{"id":10935,"date":"2026-10-27T09:02:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T09:02:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/?p=10935"},"modified":"2026-10-27T09:03:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T09:03:00","slug":"where-ive-been-since-graduating-with-pgce-secondary-english","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/2026\/10\/27\/where-ive-been-since-graduating-with-pgce-secondary-english\/","title":{"rendered":"Where I’ve Been Since Graduating With PGCE Secondary English"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Lana Ali completed her PGCE Secondary English at the University in 2015. In her spotlight, she shares with us her career development since graduation.<\/h2>\n

On choosing Manchester<\/h3>\n

Manchester University has a very good reputation. I completed my Undergraduate course there and wanted to stay for my PGCE course.<\/p>\n

I initially applied for my PGCE straight after my English degree. However, I interrupted the year to complete an Access course in English Literature and worked full time to save for a year. I then restarted the course, as I knew that my peers had done very well and were enjoying their new roles.<\/p>\n

On my current role<\/h3>\n

I currently work in a good, 11-18 school in Bolton as Second in English. I am also in charge of mentoring and Teaching and Learning in the department. I am also an Associate Tutor for Manchester University.<\/p>\n

Current responsibilities include:<\/p>\n

Leading teaching and learning in English
Mentoring and coaching staff whole school
Delivering CPD to whole school and leading on departmental CPD
Quality assurance of planning<\/p>\n

The course at the UoM prepared me to be able to work in any context, as I was given the opportunity to go into different schools and receive support to learn and develop as a trainee teacher.<\/p>\n

I worked with excellent mentors and tutors who would guide me and give me constructive feedback. The sessions at the University gave me an insight into teaching and learning; developed my subject knowledge and prepared me to mark and give feedback.<\/p>\n

On my teacher training at Manchester<\/h3>\n

My training year consisted of teaching sessions which developed my knowledge of how students learn and how to be an effective teacher and planner. During my course, I had two placements at contrasting schools.<\/p>\n

This experience was invaluable, as I had the opportunity to practise what I had learnt in the teaching sessions. Through regular feedback from my mentors and tutors, I was able to make significant progress throughout my PGCE year.<\/p>\n

My advice for prospective applicants<\/h3>\n

Enjoy every moment. It does get easier. Make to do lists and prioritise.<\/p>\n

Graduating from the University of Manchester really does hold a prestigious place. I have been invited for interviews at very high performing schools and have interviewed against Oxbridge graduates due to the excellent reputation the university has.<\/p>\n

The PGCE course truly does feel like a family that you will always remember.<\/p>\n

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The University of Manchester
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