My name is Adam Tate, and I graduated from Roehampton University in 2017 with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Geography. Looking back at my time at Roehampton, it’s clear that the experience helped shape my journey in education, leading me from the classroom to a leadership role in higher education. Here’s a bit about my journey and how Roehampton played a pivotal role in it.

Why I Chose Geography and Education at Roehampton

When I decided to study education, I was looking for a course that would combine my two passions: Geography and teaching. The PGCE at Roehampton was the perfect fit. Not only did it offer me the chance to deepen my subject knowledge, but it also equipped me with practical teaching skills to become an effective educator. I was drawn to Roehampton because of the supportive and close-knit community that the university offered. There was a genuine interest in each individual’s growth, which was essential for me in an environment where personal development is as important as academic success.

What I Enjoyed Most About My Time at Roehampton

Though I wasn’t on campus much due to the nature of the PGCE programme, the time I did spend there was invaluable. I truly appreciated the university’s approach to teaching, which empowered students by valuing their experiences and perspectives. It wasn’t just about the content; it was about creating a learning environment where everyone’s voice could be heard. This approach fostered a sense of belonging, and it was clear that the university cared about my success, both professionally and personally.

The Best Aspect of the PGCE at Roehampton

For me, the best aspect of the programme was the diversity of backgrounds and experiences among the cohort. Coming from different walks of life, we all brought something unique to the table, which made for richer and more engaging discussions. This diversity was invaluable in shaping a deeper understanding of teaching. The PGCE programme at Roehampton is incredibly pragmatic, focusing on the practical aspects of teaching while also providing a solid academic foundation.

Field Trips and Practical Experience

One of the highlights of the PGCE was the opportunity to get out of the classroom and experience teaching in real-world settings. During my degree, I took part in various field trips, which were not only enjoyable but also incredibly insightful. We visited places like the London Wetlands, the London Docklands, the Excel Centre, Stratford, and Richmond Park. These trips gave me a chance to learn firsthand how fieldwork can be incorporated into geography teaching and how to engage students outside the classroom.

How Roehampton Helped Shape My Career

After my time as a Geography teacher, I took a sideways move to become a Lecturer. Today, I lead the Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education at Nottingham Trent University. The knowledge and skills I gained from my PGCE at Roehampton have been vital in helping me train new lecturers and develop the next generation of higher education professionals. Beyond academia, I’ve also founded a charity to raise awareness of Fahr’s Disease, an important cause that I’ve become deeply passionate about. Education plays a big role in that, and I’m proud to be using the skills I learned at Roehampton to make a difference.

What I Would Do Differently at University

If I could go back and do something differently, I would focus on building more confidence in my ability as a teacher. It’s natural to feel uncertain, especially during a PGCE, but I would reassure myself that things will fall into place. Every school is different, and once you find the right fit, things start to flourish.

Career Highlights So Far

Looking back on my career, some of my proudest moments have been when I’ve seen my students succeed. There’s no better feeling than witnessing that “light bulb” moment when everything clicks for a student. I’m also incredibly proud of the charity I founded for Fahr’s Disease, which has now helped thousands of people around the world. Another highlight has been being part of the team at Nottingham Trent University that turned around the Academic Professional Apprenticeship programme. We went from being the worst in the country to being consistently rated the best for the past three years. That’s a huge achievement!

Tips for Current Roehampton Students

My advice to current students is to be brave and embrace every opportunity that comes your way—you never know where it might lead. However, I also want to remind you that teaching can be overwhelming at times. You don’t need to do everything, and it’s okay to say no when you need to. It’s all about finding balance and understanding your limits while still pushing yourself to grow.

Final Thoughts

This year, I was humbled to receive a Chancellor’s Alumni Award, which recognised my contributions to education and the community. It’s an honour to be part of such a vibrant alumni network, and I’m excited to continue contributing to the world of education in the years to come. Roehampton gave me the foundation I needed to launch my career, and I’ll always be grateful for the experiences and opportunities it provided.

To anyone considering a career in teaching or higher education, my advice is to embrace the journey, trust in your ability, and never stop learning.

To find out more about this course please visit PGCE Secondary | University of Roehampton, London.