Rachael Bunney

BA (Hons) Early Primary Education

Why did you choose this course?

I chose to study this course as I knew I wanted to be a teacher and I was very interested in the development and education of children, especially in the early years.

Why did you choose to study at Northumbria?

I chose to study at Northumbria as the course they offered was exactly the one I wanted to study. I knew that the course had an excellent reputation and I love the city of Newcastle.

What has been the best/most memorable experience of the course so far?

There have been so many high lights of the course so far. All my placements have been brilliant. Something that sticks in my mind is on a placement recently when I was called ‘miss’ for the first time and I taught my first full lessons by myself, that was my ‘realisation moment’ when I suddenly thought ‘I am going to be a teacher!’

What has been your most challenging moment so far?

My most challenging moment so far was probably the lead up to work due dates last year. It was pretty intense and the feeling of relief after I handed everything in was brilliant, I felt so proud of myself and even more so when I received confirmation in the summer that I had officially passed my first year!

What piece of advice would you give to students thinking about coming onto your course?

I would say to perspective students that they need to be sure that this is what they want to get into. You need to be passionate about what you study. It is such an interesting and rewarding course but you have to come onto the course ready for a lot of hard work.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I would love to go straight into a teaching job when I graduate, hopefully that will be the case. I’m open to which year exactly I would like to teach as I have had a range of experience with different year groups and I loved every one of them.

Do you do work experience on your course?

I have had a range of placements so far, including one in my local primary school, one on a nursery, working with year 6 and one in London. I am looking forward to a nine-week placement at the beginning of next year. I think placements on a course like this are really important as you learn so much in the classroom.

What do you like about Newcastle?

I live about 30 minutes drive away from Newcastle but decided to move into the city when I started university. I have always been quite familiar with Newcastle and I really love it. It is such a friendly city, and I think it has everything; great shops, great sights and a great nightlife.

How do you get on with your tutors?

I think the tutors on my course are great; they are so helpful and friendly. Each one has so much experience, which they share with us in lectures and workshops. If you ever have any problems you can email, ring or meet them and they are always happy to help.