Teaching: a profession and a passion

This is a Education Subject Spotlight with Damien Maguire from Liverpool Hope University. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Education.

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Join Damien Maguire from Liverpool Hope University as he takes you through the foundations of making a Primary School Teacher. Damien will outline what makes a great teacher, looking at key qualities and strategies that help a good teacher excel. Damien also looks at how a teacher can help a pupil achieve, considering their learning environment and their relationships with their peers. Damien will also talk you through some of the key learning needs that you may encounter in a classroom, and how an effective teacher adapts their learning, all before setting you a lesson planning activity that asks you to cater a lesson for all abilities!

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About Liverpool Hope University

Liverpool Hope provides students with the best of both worlds; welcoming campuses within easy reach of one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. With a history dating back to 1844, the University is committed to a culture of research informed teaching within an environment that nurtures, supports and empowers students as individuals. The University has state-of-the-art facilities at both its teaching campuses, one of which is entirely dedicated to creative and performing arts. With single honours and one of the widest ranges of combined degrees, students can select their area of study according to their passions and career aspirations.

Meet the academics

Damien Maguire

Damien Maguire is a Professional Tutor in Primary Education at Liverpool Hope University, where he is subject lead for computing and Early Career Teaching. Damien teaches on the undergraduate and Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses as well as teaching primary science. After completing an undergraduate degree in Psychology and working, as a Business Development Manager in web based companies he worked for a number of years as a SEND 1:1 and SEND LSA specialising in working with children with Autism in both special schools and mainstream Primary schools. He then completed a PGCE in Primary Education and became a primary classroom teacher. His specific interest lies in primary computing and AI developments in Education in particular. Before joining Liverpool Hope University, he worked in a range of primary schools leading computing, maths and Key Stage 2. Damien has completed an NPQML focusing on the development and integration of digital portfolios and assessment within computing in primary settings. He has recently begun an MA in Education Leadership and Management and Pedagogy which will focus on the developments of AI in Education.

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On-demand interactive video content

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Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?

Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!