How to survive a PGCE....

I am currently doing my PGCE year in secondary science, and i thought it would be helpful for others to give just a little bit of advice. It has also given me a small break from my planning and marking! 

If you have any questions at all about a PGCE, teaching or anything else please feel free to ask! 

1. Make sure you make great course mates! 

Having that network of support is a massive help, it truly is! Whether it is just knowing that someone else is going through the same situation, same types of stress and that huge workload. Or whether it is having them there to ask questions, or to get resources and feedback from, they really do help. So make sure you create that very important support blanket. 

2. Remember that you are not superwoman, you cannot do absolutely everything (although I'm sure you will try). 

There is always something else that needs doing, but you need to remember to take that bit of time off to relax, and importantly to recuperate. If you don't then you will surely run yourself into the ground. Make sure you are taking a day off a week, whether it is Friday night and part of Saturday or all Saturday, just make sure you are taking that bit of time to relax, see friends or family, spend some time with your partner, or simply just to watch some rubbish tv and chill. So remember that you will really be working hard but it is so important not to burn out. A lot of people on their PGCE forget this important part of advice but it really is very important, and it was actually one of the first pieces of advice that my course leader gave us, and she was definitely not wrong!  

3. Collect resources! 

From each placement make sure you are taking all the resources that you can, even if it isn't a topic you teach, you never know when it may come in handy. Also if someone offers you any resources or advice, take it!! I cannot stress that enough either. All resources are helpful, and when it comes to planning later on you will really be grateful that you have those resources. 

4. Enjoy it! 

Remember the reasons why you decided to do the PGCE in the first place, so whenever times get tough you can remember why you started the torture in the first place! 

I hope my little bit of advice has been helpful for you, again, if you have any questions please do ask! 

2014: My year...

I am a firm believer that it is always a great idea to take the time to reflect upon your year, to see both the high and low points. I have got to say that generally my year has been full of happy and celebratory moments, but it has not been without its stressful and tearful moments either. Graduating from University has definitely been on of the most significant points of my year, and covers both the high and low aspects for sure.
  



Graduating from the University of Leeds with a 2:1 in Psychology. This year I graduated from university with a 2.1 which I am so proud of! At the time I was so stressed due to all the exams and deadlines, but now looking back I wouldn't change it for the world, in fact I wish I was still in Leeds living with my best friends and enjoying my freedom. Hopefully one day I will return to Leeds again as it really is a fantastic city and I miss it so very much. Also my friends and I have thankfully taken the time to stay in touch and visit one another, for example my friends are coming to stay with me for New Years and I can't wait! My advice for people currently living away from home or at university; enjoy it! It won't last forever! 

My year with my boyfriend. I am so happy in my relationship with my boyfriend, of course we sometimes can fall out and fight but I wouldn't change our relationship ever. He is  so perfect and always extremely good to me, and truly makes me so happy. Hopefully sometime next year or soon we will be able to move into our own little home together or go travelling. Heres to many more happy years! 






I started a PGCE. This September I started a PGCE, and so far this is proved to be a big challenge! Nobody realises just how much hard work a PGCE is or teaching either! Hopefully in the end it will be worth it and I will be glad I made this decision. In the end at least it will be another goal I will have accomplished and something else to be proud of. 



Many Happy memories. This year has been filled with many happy memories that I will always remember, I have met some wonderful people but have also lost contact with some not so wonderful people... I have developed closer relationships with some amazing people too. I have had many lovely moments and days, including several amazing holidays with the ones that I love. This year I am slowly getting better at forgetting the negatives and trying to focus on the positive aspects of my life. I am also learning to stress a little less, which is definitely a big issue for me. Hopefully I will continue to progress and develop into a more happy-go-lucky kind of person. 

Reunion time!

Last weekend I went to Birmingham to see my university friends. It was such a lovely catch up and was a perfect little break. We only arrived late friday night so only got just over a day or so together to catch up. 

What I loved about the little reunion was the fact that it felt like we hadn't really been apart, it was just like what it was like when we lived together. Sadly I hadn't seen my two friends since we left University in June, as we have all been so busy and also we graduated on different days so we couldn't meet up then either. It did remind me how much I miss living in Leeds with them both though! 

On Saturday we went into Birmingham to go round the German Christmas markets and round the different shops. Unfortunately I didn't buy much whilst I was there, which was definitely not the plan, as I can't seem to really shop when its busy or when I'm with other people. The only things I did buy were my Christmas cards for everyone, a new phone case and then a gingerbread heart for my boyfriend. My lovely friend also treated us to the yummy chocolate covered strawberries, which is definitely a must at the German Markets! Think a trip to the Manchester German markets will be needed to buy more presents and treats! The Birmingham markets were fairly similar to the Manchester ones, with the similar kind of stalls as well as similar food and drink. I really wanted to have a good look through Forever 21 whilst I was in Birmingham as I can spend a fortune whilst in there, but as soon as I walked in the shop I noticed that the queue was basically out the door, definitely a no go... ha. We basically shopped all day, only stopping for a Nandos and lovely Costa hot chocolate so by 7 o'clock we were ready to go home. 

