On 11th December 2015, the St. Andrew’s Foundation was delighted to host a session in the University of Glasgow’s School of Education for around 70 S5 pupils who were considering Teaching as a career choice.  The purpose of this new initiative was to give pupils an opportunity to talk to students and staff about teaching, pre-entry qualifications and student life at the University of Glasgow.

The session began with an overview by Leonard Franchi (Head of the Foundation) on the vocation of the Catholic teacher. The pupils were then set a group task on identifying what makes teaching a worthwhile profession: they were asked specifically to consider the unique aspects of life in the Catholic school. This was followed by a panel discussion led by three students: Natasha Neilson (MEduc 2), Mollie Loftus (B.Tech.Ed 4) and John Dunlop (MA in Religious and Philosophical Education 2). At these events it is usually the student participation which makes the day memorable and this occasion was no exception.

As the event was held in Turnbull Hall, the Catholic Chaplaincy of the University of Glasgow, the pupils attended the 1.05 Mass and enjoyed a fine lunch in the canteen afterwards.  Similar events are being planned to take place in due course across the country.