Jemma is a graduate from the PGDE Secondary Education: Business Education programme at the University of Strathclyde

Tell us a little bit about your background..

Born in Glasgow, I attended Trinity High School in Rutherglen then Strathclyde University and completed a BA in Marketing. While studying I worked in hospitality where I was a manager in Revolution Bars group. I continued to work in hospitality for a few years and travelled around Europe, the US and Asia before starting my journey towards gaining my PDGE in Business Education. Before I began the PGDE I attended City of Glasgow College part time and completed a diploma in Accounting and Finance, and then completed an online course in Economics through the Open University. 

What inspired you to get into teaching?

I always wanted to teach; my father was a teacher for 40 years before he retired the year before I got into teaching. I knew I wanted to travel first and therefore I am glad I started my teaching journey late into my twenties. Teaching in general, never gets boring. The dynamic and challenging nature of the profession is enjoyable as every day brings new opportunities to engage with students, adapt teaching strategies, and foster creativity and critical thinking. 

What would your advice be for someone considering the PGDE Initial Teacher Education course?

From my point of view, I would work first to gain a variety of life experiences. As a business teacher, I need to relate my learning to the students and having previously worked in management prior to teaching, I can bring real life experience into the curriculum, which makes it much more engaging for learners as their learning is purposeful. For example, as part of the topic on recruitment, as I have had years of experience during the recruitment process I am able offer an insight into the process involved, as well as insights into in each area of the business. 

Try to gain some experience in a school environment beforehand. I was very lucky that whilst travelling, I experienced working in a school in Cambodia, as well as having the opportunity to build on my experience in my father’s school before I started my PGDE. This gives you an insight into what is expected and to see a classroom dynamic up close and not just theoretically. Having my own class for the first time was a nerve-wracking experience now I don’t even think twice about walking into a room full of 30 students. It is the best job in the world – trust me!

What did you do after completing the course?

I completed my probation year with South Lanarkshire Council and Glasgow City Council and was offered a job in Glasgow City Council, but I always knew I wanted to work abroad. I realized that if I didn’t take the plunge right away, I probably never would. I applied through TES and LinkedIn to several schools worldwide – in South America, Asia, and Europe – but ultimately, I set my sights on moving to the UAE. I interviewed in Manchester with the principal, David Wade, whose experiences of living and teaching worldwide were inspiring. This, coupled with the perks (and the year-round sun), ultimately persuaded me to take that leap of faith and move halfway across the world.

Where are you working now?

I am currently employed at GEMS FirstPoint in Dubai. It's an outstanding British School following an English-based curriculum, offering GCSEs and A Levels. I must admit, adapting to different content and assessment requirements has been a significant hurdle. However, I feel that I have grown tremendously as a teacher this year, and I've thoroughly enjoyed working in an international school. On a personal level, learning about new courses, though there are some similarities between A Levels and Advanced Higher/Higher Business, has prepared me exceptionally well for my eventual return to Scotland.

How does the PGDE course content (designed for Scotland) transfer internationally?

There are noticeable differences in the course content when transitioning from the Scottish curriculum to the English one. However, teaching methodologies and pedagogies have transferred effectively. Effective teaching methods, assessment strategies, and classroom management techniques can be applied across different educational systems.

However, in an international school it is crucial to consider the cultural and contextual factors that shape education in different countries. I've had to adapt my teaching to align with the cultural norms of working in an Islamic country and adjust my educational practices to meet the expectations of the UAE. The private school education system here is highly competitive, with high expectations from organisations like BSO (British Schools Overseas) and KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority), who regularly inspect schools.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to stay abroad for a little longer, but I do plan to come back to Scotland in the next few years. If I was a little younger, I would stay abroad for longer.

What would your advice be for a student considering teaching abroad after completing the PGDE?

I would say, without a doubt, go for it. It has been the best Continuing Professional Development (CPD) experience I've had in my teaching career so far. I've grown tremendously as a teacher and have had opportunities to teach subjects I probably wouldn't have taught in Scotland, such as Accounting and Economics. I've also had the chance to move into a pastoral role as a form tutor and work closely with my Head of Department to meet strict deadlines and improve attainment due to the high expectations that come with working in a private, fee-paying school.

But ultimately, being able to relax by the pool, go to the beach, or take an evening stroll after a busy work day, as well as enjoying fun-packed weekends, really makes the hard work during the week worth it!