Paige Farrington
Postgraduate Certificate of Education (SCITT) 2023
Position and company: Acting Head of Geography at Outwood Grange Academies Trust
Paige Farrington is thrilled to share her inspiring journey into the world of teaching, fueled by her passion for geography and her desire to inspire others with the subject.
Before embarking on her teaching career, Paige graduated with a First-Class degree in Geological Oceanography. Her academic background laid the groundwork for her desire to inspire future generations through education. The pivotal moment for Paige came when she received a scholarship from the Royal Geographical Society, which encouraged her to pursue her passion for teaching.
Reflecting on her experience with the PGCE at the University of Sunderland, Paige states: “The PGCE programme provided a balance of theory and practice. The programme’s focus on educational research and pedagogy allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of effective teaching strategies, while the support from tutors guided my professional growth. Overall, the PGCE has equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to become a reflective, adaptable, and confident teacher.”
Paige's favorite component of the PGCE was the individual study module, which enabled her to conduct research relevant to her teaching role. This hands-on experience not only enriched her understanding of pedagogy but also allowed her to apply her learning in real-time, positively impacting her students.
Since graduating, Paige has progressed quickly in her career, being appointed Second in Geography and recently promoted to Acting Head of Geography. With short-term ambitions of securing a permanent Head of Geography position, she is dedicated to improving the quality of geography education. She has also completed the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teaching to further enhance her leadership capabilities.
Paige emphasises the importance of organisation and time management for prospective students, advising: “Both schools and teacher training can be incredibly fast-paced and unpredictable, with new challenges arising at the last minute. Strong time management and organisational skills will help you stay on top of your commitments and ensure you can fully benefit from the learning and experiences the course offers.
"Reflecting on my journey, I found that studying the PGCE while teaching full-time was the most rewarding approach, even though it increased my workload. It allowed me to directly apply what I was learning to my daily lessons, which not only improved the quality of my teaching but also enhanced my PGCE assignments. Effective time management was key to balancing both.”
To sum up her experience at the University of Sunderland, Paige concludes: “My experience studying here was incredibly positive. I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent completing my PGCE and working with the team at Sunderland, they were so supportive and understanding. The course played a crucial role in helping me achieve my goals; it was well-structured and the flexible delivery accommodated my situation, fitting perfectly alongside my full-time teaching role. I highly recommend the University of Sunderland to anyone considering their PGCE."