On Saturday night we got some bottles of wine and watched The Fault in our Stars, I've read the book so I told them both to prepare for the tears, and of course we did all end up crying at the film. Sunday morning my other friend and I had both booked early trains/coaches home so we would be back in time to spend the rest of our Sunday doing work ha. When I got back to Preston I managed to do a bit of Christmas shopping, I got my boyfriends mum her presents and also my brothers girlfriends presents. Actually fairly prepared this year for once! 

It was a great trip and was fantastic to see a couple of my favourite people again, definitely think a day trip to Birmingham is needed again soon! 

This is the larger version of the cookie I bought my boyfriend. Next time i may have to get him one this big considering how fast he ate the other smaller one! 

Yummy yummy chocolate strawberries! 

The famous jelly bean Birmingham Bull! 

Going to University? Here's my advice and tips.

The Great Hall, Leeds.

Seeing as A level results came out this week and a lot of people will be heading off to university in September I thought I would do my own little post about my time at university (specifically moving to and living in halls), some tips I have for people going to university, and also some of the small regrets I have of my time at university. But don't get me wrong I absolutely loved my time at the University of Leeds really, but of course I have some small regrets and some things I would have liked to have done slightly differently. 

It is crazy to think that this time three years ago I had just got my A level results and had been offered a place at the University of Leeds. Without a doubt I loved my time at university and am 100% glad that I went and completed my degree. Even when times got tough, and when I got really stressed out and just wanted to pack it all in and quit, I am still so proud of myself for sticking it out and achieving my degree with a 2.1. The University of Leeds is a great university and would always recommend that people go there, Leeds is also a fantastic city and is always a great place to visit. 

First year was definitely the year where I changed so much, and partly grew into the person I am today. It is also the year where I made friendships which I hope will last the rest of my life. But it is also the year I had to put up with a lot of annoying crap. I went straight into halls and lived in a hall of 5 people, but fortunately I had an ensuite bathroom to myself. I do not miss halls at all, my other two years at university were definitely an improvement. 

Some people love halls, whereas I was definitely not a fan, at all. Halls are great for really social people, who love sharing everything, enjoy being kept up during the night, and love fire alarms at 7 in the morning after getting in from a night out at 4am. But like I said, other people love university halls. 

The Parkinson building, Leeds.

Some of my own tips for people going to university:

- Don't take anything of value into halls, or at least keep them in your own room. Things will get taken, used or broken. I had a roommate who ate most of my food so I ended up storing most of it in my room, and I also had another flatmate who broke my digital camera, not on purpose but whilst dropping it when drunk. You might think your stuff will be safe, but again it is always best to be on the safe side. 

- Following on from my previous tip; take insurance out on your belongings.

- Take a prom/smart dress. You will want one in your first weeks at university especially with all the events and parties such as the Freshers Ball. 

- Try to find your future flatmates on Facebook/ Twitter etc before actually moving in. It is a great way to meet the people you will be living with, better to get to know them a little before moving in and also a good way to ease any moving anxieties you may have.

- Do a trip to IKEA or another homeware store before moving in. 

- Stock up on food to take with you, or ask for food parcels off your parents/grandparents. This is what my family did for me before I moved away and it definitely helped me save money during my time at university. Also ask for lots of washing powder etc as you will have to do your own laundry once you move to university. I also stocked up on toiletries before I went so I didn't have to buy loads whilst at university.

- Before you go print/prepare photos you want up on your bedroom wall. Having photos up around you in your room is great when you're feeling homesick. 

- Wait until you start lectures before buying any of the recommended textbooks. Textbooks are ridiculously expensive, and it is likely that you will be able to access them online through your library, saving yourself a lot of money. The Psychology school at Leeds also do a used book sale at the start of the first semester, which is a great opportunity to buy secondhand textbooks from students in the years above.  

- Finally, relax and make sure you enjoy and make the most of your first year at university. It doesn't matter if you get a first or a third for your final mark in your first year, it will not count towards your final degree classification, at all. So make sure you go out, make friends and most importantly have fun. The second and third year definitely do count and will be a lot more work than the first year, they are the years to stay up till 4 am in the library finishing essays, and definitely the years to work your ass off. 

Heres me in my final year submitting my dissertation. 

Here is a photo to demonstrate the thickness of my dissertation. 

Also, I obviously recommend that you make yourself some check lists and such before you move to university to make sure you have packed and prepared everything you will need. Also check out other tips and items to take to university before you go. 

- Here is a great link I found. 




I had said that I was going to share some of my regrets of my time whilst at university, but I think regret is the wrong word to use really. I don't so much as regret any of my time at the University of Leeds, nor would i change it, but a part of me does wish that I could do it again slightly differently. 

