Rebecca Honour

Rebecca Honour, Oxford Brookes alumna,
BSc Exercise and Health Science/Food Science and Nutrition

Job Title: Physical Education Lecturer and Advanced Practitioner in Further Education, The Henley College

What do you do on a day to do basis?
I work for The Henley College where I have been working for 2 years, and prior to that I worked for Oxford and Cherwell Valley College for 5 years. I also work for The Open University and Edexcel. I teach a wide range of theoretical subjects at a range of levels and a number of practical subjects too.

What’s the most exciting and the most boring thing about your job?
There is nothing boring about my job, I love it! Every single day is different and every year I meet lots of new students.

How did you get to be where you are now?
I completed my degree in 2003 with a 2:1 and was applying to the RAF as a Physical Education Officer. Unfortunately, as I wear contact lenses my application couldn’t go any further. I had applied to do a PGCE in Post Compulsory Education for the RAF and I still wanted to teach. I spoke to someone who was teaching in FE and thought that it sounded like my kind of thing!

What qualifications and training do you need?
A degree in Sport Science, or a related subject, a PGCE in Post Compulsory Education and a range of vocational qualifications, such as Coaching and First Aid.

What skills and experience do you need?
To be a leader and a motivator, enthusiasm, confidence, creativity and lots of energy. You need some experience of teaching or coaching, and working with young people.

Did you undertake a placement as part of your degree?
Not as part of my degree, but definitely as part of the PGCE – 3 days a week for the whole academic year.

How can students get work experience teaching?
Write to your local or old primary/secondary school/sixth form/Further Education College and ask for experience in your relevant area. They will be very keen to see you and it will show you which age group you like working with.
What advice would you give to people wanting to teach? Give it a go, try it out – but don’t expect it to be easy. Yes, the holidays are good, but you don’t stop thinking about work in the evenings and at weekends. You have to love teaching and learning! Starting salaries can be lower than expected, but will go up. There will be lots of applicants for each job so be prepared! Read the specification (job and person) very carefully and research the institution.

Do you have any top tips for career planning?
Try and have a career plan in mind before you graduate, but be open to new ideas. Complete some relevant work experience to find out if it is really for you. Work hard and get the best degree you can! Use the support services available at Brookes such as the Careers Centre to help you with all aspects of employability.

What are employers looking for?
Enthusiasm, motivation, leadership, confidence, training and qualifications, but above all a love for teaching and learning.