resilience are your mental health toolkit, providing techniques to keep your mind in tip-top shape. Some excellent ones include mindfulness meditation and breathwork for resilience and self-support. The sessions are often scheduled during the working day, so they can easily be attended during a lunch break or between your lectures. Keep up to date with the full list here.
• Financial Aid: Various scholarships and bursaries are available for PGCE students, easing the financial load. You can find them here.

Professional Development Resources

• School Placements: The heart of the PGCE experience lies in teaching practice placements. At these placements, you will create great relationships with both your subject mentor and professional mentor, who have a wealth of knowledge not only academically but also in dealing with the workload of being a teacher. Set some time aside in one of your weekly meetings if you are struggling. They will be able to help you.
• Peer Support: Don’t forget your family and friends, who are often your biggest champions and have your back when you need them the most. Even if it’s just a moment to let your hair down or some time to relax, check in with them and use them as a shoulder to lean on. And don’t forget your friends on the course—nobody knows what you are going through quite like people who are going through the same thing! So reach out to your coursemates.

The PGCE course is demanding, but with the right support and resources, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Our university offers a wide range of services to support your academic, personal, and professional journey. By tapping into these resources, you can enhance your learning experience, maintain your well-being, and set the stage for a successful teaching career.

Remember, the support is there—don’t hesitate to reach out and embrace it. I have had more than my fair share of using many of these services to varying degrees to help me on this pathway, and they are there for you too. Good luck on your journey to becoming an inspiring and effective educator!

Written by Lamis, current Secondary PGCE student at The University of Manchester

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