Sim Kaur Sangha and Eddie Jones have both received a Geography Teacher Training Scholarship from the Royal Geographical Society which includes significant financial and professional support.
Sim, 21 from Wolverhampton, graduated with first class BSc (Hons) Geography degree from Staffordshire University this summer.
She said: “It’s such an amazing feeling! I almost didn’t apply because I didn’t think I was good enough so I couldn’t quite believe it when I received the email.
“The funding allows me to quit my part time job and focus entirely on my initial teacher training, I will be financially stable during my ITT so that gives me one less thing to worry about during this intense year!”
Eddie, 26 from Uttoxeter, graduated with a first class degree in Geography with Mountain Leadership in 2016. After graduating, he worked as a research assistant with Staffordshire University Professors Fiona Tweed and Ruth Swetnam in Iceland before taking up an outdoor education role with the Field Studies Council working with young people across the country.
He explained: “I live and breathe geography, whether that’s walking or reading about it. I want to pass that knowledge on and inspire others.
“These are sought-after scholarships so I can’t quite believe I have got one. I’m over the moon!”
The Royal Geographical Society’s scholarship scheme provides outstanding trainees with £17,000 tax-free funding and a wide range of additional benefits including training events, access to materials and resources, Fellowship of the Society, membership of the Geographical Association, networking opportunities and other support to complement teacher training.
Eddie said: “The geography community is fantastic, and this scholarship will provide the opportunity to network and access up-to-date training. It will help me to build extra skills and be the best geography teacher that I can be.”
With record numbers of students studying geography there is a greater need to recruit the next generation of geography teachers and both Sim and Eddie will complete their teacher training at Staffordshire University this year.
Sim added: “Studying at Staffordshire University during my undergraduate degree were some of the best years of my life. I enjoyed the course, had incredible support from the Geography department and made lifelong friends. The university has amazing facilities in place for students and a beautiful campus.
“I already knew the campus and when I met the supportive staff in charge of the PGCE program I knew that it was best place for me to do my teacher training.”
Staffordshire University still has places for students in Clearing across a variety of subject areas. To speak to one of Staffordshire University’s Clearing experts, call 0800 590 830. Alternatively, you can get an instant decision through our online offer generator by visiting www.staffs.ac.uk
WATCH: Below, Sim Kaur Sangha discusses her final year undergraduate project.