Chris Millington
Secondary Science
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
'Education offers opportunities and challenges unlike any other career. Which other jobs can provide the variety, the challenge and the rewards of a career in the modern education system? Having spent a number of years in industry as a research scientist and project leader, I'm entering a profession which requires a huge array of people and management skills. With a passionate belief in my subject and an enthusiasm to pass this on to today's young people, I see teaching as a natural career progression. I believe that the experiences gained from both academia and industry can be used to enrich the opportunities I offer those whose learning I become involved with.'
Why did you choose Cambridge to do your PGCE?
'Cambridge provides a unique setting in which to study. Although it's easy to be cynical about the traditional façade of one of the world's great academic institutions, there's nothing old-fashioned about the course structure or those charged to deliver it. Students enrolled on the course will appreciate from an early stage that the PGCE's high praise and excellent external assessments are entirely justified. The Faculty of Education offers a dynamic environment; it aims to establish deep levels of subject understanding and to provide insights into the tools successfully deployed by experienced practitioners. Whilst the attractions of Cambridge include its heritage, surroundings and quirky traditions, it should be remembered that by becoming a PGCE student you will become a part of a unique learning environment which extends across all areas of the University.'
Have you changed career in order to do your teacher training?
'I'd completed a DPhil in organic chemistry at the University of Oxford... [and then spent] 6 years working as a project scientist and more latterly as project leader for the R and D side of one of the world's leading oil companies.'
Any brief comments about the PGCE so far?
'I've been fortunate to receive a FastTrack Bursary and a Gatsby Fellowship... as with any PGCE course, you need to come with lots of energy! The course lecturers provide excellent guidance in all areas of teaching, from behaviour management to exam marking. You need to come armed with enthusiasm, an openness to learn and a willingness to take on some of the vast array of opportunities on offer within the colleges, university, the town and your placement schools. Good luck!'