Molly Evans Discovers Her Passion for Teaching Through UWTSD’s Early Years Degree
Molly Evans, a recent Early Years Education and Care graduate from the Ҵý (UWTSD), is celebrating the next step on her career journey as she prepares to begin a PGCE this September, with the aim of becoming a primary school teacher.
Growing up with a passion for Performing Arts, Molly wasn’t always sure what career path she wanted to take, but one thing was certain: she knew she wanted to work with children, especially after becoming an aunt. She said:
“I attended an open day at UWTSD a few years before I eventually applied. The Early Years course stood out because it offered the right balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It also provided the crucial hands-on experience I knew I needed to develop in this field.”
Molly knew she needed to gain as much experience as possible. Working with children was a big aspiration of hers, but she didn’t have any professional experience. She understood the importance of getting involved whenever she could, not only to support future applications, but to enhance her knowledge and skills. Molly’s determination saw her complete over 700 hours of placement experience during her studies, largely in a primary school. She added:
“I actually went over my hours mainly because I didn’t want to leave! I also made sure to gain experience in a nursery, so I could understand which environment suited me best both personally and professionally.”
She admits that starting placement in her second year meant she had to work harder to meet the placement requirements.
“It made me even more determined. I supported a summer school and spent every spare moment in the classroom.”
For Molly, university wasn’t just about academic achievement — it was also about building lasting friendships and gaining confidence through experience.
“Making friends at university and in the workplace was a real highlight. I loved every minute of getting to know the children I worked with.”
Alison Rees - Edwards, UWTSD’s Early Years Lecturer is very proud of Molly’s success as a student:
” I am delighted that Molly is now following her passion and studying a PGCE. Molly is a student I remember because of her enthusiasm and motivation. In our outdoor module, for example, Molly organized and led arrangements to ensure her cohort had all the information needed to join practice field visits in a local school. While at the school it became apparent, that Molly had already developed excellent practice. She modelled curiosity and encouraged children to build dens, explore nature and experiment with a mud station.
“The Curriculum for Wales highlights the need for teachers who can support such experiential learning. Research also highlights the need for professionals who understand how play and a knowledge of child development is crucial to improve school practice. Ҵýing the Early Years Education and Care: Early Years Practitioner Status degree means Molly already has this knowledge and understanding. She has also graduated from a degree with an emphasis on inclusion, wellbeing and children’s rights and I am sure Molly will take these values into her teaching career.
Well done Molly, I look forward to seeing you when you are leading your own class”.
Reflecting on her time at UWTSD, Molly credits the course and its practical elements for helping her shape her career aspirations.
“I started the degree without a clear idea of where I wanted to end up, but the placements allowed me to explore different pathways. It confirmed my desire to work in a school and gave me the confidence to know I could do it.”
Molly is now looking forward to starting her PGCE in September, with her sights firmly set on making a difference in the lives of primary school children.
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476