PGCE Students

- graduate degree in Theology & RS and a masters degree in Religion and Public Life from Leeds University I never had any particular interest in Religious Studies until I came to study the subject at A level. The only reason I did it at that stage was eally to make up the numbers of my subjects. Once I began studying and being taught religion as an academic subject with depth rather than simply the Bible stories I was used to from my Anglican upbringing, I decided to go to university to study it further. During this time I made my mind up to pursue religion as a career and become a teacher. I only hope that I can be successful in arousing the interest of young people with religious studies in the same way the school chaplain did with me during my A levels.

- degree in Psychology from Livertpool Hope University. My school did not have a dedicated RE department which led to my taking more science-based subjects, despite being interested in RE. While working as a police officer in one of Merseyside's more colourful areas, I became interested in working with young people, and having spent two years working as an English teacher in Japan, it seemed a natural progression to return home to teach. My interests combined to show there was only one subject for me! World and current affairs being what they are, I am sure I made the right choice. I hope to teach in a Cof E school and I am particularly interested in Christianity.

- degree in religion and Theology from Manchester University. My first experience of RE came from secondary school where I was captivated by the freedom of the subject. I really enjoyed the fact that RE contained a mixture of half factual/rights and wrongs content and half your own opinion. At secondary school my teacher, Mrs Clarke, really inspired me because she tackled relevant issues, modern issues as much as relating them back to history. I was successful at RE at school so I studied it at Manchester University as Religion and Theology. Here I focused on Christianity, History and Europe. Through Manchester Uni I took part in the Student Associate Scheme in Stockport. I was lucky enough to have been placed with an amazing History teacher who was a real inspiration to me. I could see what I wanted to be in twenty years time! I feel I have constantly chosen RE through my life because I was always in search of resolutions to BIG questions but I like exploring them with others plus young people seem to have the most interesting opinions and perspectives.

- degree in Theology and Religious Studies from Liverpool hope University. I was brought up in a Methodist family but was never forced to go to church. In year 7 I loved religious studies as I was able to ask questions and never got an answer wrong! Growing up through school I would love going to RE lessons and after visiting Nepal at the age of 16 with the scouts I decided I would love to study RE at A level. This led me to my degree. With such an enthusiastic attitude to the subject I love the role Religious Studies has to play in community cohesion. Sharing religious, cultural and social aspects of living in a multi-cultural country and world has definitely inspired me to become an RE teacher. I love it!!!!

- degree in Religious Studies from Lancaster University. I discovered my love for RE and religious debate at St Edmund Arrowsmith RC High School. I decided to do a degree in RE after discounting medicine and nursing. I worked for a RE department in a local secondary school and really enjoyed it, so I decided to progress further. My theology and philosophy foundation was enhanced by anthropology and sociology to give me the practical skills needed to analyse religious texts and beliefs while discovering how people put them into practice. I then thought I would like to teach the subject and show how all religions can co-exist in today's world. Here I am.

- degree in Psychology from John Moores University. I am 27 years old and have a young baby of 8 months. When I became pregnant I realised that the time was right to put my future aspirations into action. I have always been passionate about teaching but wanted to teach a subject which allowed for more than teaching the right or wrong answer. I studied at John Moores University completing a BSc Psychology degree. I have always had a passion to work with and help people from all walks of life. After researching RE teaching as a career, I felt inspired to want to teach RE. RE is so much more than teaching the facts of world religions. It allows for individual expression, debate and much, much more. Learning about other people's views and religions is an amazing experience and makes you feel more complete as an individual. It I can have a positive impact as an RE teacher, on the views and actions of our future generation, then this would make me extremely happy and fulfilled. The experience of working with children and learning about RE will have a huge impact not only on schoolpupils, but also on my own child.

- degree in Theology and RE from Liverpool Hope University I went to a CofE school and had aspirations to teach - although not RE at that stage! Following a school merger I left after O levels and I was completely disillusioned with education. I then drifted into a financial services career which was to last 15 years, despite me knowing that it wasn't for me. After taking a break to have a family I began a night school Access course to keep my sanity while being a full-time Mum. Over the years my interest in Theology, Philosophy and Ethics increased leading to my degree application - not thinking in a million years that I would be accepted. I am now fulfilling a 20 tear ambition of training to be a teacher - and loving every minute!

- degree in English Literature and Psychology from Liverpool Hope University I am 39 years old and have lived since a child in a very affluent, white, middle class town. I am the youngest of four children, and although my family was quite dysfunctional my Mum always maintained a great sense of continuity making sure we attended a good RC High School. I loved school, particularly music, which I did well at. Academically however, I was not too successful and my confidence was always lacking. I had an interest in many things, was involved in youth work with my parish, and I stuck with music. In 1990, I qualified as a BTec nursery Nurse and worked in schools and childcare for 18 years. In 2002 I decided that I could achieve my degree and studies at Hope part time in order to get it. I worked whilst I studied. I always wanted to teach but in the last couple of years, perhaps as a result of my own faith, I decided I would love to teach RE. so here I am. It is hard work but I love it!