The Final Countdown

Just a few more days before I head back to the States.

This past weekend, I mostly stayed indoors completing my final assignments, papers, and projects. The weather was the perfect excuse to stay inside — freezing cold, incredibly windy, and rainy. The wind was so loud in my room! But now, I’m officially done with all my work, which means all that’s left is to show up to my classes and enjoy these last few days in Oxford.

Student teaching has been an absolute blast. Yesterday marked my final day with the kids, and I’ve learned so much through this experience. Each week, after visiting the school, I’ve had debrief sessions with my psychology teacher, which helped me reflect and grow. The kids kept me updated on new TikTok trends and slang, shared their obsession with Taylor Swift, and openly discussed their favorite and least favorite parts about school and teachers. They even put together the sweetest thank-you card for me — a gesture that reminded me why I’m pursuing this career. These kids give me so much purpose. When I opened up the card, I could see all the handwritten letters these kids had written me. It was so sweet because the teacher additionally gave me a nice smelling candle and a bunch of truffle candies.

Overall, I’ve found that the education system here isn’t too different from the one in the States, though there are notable distinctions in terminology. For example:

• Primary = Elementary

• Secondary = Middle or High School

• University (or “Uni”) = College

• Preschool = Nursery

• Kindergarten = Year 1

• 1st Grade = Year 2

One universal aspect is that all students, regardless of whether they attend public or private schools, wear uniforms. If I were to sum up the most valuable lesson I’ve learned during my time at this school, it would be how to best support neurodivergent students and adapt teaching methods to suit diverse needs. The traditional one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work for everyone.

My classes have been incredible, and it’s hard to choose a favorite. The one-on-one teaching style has allowed me to connect with my professors in ways I’ve never experienced before. Here’s a breakdown of my courses:

1. Educational Psychology and Developmental Psychology: We explored issues within the education system, brain development, various psychological theories, experiential learning, lesson planning, special learning needs, gifted learning, and more.

2. Philosophical Foundations of Education: This class was so much fun! We delved into different philosophers’ views on education, policies, morality, and related topics.

3. Multiculturalism and Ethics of Education: We discussed integrating culture into the classroom, my positionality, foundations of multicultural education, case studies, critical race theory, neurodiversity, and more.

4. Concept of God: This course examined various philosophers and key figures whose work has historically shaped debates around the concept of God.

Last night, I had one final dinner with a group of friends in the city. We went to this adorable spot called Victors, a place I’d been to before. It was such a bittersweet moment. How amazing is it to say that I now have friends from all over the world? I’ll definitely be staying in touch with them.

Two more days left in Oxford...

All the best,

Isa