Rachel MacDonald has recently returned to Elliott Hudson College on placement to accompany her studies in Geography at Newcastle University. She left us in 2019 having studied A-Level Geography, Law and Business Studies. She is currently in her final year at Newcastle and is completing a dissertation on the inequalities within education. Alongside her studies Rachel has worked as an Ambassador with the Royal Geographic Society, going into schools, and delivering sessions on different Geography topics.
Joining us on placement is part of a career development module she is currently undertaking and as she would like to go in to teaching next year, she thought it would be a perfect opportunity to gain some valuable experience.
“Elliott Hudson was my first thought for my placement, due to the culture, values, and diversity of the college being something that I think is entirely unique. Whilst being a student, I was taught by some remarkable teachers and to be given the opportunity to learn from their experience and work alongside them is an incredible opportunity and one which will influence the type of teacher I become.
“Learning from the teaching staff at EHC has to be one of my favourite things so far. The dedication and passion from the teachers are something I can only hope to implement in my own classroom one day. I’ve really appreciated gaining a greater understanding of how a school environment operates from the perspective of a staff member rather than a student. I’m also thoroughly enjoying the responsibility the geography department has given me. It has allowed me to combine my enthusiasm for the subject, with being able to help students. The hardworking attitude of the students has only contributed to my desire to get into teaching.”
Rachel MacDonald, Elliott Hudson College class of 2019.
“It has been a pleasure having Rachel back in college with us. She has fitted in extremely well into our department and the confidence she brings to the classroom is infectious. I am so pleased she is working towards a career in teaching as I think it is something she will excel at and students who are taught by her will benefit hugely.”
Mrs Baker, Subject Leader and Teacher of Geography and Tourism.
Rachel has been lucky enough to have been offered multiple teacher training roles for next year. At some point in her teaching career, she would like to get into a Senior Leadership role within a school too. We wish her all the best for her future plans.