Today’s visit to Birmingham City University (BCU) was more than just a campus tour- it was an experience that challenged and expanded my understanding of what education is and what it can be. From the moment we arrived, the day was packed with presentations, conversations, and experiences that helped me see both the university setting and the educational layout in a new light. What stood out most were the deep connections between passion, purpose, and support within the university community, and how those values influence both teaching and research in meaningful ways.
One of the first things I noticed was how BCU treats education as a collaborative and student-centered journey. Lisa Abbott’s warm welcome really set the tone. She spoke not just about what the university offers, but about how it feels to be part of it – supported, seen, and encouraged to grow. In my past experiences, especially in K–12 education, the focus was often on meeting external expectations: test scores, grades, and curriculum standards. While those things are certainly part of the education system, what BCU emphasized was the experience of learning – how students are nurtured as individuals and future professionals. That’s something I hadn’t seen so clearly before, and it gave me a new perspective on what a university environment can look like.
The tour around campus, guided by the incredible Dami and Eshwin, added to that impression. They didn’t just point out buildings or recite facts – they shared stories, laughed with us, and made the university feel like a place where students actually thrive, not just study. Their genuine love for the school and their own educational journeys made it easy to picture myself or anyone being a part of this environment. It was a reminder that a strong academic setting is about more than academics; it’s about community, support, and human connection.
As we moved into the presentation sessions, I was intrigued by what I learned about research. Grant Huddleston’s talk completely reframed how I think about research in education. In school, research always seemed like something distant and purely academic – a final paper or a project that sat in a binder, never to be looked at again. But at BCU, research is integrated into real-world teaching practice. Grant showed how students and faculty are working on projects that aim to improve classrooms, support learners, and explore the bigger questions in education. It’s about innovation and making a tangible difference. That idea – that research isn’t just about gathering data, but about asking better questions and using the answers to improve lives – is something I’ll carry with me.
The presentations on primary and secondary education helped connect those ideas to practice. Flo’s session on primary education stood out for her obvious passion and her practical understanding of the challenges and joys of teaching young children. She talked about the importance of hands-on learning and early development in ways that felt both inspiring and realistic. Meanwhile, the presentation on secondary education done by Bebita, with a focus on English, explored how teaching older students requires creativity, resilience, and deep content knowledge. Both talks helped me better understand how teacher training is structured, including the balance between university learning and in-school placements. It’s a much more holistic process than I realized.
One of the most impactful parts of the day was hearing from Marina Rumny, a headteacher who shared her personal journey through education. Her story was full of insight and honesty. She talked about the highs and lows of being a leader in education, from the joy of student success to the weight of responsibility. What struck me most was how much of her leadership was rooted in care – for students, for staff, and for the long-term vision of her school. It was a powerful reminder that leadership in education isn’t just about authority or management, but about empathy, perseverance, and purpose.
Of course, the day wouldn’t have run so smoothly without Ana, our brilliant coordinator and tour guide. Her organization and kindness tied everything together and made the experience not only educational but joyful. She modeled exactly the kind of person/future nurse I aspire to be – someone who is knowledgeable, caring, and genuinely invested in others’ growth.
Looking back, what I learned today differs significantly from my previous experiences with education, especially in terms of how supportive, intentional, and empowering the university environment can be. It showed me that education at its best is not just about delivering content – it’s about building relationships, encouraging curiosity, and making a real impact through both teaching and research.
