I’m in my final year studying classics and English but I am considering pursuing PGCE geography. My degree featured elements of history, religion and geography within my options - some law later this year as well. In a literary module, I was able to write an essay about the meaning of ‘home’ in a world affected by climate change and another that showed self-awareness about my impact on the environment. I have a GCSE and A Level in geography but no degree in the subject.
I have work experience in a classroom setting in geography and English and had teachers ask when I would be returning as they liked having me. They said I was confident and handled myself well - behaviour had nosedived since I left the year prior but I still enjoyed the experience. I helped out in geography as well in the weeks following the completion of my A Level exams.
My desire to pursue geography PGCE stems from my own geography teachers who were enthusiastic about the subject that made me look forward to the next lesson. I want to pass on the enthusiasm they fostered in me for the subject to a new generation of students. Often times, I will find myself coming across an article or recent events (Hurricane Milton) and think about their relevance to the classroom.
One thing people learn about me is my love for maps (OS, rock types, world…). Nothing brings me greater joy (although books are on par). I do strongly believe that my degree has equipped me with skills that I can apply to the geography classroom: critical thinking, thinking analytically and outside the box, identifying reliable sources, different activities that might be appropriate, essay writing.
I want students to enjoy the subject and be able to see its relevance in the world and the ability to see beyond what is taught in the classroom, coming into class and be able to engage in discussions about recent events within geography.
I have applied for English PGCE and been offered interviews by all my choices. I have contacted one provider to ask if I could be considered for geography if possible and they said they’d look into it. I have no issues pursuing English I love it just as much as geography but the rewarding nature of my geographical studies has left a lasting impact on me. I have taken A Level and GCSE tests on the subject content and have retained most of my knowledge. There are gaps but I’m willing to work on them.
I am also considering whether I might be better pursuing English and asking if I can also participate in some geography classes or vice versa so I maintain my subject knowledge in my degree-subject whilst fostering my love for geography.
What worries me though is that as I don’t have a relevant degree, I might be confined to KS3. I would love to teach KS4 and (possibly) KS5 - where I live the local high schools don’t offer KS5 geography.
To parents: I understand your frustrations about non-specialists teaching your children as you want the best for them. I would like to ask (please be brutally honest), would you prefer not to have someone like myself (who many won’t consider a “subject-specialist”) teach your child geography due to my lack of degree-level knowledge despite my genuine passion?
I want to form good teacher-parent relationships but I’m worried parents may look down on me as I’m not a specialist with a relevant degree and therefore impact the number of students who want to pursue geography at GCSE as they don’t think in good enough or equipped to do the job. I don’t want to be considered an obstacle to their child’s success.
To educators: With a lack of degree-level geography, would I be shooting myself in the foot by pursuing PGCE Geography and then struggle to find work at ECT and beyond in geography and English?
Would I be better off pursuing English or might I be ok as it’s a shortage subject?
Is it a case that as I build my experience up as a teacher of geography, my degree may matter less than the results and knowledge I posses when applying for jobs?