Coventry student is one step closer to dream job as a PE teacher

A Coventry student who struggled to pass her GCSEs has seen her hard work pay off after making a flying start as a trainee teacher.

Elizabeth McGrane, from Coventry, dreamt of being a PE Teacher despite struggling with exams at secondary school – leaving with enough grades to secure a place at college.

Now, the 19-year-old is one step closer to her dream job as a PE teacher after starting her first teaching placement as part of Birmingham City University’s Secondary PE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) course – and has praised Coventry College for helping her achieve her ambitions.

Moving away from examinations and focussing on coursework assignments as part of her college studies, Elizabeth’s grades rocketed – as did her confidence as she began to impress her tutors – and her path to becoming a teacher opened up.

Elizabeth secured her place on the course after achieving Double Distinction* on her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport at Coventry College, and is now a trainee teacher at a Coventry school in the first of three work placements as part of gaining her QTS.

She was accepted onto the course through Birmingham City University’s Meet or Beat scholarship, which rewards applicants who beat their predicted grades.

She said: “I’ve had a passion for sport since I started secondary school, and when I had the opportunity to study sport at Coventry College I jumped at the chance.

“Studying at college meant that I was able to commit all of my time to one subject. That, and the opportunity to show my ability through coursework and not pressurised exams, was perfect for me.

“The support I had at college was absolutely brilliant even throughout lockdown, and they always kept pushing us to get higher grades.

“It’s been a challenging start to life at university as there are a lot of changes and new things to take on, but now I’ve completed my first modules and have started teaching I can’t imagine doing anything else.

“It’s amazing that I now have the chance to support other young people at secondary school who are passionate about sport, and I hope I can be an example to them that if you know what you want to do and are prepared to work for it, you can achieve anything.”

Coventry College added: “We are thrilled that Elizabeth is another step closer to achieving her goal of becoming a PE teacher, and we are proud of the journey she has had over the last three years.

“It’s no surprise to see her doing so well, and she is a fine example of how working hard and taking the right opportunities can get you to where you want to be in life.”