Hats off to the Faculty of Education Health and Community

Sara Williams has completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Education (English) and after receiving a Grade One now has a job teaching at North Liverpool Academy.  She previously worked in finance before deciding to return to university to train as a teacher.

"I chose the School Direct route which is 90% teaching and I came to LJMU because of the close links they have with schools.  I got a job from my training placement and had amazing support from all the staff at the University."

Lorraine Donakey graduates with a Postgraduate Certificate of Education Primary with NQT Status.

"The School Direct team at LJMU were brilliant, nothing was too much effort. Doing this course, whilst working full-time  as a teaching assistant, being a mum of three and nan of two has  been incredibly challenging but equally rewarding at the same time. I couldn't have got through it without the support, understanding and motivation from the lecturers on the course, especially my tutor and mentor Diane Llyod who never gave up on me. I cannot thank the Education department at LJMU enough. I am now employed as a Year 1 teacher, absolutely loving my role."

Sarah Nixon is Principal Lecturer in Sports Development and at present the Co-Director for the School of Education, Leisure and Sport Studies and has completed a PhD titled 'Learning at Your Best: Creating Conditions for Excellence in Higher Education'.  In 2011, Sarah was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship for her work supporting teaching and learning and she is Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. 

"My PhD focussed on how interventions in teaching and how we can make the student experience as good as it can be. The results of my PhD have been implemented into the practices of the School of Education, Leisure and Sports Studies. I undertook the PhD to develop my practices and disseminate the good work of the school to other areas of the University and beyond. I’d like to thank Professor Phil Vickerman and Visiting Professor Sally Brown for their support."

The work from the National Teaching Fellowship contributed towards Sarah’s PhD.

Katherine Elliott from Belfast, graduates with a Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Education for Early Years. She also completed her undergraduate degree in Education Studies and Early Years at LJMU and has a job teaching in Manchester.

“Liverpool is a brilliant city to experience life as a student.  I have really enjoyed my time at LJMU and made some close friends as well as getting a brilliant academic experience.”

Stephanie Bull graduates with a BA (Hons) Dance Practices.

“I wanted to come to LJMU because it is renowned for its dance programmes. I’ve really enjoyed my experience. I’ve made some great friends and the work placements in the schools were a particular highlight. I am currently working in a nursery in a school in Crosby and I hope to do a PGCE in dance next year.”

Blaine Greene received a 2.1 in BA (Hons) Dance Practices.

“I came to LJMU because I wanted to experience a different city and it was one of my first choices. The tutors were really friendly and positive towards the development of the students and arranged really good opportunities; we went to see many shows to help with our dissertations and invited in interesting guest speakers. I am now considering whether I want to go into the theatre or become a teacher.”

Laura Melville has a BA (Hons) Dance Practices. She now plans to do a PGCE  and teach dance in secondary schools.

“I am overwhelmed to be graduating. I am from Liverpool but I lived in student accommodation for the three years that I attended university. University for me has been the most sociable way of meeting new friends. I have really enjoyed living out and having my own independence. I have also really enjoyed my time on my work placement in schools, teaching and working with the pupils. Presenting my work has been one of the main skills I have learnt while studying at LJMU and also analysing, organising and planning my work.”