For example;
- I wish I had spent more of my spare time actually in Leeds, and had explored the city more than I did. 
- I also wish I had joined some of the societies at university during my three years, and had overcome my shyness whilst in first year. Whilst at university it is a great time to meet more likeminded people and also try some new hobbies.  
- I also wish I went out more during my second and third years, as now I'm back in a "city" with no good night clubs, thus I wish I had explored more of the night clubs in Leeds whilst I had the chance. 





Here is just a small insight into university life, so if anyone has any questions about university, my Psychology degree, or the University of Leeds please do not hesitate to ask! 

Graduation!

On Thursday I graduated from the University of Leeds, and I got a 2.1 in BSc Psychology!

I am so happy and relieved that my degree is over and that I successfully survived the whole experience! University is without a doubt one of the most stressful experiences I have ever endured. That being said, I am definitely sad that it is over! It's just so scary going from knowing exactly where you are going to next in life; from school to college, from college to university, to then not being exactly sure what the next step is. I am hoping to go back to university do a masters one day, however I feel that I need a slight break from education. But I am definitely going to miss being in education, and learning new knowledge; thus I have to keep reading and learning new things.  

On Thursday my graduation was at 3.45pm which is fairly late for a graduation, but we set off from Preston at 12ish to get to Leeds in plenty of time. Once we got to Leeds we parked up and went to sort my tickets, gown and photos. Nobody had informed me of how heavy the gowns actually are, and on Thursday it was one of the hottest days of the year so I was melting in the gown. Hopefully my makeup hadn't melted off too much in the photos either! I had professional photos done too, which was alright, but I just found the guy doing the photos to be a little bit creepy and awkward, and they were done so quickly, I even had to ask him if I could see the photo before I left. I asked my boyfriend to take photos throughout the day too and they turned out pretty well. 

The whole graduation ceremony was over so quickly, before I knew it the speeches had been done and all the names had been called out. If I could do it all over again I definitely would. I also managed to not trip or fall over when I went to get my certificate thankfully! Also my university did not allow us to rent or wear the graduation caps which is a shame, but in my professional photos I was wearing the cap. The ceremony was done around 5pm and we returned home, with a side detour to a pub for some tea and a drink. 

On the Friday night I celebrated again with family in Preston, by going for a meal at Angelos in Preston city centre, which was really good fun and it was great to see my two Aunts, as one of my aunties came down from Sandbach to come for the meal. The food was really great at the restaurant and I really did enjoy myself. We then went for a drink and a friend joined us to go out for a short while. 

I am really glad that I have completed my degree and that it is over, but at the same time I do wish I could do it all again and have a different experience. I did love my time at university but I do wish that I had spent more time in Leeds or explored the city more whilst I lived there. But isn't hindsight a wonderful thing... Maybe one day I will return to Leeds and live there again in the future. 

This is the outfit my giant gown was covering when I graduated. 

Has anyone else graduated recently? 

Anyone got any advice for graduates? 

Do you want to go to the seaside?

So I've finished my undergraduate degree at Leeds University now! (I hope..!) So I thought I should get into blogging more, simply because I've heard so many great things about actually doing it, and it will keep my writing skills up to scratch, hopefully! I will probably mostly do lifestyle posts, mainly about walking my dog, and going for days out. But I'm going to try get into writing some beauty/book/film review posts, and also hopefully put some of my favourite recipes up on here too! 

Friday was my last day and also my last exam at university, so I went for a celebratory pint at the union and into Leeds City centre with my friend. We went to the Alchemist in the Trinity centre. I only had a cocktail and a small portion of chips, both were yummy, however I do feel like the place is a little overrated; especially because it is so expensive for both cocktails and food. But hopefully I will return again one day and try another cocktail or another meal to see if the place really lives up to my expectations. 

I also went out celebrating on Friday night out in Leeds with my two housemates. I drank cocktails all night and had a wonderful time, the fact that I only spent about £10 the entire night was a bonus too! Saturday I had a day of cleaning and packing/moving back home, by the evening I was shattered so just relaxed and watched a film with my mother and boyfriend. 

On Sunday we went to Lytham St. Annes beach, my cocker spaniel loves running around the sand dunes, and we thought we would make the most of the nice weather! It didn't seem to be too sunny but apparently I did get a bit sunburnt (i had a little red nose last night)! I love going to Lytham as the beach is so lovely and it doesn't take too long to drive to, plus it is a really lovely and easy drive on a nice sunny day. 

We took a picnic and just relaxed on the beach, i just wish I had taken a book with me. But i did end up running around with Pennie and entertaining her. My boyfriend and I walked to the sea and back with Pennie and had to keep running around the sand dunes with her as she hates to sit still when on a walk. 

Once we returned home my mother and I went out for a drive, as i was recently put back onto the car insurance after over a year, so I had to get used to driving again, and I also have to get used to driving a new car.  I went out with my mother for a short drive then went out again to go onto the motorway again, both my mother and boyfriend said I was doing great driving again, so thats great to hear! So hopefully I will be able to drive to lovely places again soon, I think a trip to Manchester is needed! I have to say I have missed driving so much! I am torn between buying my own car or staying on the insurance and saving money. We will see what my mother prefers!

:)