Thomas Cousins pursued his dream to become a primary class teacher
BA/BSc (Hons) Education, 2012 / MA Education, 2014
University of Central Lancashire graduate, Thomas Cousins, has pursued his dream to become a primary class teacher.
Thomas completed an undergraduate degree in Education at the University of Central Lancashire and felt that there were many areas yet to explore. This led him to naturally progress onto a master’s degree in the same subject. The flexibility of the MA Education course allowed Thomas to gain experience working in schools, whilst studying his chosen area of interest more in-depth. Another decisive factor for Thomas was knowing the course staff from doing his undergraduate degree as he was thrilled at the chance to create and complete original research alongside them.
Following graduation in 2014, Thomas got a job with an agency working in primary schools from which he achieved his current permanent role working in both key stage one and key stage two. Thomas works as a class teacher at Pendle Primary Academy, teaching Year Four across the primary curriculum.
His duties include the planning and delivery of lessons to a class of 30, marking and moderating books and involvement in assessment and rigorous moderation. Thomas is also the lead for creativity in the school, leading the arts subjects and the Children’s University programme for the school.
As well as teaching, Thomas completed a PhD in Education Research expanding and developing his master’s study topic at a doctorate level. Whilst completing his PhD, Thomas published an article entitled ‘Collegiality vs role models: Gendered discourses and the ‘Glass Escalator’ in English primary schools’ in the Early Years: An Educational Research Journal.
Reminiscing about his time at University, Thomas said: “My lasting memories of my time at UCLan will be the staff that I became friends with. The growth of starting out as an 18 year old, to progress and see your relationship with the staff grow into a mutual appreciation of a subject demonstrates how far you have come on your journey.”
When asked to give advice to prospective students wishing to follow a similar career, Thomas advised: “The pursuit of education should be done for the love of it, the potential of being able to influence and change your area of interest is a noble goal. If the opportunity to study presents itself you should grab it with both hands, having that qualification along with experiences sets you up for future jobs and opportunities. Studying opens many doors and introduces you to a world where literally the sky is the limit in regards to what you can achieve.”
17 June 2020