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Gemma set her sights on study to train to be a teacher

24 November 2015

 

For inspirational graduate Gemma Bottomley, now training to be a teacher, studying towards a degree was her aim from childhood.

Gemma, from Guisborough, who graduates with a First Class degree in BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies, is currently completing teacher training on work placement at Caedmon Primary School in Grangetown. She is due to begin A placement at another school in the New Year.

The 21-year-old, who was placed in care from the age of seven, was determined to pursue a career as a primary school teacher and play a role in helping to positively shape the lives of other young people.

Gemma says studying at Teesside University was something she aspired to from childhood, adding: 'I was lucky in that I was placed with the same foster family from a young age.

'I received lots of encouragement from my foster family and going to university was something I always wanted to do, as working with young people and becoming a teacher always interested me.

'I wanted to become a primary school teacher to help encourage other young people to be the best that they can be.'

Gemma added: 'Teesside University has been fantastic for me. I really enjoyed the course and made lots of good friends. It was my local University, but also had the best course for me.'

During the degree, Gemma was selected to join a group of students from the University’s School of Social Sciences & Law on a six-week trip to Malaysia where they completed work experience in relation to their studies. Gemma was one of four students who spent time working with children at a special needs enhancement centre in Kuala Lumpur.

'Hopefully the trip to Malaysia has helped to set me apart from other applicants when applying for teaching jobs. I’ve travelled to Africa in the past to visit schools and experience what it was like there and I have an interest in different cultures.'

She added: 'The degree covered the whole range of childhood, from birth to 19 and was really relevant to the work I want to do although it does also enable graduates to pursue a wide range of careers. It really prepared me for the career path I wanted to take.

'I had a really positive experience at Teesside and really enjoyed my time there.'


 
 
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