Most Outstanding PGDE Student Winner

Charlotte Hostler

Charlotte was nominated for the Turnbull-Halloran Prize by course tutor, Debbie Rigby, who outlines here why she felt Charlotte was the worthy winner, "Charlotte has excelled throughout the PGDE course consistently achieving 70+ in her Masters units. It has been noted that she has gone above and beyond to assist her SE2 school host teacher with exam paper marking, invigilating and generally supporting whenever needed during the pandemic, whilst also supporting her fellow University students. Charlotte has demonstrated that she is a "Teacher of Children", engaging completely with the school community and discusses this proudly in her highly reflective end of course presentation.

Charlotte's Enrichment and Enhancement Experience primary school experience wanted me to pass on the following:

"I would also like to commend Charlotte on her outstanding professionalism, subject knowledge and willingness to support her team. She would be an asset to any establishment and it was an absolute pleasure to have her at our school. I know my sentiments are reflected by other members of staff, with whom Charlotte worked over her short time with us."

In addition to Charlotte's superb development as a teacher, she has been a key member of the Social Committee this year, coordinating online social events and doing her very best to ensure there is an end of year celebration despite the pandemic. She has been super-positive throughout, and has managed to get over some pretty challenging hurdles!

On receiving her award, Charlotte said, “When you sign up for your PGDE you expect a difficult year - I was certain that I would struggle to balance a social life with new friends, learning how to teach and writing assignments, however, I was not expecting the reality. For me that was a new city, a new job, and returning to education after a three-year break - the icing on the cake was of course Covid and the joy of a global pandemic.

This year has shown that I had more grit and resilience than I ever imagined, and winning the Turnbull-Halloran Prize was really a surprise. It has given me more confidence in my writing and more faith in choosing this profession. I hope to continue to learn, become an outstanding teacher and to inspire the next generation of scientists - who maybe one day will change the world."

We wish Charlotte all the very best in her career, it is clear that she will do the teaching profession proud!