Duncan Preston - Primary Teaching
Duncan comes from the UK and is studying towards his Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary). He previously gained a BA (Hons) in History from the University of Wales, Bangor.
“I came to New Zealand for the first time in 2016 on a working holiday visa and fell in love with Auckland, the country and the people. Prior to travelling, I had planned to complete the UK equivalent of this course, but decided to return to Auckland instead. It is my long-term hope to stay in New Zealand and work towards residency.
“The academic staff at the University of Auckland are welcoming, understanding and extremely interesting. I am a class rep for my peers and am about to embark on my second practicum placement. It will be the first time I have control of the classroom, which will be a unique developmental experience.
“I have wanted to teach for some time but was hesitant to change careers and location. Finally I plucked up the courage to start afresh, travel, and pursue my dream of being a teacher. I am hoping the course and the people I meet will enable me to pursue a career in primary education. Auckland, for me, is the perfect city – plenty to do, not too busy and easy to navigate.”