Laying a good foundation

Congratulations and celebrations were palpable last night when around 60 students, staff and whānau marked the achievement of the class of 2018 Foundation Certificate Education (FCE) students who have completed their pre-degree year of study.

Third-year Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Primary specialisation student Gina White, who had started her study by doing the FCE described the programme as a "fantastic" start which had prepared her "for one of the best jobs in the world - teaching".

"I remember doing the foundation certificate like it was yesterday - we had some amazing and insightful lecturers who went above and beyond for us, and they are still here today. It was a blessing to have such knowledgeable people guiding us through the certificate.

"I truly believe that you will all achieve whatever you set your minds too because you have done such a fantastic certificate to prepare you. I encourage you all to continue your studies in education or social work whichever you choose. I know that you have all had an awesome start and you can take this knowledge with you into the future wherever it may take you."

Gina is starting her career as a teacher at Rosehill Intermediate, Papakura, in January. To anyone considering a career in teaching, she says: “Go for it if you’ve got the passion. Whenever you do something you love it doesn’t feel like a job. It’s more like a lifestyle. I’ve loved teaching on practicum.

“If you know you want to make a difference, even if it’s just to one person’s life, teaching’s the job for you."

Note: 2018 was the last year of the Foundation Certificate Education. It has now been replaced with the Tertiary Foundation Certificate which has a new Education and Social Work pathway.