PGCE Modern Language French
Name
Nathalie Grobe
What course did you study?
PGCE Modern Language French
Year of graduation
1996
Where are you from originally?
France
Why University of Cumbria, what attracted you?
I did my Erasmus program Maîtrise FLE/PGCSE with St Martin College in Kent.
I was studying in Lyon and the Erasmus program was with Sat Martins (Lancaster University at the time)
Job title
French Teacher
Current employer
French International school Hong Kong - International Section
What sector/industry do you work in?
Education
Briefly describe your role and responsibilities
I have taught in the International section of FIS since 2011. I teach French from Y7 to Y 13 ( IGCSE and IBDP) . I am an examiner for thé IBO
Briefly describe your career progression from graduation to where you are now
After teaching 2 years in Kent to complete my NQT, I moved overseas to teach in various international school across the world ( Ethiopia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Shanghai, Hong Kong. I also lived in Germany and Switzerland but did not work there.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
Traveling! Experiencing new ways of lives, new cultures and teach in schools where I have no discipline to a wide diversity of students and colleagues.
What are your ambitions, now and in the future?
Continue to enjoy teaching. I love being in the classroom so I have no ambition to take admin roles. However, I have had many opportunities to develop my 21st-century skills and develop my interest in positive education.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself when you just graduated?
Go for it and take risks. My regrets is that I should have offered two languages so that I become more employable to a wider range of tier 1 school.
What top tips would you give to new alumni who are wishing to pursue a similar career to you?
Get as much CPD as possible. Contact schools directly, use social networks and interact on PLN. You need to develop a professional network. Work hard, be kind and be as professional and reliable as you can.
Do you have any support messages for the class of 2020, just embarking on their careers during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Take care of yourself, give your self breaks from the computer stay connected with your friends.