Amy Bamford
Study Type: Higher Education
Study Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Studied: Teacher Training, Coaching and Mentoring
PGCE student Amy values DCG’s supportive learning environment
So, when she came to Derby College Group to study for her PGCE, she was impressed to find great support from everyone involved in her learning.
She said: “During the pandemic I did a year of my course online but made effective use of the college’s online library. The library and study support staff were so helpful.
“We got a lot of support from them and they played a big part in our learning experience.
“The teachers were great, too. I worked with our lecturer, Sally, a lot. She was so approachable and cared about each student’s individual situation.
“We’re all from different areas of education but she listened and engaged with us, adapting the course so it addressed our various sector needs.”
Amy, a mum of three, got into teaching after discovering just how well she got on with teenagers while working as a kitchen assistant at her old school.
She added: “I realised that I wanted to go back into education so I could work with young people, not just serve them their school dinners.
“This led me to take A-levels in sociology, philosophy and psychology then a degree in youth work at Derby University.”
At that time Amy also started working at Blend Youth Project, a provider of education and training opportunities to 14 to16-year-olds who may be disengaged with learning or struggling to access mainstream education.
The teachers were great, too. I worked with our lecturer, Sally, a lot. She was so approachable and cared about each student’s individual situation.