Ella

Why did you decide to study a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Primary)?

I graduated with a Bachelor of Communication in 2023 and then went on my OE to London. I ended up picking up a casual job as a teacher aide. I really enjoyed being in a classroom. I’d always thought about becoming a teacher but hadn’t pursued it until then.

I’ve always wanted to do something that helped people, and once I was in the classroom environment, I felt like I’d found it. I’d heard about UC’s postgrad programme and how great it was, so when I returned to Christchurch, I enrolled.
 

What are the placement opportunities like?

We’ve had two placements in the year-long course. My most recent was a 7-week block at Heaton Intermediate in a Year 7 class. I thought I’d love teaching the younger ones, but I actually really loved that age group. It was beneficial to see a different year level and challenge my assumptions.

Placements start with observation and gradually build to teaching full lessons. My mentor got me teaching in week two, which felt early—but honestly, it gave me confidence and got me into the flow quickly. By the end, I was teaching full weeks on my own, with support.

The highlight has definitely been seeing students have ‘lightbulb’ moments—especially in maths, which I struggled with myself growing up. I’ve really tried to make my students feel supported, like mistakes are part of learning. One of the best parts is when a student says, “I finally get it!”

We also did OSI Week, where we got to know our cohort through an intensive residential experience. It felt like school camp helped me build strong friendships early on.
 

What do you like about studying at UC?

I chose UC partly because I live here, but also because I love the campus. It’s familiar, comforting and not as spread out as some other unis I’ve studied at. It just feels like home.

The academic staff are really approachable and genuinely care. All of them have actual teaching experience, which makes their advice feel real and relevant. They’ve been where we are. We also have a Professional Inquiry course where we’re placed in small groups, with a lecturer we can go to for help—like a homeroom, really.

The course is hands-on. We’re not just sitting in lectures; we’re doing science experiments, making mini ovens for s’mores, playing maths games—practical stuff we can take into real classrooms. It makes class something I actually look forward to.

I’ve learned so much—especially about time management and adapting to different learners. We’ve done a lot around cultural understanding and inclusive teaching, which is so important in New Zealand. All of this has helped shape the kind of teacher I want to be.

Are you a part of any clubs or extracurriculars on campus?

I’m not part of any formal clubs, but I do go to a lot of UCSA events. There are heaps of opportunities to connect and the postgrad winter dinner was a great chance to meet postgraduate students outside of education.
 

What does a typical week look like for you?

A typical week is pretty packed. I’m in class most days, and between lectures I try to stay on campus to do assignments and prep for placement or job applications. Then in the evenings, I head to work.

I work as a Residential Assistant at University Hall, which helps me stay connected socially and professionally. The job is super flexible and student-friendly—they always remind us that our studies come first. Plus, it’s literally across the road from campus, which makes it easy to juggle everything.
 

How was your experience of returning to study?

Coming back to study after a year off was a bit of an adjustment—especially jumping from 300-level undergrad to 400-level postgrad—but once I got into a routine, I was fine. It’s busy, and I’ve found time management is everything. I rely on Google Calendar to block out time for lectures, assignments, work, and social life. Having structure helps me stay balanced.
 

What are your aspirations when you finish your qualification?

I want to be a confident, inspiring teacher who makes students feel seen and supported. I’d love to eventually teach overseas—maybe Australia.

What motivates me is the end goal—becoming a qualified teacher. I want to be someone who has a real impact on students, and I love seeing those learning moments in real time.