Student Spotlight - Dylan Wilson
Did you know that UHI Perth have a course aimed at those wishing to pursue a career as a Home Economics teacher in a secondary school? This contemporary degree programme is unique in Scotland as it combines academic study in food, nutrition, textiles and education with vocational training as a teacher in secondary schools within the four-year programme of study.
We chatted to a student who is currently on this course to see how they are finding it 👇
Can you introduce yourself?
Dylan Wilson and I’m from North Ayrshire.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth?
I’m currently in my third year of my degree in Food, Nutrition and Textiles Education.
Special features about this course include 👇
➕ Dedicated specialists and lecturers with strong industry links
➕ A balance of theory and practice throughout the programme
➕ Emphasis on key areas of practical activities in years one and two
➕ Opportunity for vocational placements with industry in year one
➕ Education modules introduced from year one
➕ 50% of years three and four comprising of education modules and school placements
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I heard about UHI from social media and career events. As my course is unique, and is not offered at any other university, this course is at the front line of teacher training innovations for Food, Nutrition and Textiles Education.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
Before applying for the course, I had undertaken a number of qualifications from HNC and HND in Additional Support Needs, CertHE in Educational Studies in Primary and a wider range of professional development courses before starting my degree in 2022. Additionally, I worked during COVID-19 as an Activities Coordinator in a Care Home.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I always wanted to be a teacher, and when I hit secondary school, walking into the Home Economics department felt like home from day one. I felt in my heart that I wanted to become a Food, Nutrition and Textiles Teacher. I looked into a range of pathways to teaching and chose this course as it offers a holistic approach to teacher training across four years of learning and building to be a successful teacher.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
One key aspect of my course is getting to go out to different placement schools and teaching the subject. Seeing the pupils' faces when they walk out of the lesson is the best thing in the world, and it brings excitement and joy.
Has your course had any standout/memorable moments?
There is no single standout memorable, as the course provides loads of memorable moments, but one that would rank highly was getting 100% in assessment for Textiles and Design! Also producing my own shirt was amazing!
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
The course will provide me with a large range of transferable and meta-skills that I can then directly take into the classroom. When I was a class representative in year two, this also provided the chance to develop leadership and confidence when meeting with a range of professionals and advocating for students' voices. Following this, I have developed a great number of skills during my course that I often use on placements.
Have you undertaken a school placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
The course is developed with an opportunity for several placements throughout the four years, and I have been to a range of schools and loved every part of this. Additionally, in year one, there is the chance to go on an industry placement which allows you to develop your wider understanding to transfer into the classroom. The placement I went on was within the textiles industry, which allowed me to strengthen my skills and widen my network connections for future guest speakers in my classroom.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
The lecturing staff on the course have all been amazing and fantastic, offering support and advice, and being there to guide you through the course.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
My achievements throughout my journey are the development of my own learning style and overcoming my own areas of improvement with having dyslexia.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
The campus has a wider range of services that are there to support everyone.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I enjoy studying in UHI Perth as the course and lecturing staff on the course are amazing and are at the front edge of innovating and adapting the course to meet the needs of the teaching job we all will go into after completing the course.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
There would be reading, sewing, and going to the gym. As studying can be intense, I enjoy these as they allow myself to destress and relax.
Once you have successfully completed this course you will be offered an induction year teaching post within the home economics department of a secondary school. Are you looking forward to this? Do you think this course at UHI Perth will have set you up to have a successful start as a teacher?
I’m confident that this course at UHI Perth has given me a solid foundation to thrive in daily teaching life. The practical knowledge, especially around lesson planning, classroom management, and adapting to different learning styles, has been invaluable. I feel well-prepared for the induction year and look forward to applying everything I’ve learned to create an engaging, supportive environment for students. This course has definitely set me up for a successful start as a teacher in the home economics department!
And finally, what advice would you give to someone considering studying at UHI Perth?
Go for it, never think it’s not for me - or too late! There is career out there, and UHI Perth will be there for you.
