Riding the Roller Coaster: My PGCE Module 1 Journey
Written by Ms. Saima Kamran (IC)
Embarking on the PGCE journey with the University of London has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride—thrilling, terrifying, enlightening, and, at times, completely overwhelming. Juggling my roles as a full-time teacher, a mom, and a wife, I’ve learned more than just pedagogy in Module 1—I’ve discovered the depths of resilience and purpose that fuel my passion for education.
From the very start, I knew this wasn’t going to be easy. The PGCE program demands intellectual commitment, deep reflection, and consistent engagement. But what I didn’t fully anticipate was the internal tug-of-war between professional growth and personal responsibilities. There were days when I’d spend my school hours pouring into students’ learning, only to rush home to tend to dinner, homework help for my own children, and late-night study sessions for myself. Finding balance became my daily mission—and some days, it felt like chasing a moving target.
One of the biggest challenges in Module 1 was compiling the portfolio. It wasn’t just about uploading documents; it was about curating my learning journey. I had to stop and reflect on my teaching strategies, link them to theory, and articulate how my practices were evolving. It pushed me to not just do teaching but to truly understand it. Reflection became a mirror—sometimes kind, sometimes brutally honest.
Then came the first assignment, which almost felt like a rite of passage. The expectations were high, and rightly so. Writing academically after years away from formal study was a tough re-entry. Understanding the structure, referencing correctly, using critical analysis instead of descriptive narration—it was a steep learning curve. I had moments of self-doubt, staring at the blinking cursor and wondering if I was really cut out for this.
But what truly carried me through this challenging phase was the incredible support system around me.
My school head, Ms. Mahwish Abid, was my rock throughout the journey. Her consistent motivation, belief in my abilities, and calm reassurance in stressful moments reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Her leadership and encouragement meant more than words can express.
I’m also deeply thankful for my critical friend, Ayesha Daniyal, whose thoughtful feedback and collaborative spirit brought clarity to my reflections and assignments. Our conversations—sometimes deeply academic, sometimes just sisterly pep talks—kept me going.
My besties, Shahnoor and Ms. Seema, were my emotional anchors. Always just a message or voice note away, they offered encouragement, lifted me in moments of self-doubt, and reminded me of the bigger picture.
Most importantly, my family was my foundation. My children, with their innocent hugs and patience, often reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. My spouse’s silent understanding, shared responsibilities, and emotional support made it possible for me to keep pushing—even when exhaustion crept in. They were the behind-the-scenes heroes of this story, and I owe them everything.
Module 1 wasn’t just about academic success—it was about growth, connection, and rediscovering the joy of learning. As I look ahead to Module 2, I carry with me not just the knowledge and confidence I’ve gained, but the love and support that made it all possible.
Here’s to embracing new challenges, continuing the journey, and celebrating every small win along the way—with my tribe cheering me on.
