Michael Spowart

PGCE 2015

Former plasterer Michael Spowart took the economic downturn as a life-changing opportunity to change his career, graduated with a First in Physiological Science, followed by a PGCE in 2015.

Having always enjoyed supporting youngsters on work experience placements in his job, and volunteering his skills with training provider Springboard in Sunderland, he was inspired to become a teacher.

Michael, 43, now teaches science in front of a classroom of secondary school pupils at Redhouse Academy secondary school in Sunderland.

He completed an Access to Higher Education course at Sunderland College where he developed an interest in science and began a Physiological Science degree at Sunderland.

His dedication to his studies was recognised in his final year when he was selected as a recipient of the first ever Sir Tom Cowie Memorial Scholarship Award, receiving £10,000 to support his academic studies.

“Like many mature students we all have the same pressures to balance, from childcare and work to our academic studies, so this money really allowed me to achieve the best grades I could.

“I feel like I have been given a second chance of a career at Sunderland. I’m thoroughly enjoying being a teacher and it’s going brilliantly.”