Q&A with Philippa Spottiswoode, Languages PGCE

Discover how Philippa, a 2025 languages graduate, built the foundations for a career in French and Spanish teaching.

A woman with long hair in a grey coat stands in front of a street lit up with strings of gold light.

Why did you choose the UCL Institute of Education for your teacher training?

I chose the UCL Institute of Education (IOE) because I loved the structure of university weeks being combined with an equal amount of time spent in each school.

I chose the course because IOE teaches students to think outside the box, to constantly improve themselves, and doesn't just equip you with theory but also how to link it with practice.

How have you found the experience?

I adored my experience at IOE. All the lectures and seminars have been really interesting. Lectures which were particularly fascinating were the history of education, combatting conspiracy theories in the classroom, and behaviour for learning.

The IPS days always had a wide variety of speakers – from previous IOE trainee teachers to experts such as Tom Bennett (the founder and director of researchEd).

What did you enjoy most about the Languages PGCE?

On the university side, I enjoyed the seminars where we reflected on reading and put theory into practice. The cohort was made up of people who had grown up all over the world, so it allowed us to compare and contrast education systems in different countries.

How were you supported on placement?

I was supported from start to finish. The tutors often already have connections with the schools so they know the teachers and mentors that you are working with.

My tutor was extremely responsive to emails and if I faced any issue, she was on hand to give me advice and support on how to move forward. My tutor knew when to pull back and when to step in, and I felt completely supported every step of the way.

What are your plans for the future?

I am currently working as a French and a Spanish teacher in North West London, with other people who have been through IOE themselves!

I would love to become Head of Department, and eventually I would like to complete an EdD (Doctor of Education) at IOE, focusing on making languages more accessible and inclusive.

What are your top tips for trainee teachers?

Be organised – get your calendar sorted, get a planner, get a routine. Don't leave everything to the last minute!
Have a positive mindset – if something goes wrong, see it as a learning experience. The teachers at your placements want to see you succeed!
You get out what you put in – do the reading, try new things, spend time with your classmates, and continuously brush up on your subject knowledge!