Case study: Eleanor Rouse

Eleanor Rouse, aged 23, embodies a profound commitment to supporting young people during crucial stages of their lives. From Birmingham and a graduate in business studies from the University of Sheffield, Eleanor’s passion for education stems from her desire to enable students to realise their full potential and foster a genuine passion for learning.

Eleanor’s decision to pursue a career in education was influenced by her own positive experiences with exceptional teachers. She aspires to follow in their footsteps, providing current and future students with the same opportunities to thrive and succeed in education while developing essential life skills.

Having developed a genuine passion for business studies since her GCSEs, Eleanor pursued this subject through her A-levels and completed her degree in business studies. She recognises the importance of this field of study in equipping learners with valuable life skills and real-world insights into the economy, which will impact their lives.

“I want to be able to enable students to reach their full potential and allow them to have a passion for learning.”

Eleanor opted to undertake her teacher training with The OAKS due to their comprehensive approach, which combines direct experience in a variety of schools with a PGCE qualification. The supportive environment and emphasis on enhancing pedagogical knowledge through practical experience appealed to Eleanor, making The OAKS the ideal choice for her training.

Eleanor prepared herself for the challenges of teaching by ensuring her subject knowledge was up to date. She believes in the importance of building relationships with students, creating a safe environment where they feel comfortable making mistakes and learning from them.

Eleanor highlights the exceptional support provided by The OAKS throughout her training. The opportunity to observe various educational settings, coupled with dedicated mentors and tutors, has enriched her training experience. Eleanor’s aims and ambitions in teaching revolve around making a difference in young people’s lives. In the coming years, she hopes to take on greater responsibilities within schools, ultimately contributing to the educational landscape positively. Looking ahead, in 5-10 years, Eleanor envisions herself succeeding in her teaching role and possibly taking on leadership positions within schools, continuing to impact the lives of students and shaping the future of education.