Abbie Thompson
Abbie describes her Newcastle experience and how it led her to a career in teaching.
Secondary Mathematics Teacher
Why did you choose to study at Newcastle University?
I have lived near Newcastle all my life. As a little girl I would get the bus with my grandmother to Newcastle, she would always tell me how I would end up going there when I was older. When I got to sixth form I started visiting universities across the country, but none of them compared to Newcastle. As intangible as it sounds, there was a feeling I got at Newcastle that I never had at any other university, and I was always drawn back to it.
What did/do you love about Newcastle University?
I loved so much about my time at Newcastle University. The people, the course, the city, and the architecture all made it such a special place. Some of my highlights include attending the Sports and Societies Fair, enjoying the Athletic Union Ball and Grad Ball, and competing in Varsity – each of these experiences were truly memorable.
What did you enjoy most (or least!) about your course?
My favourite part of the course was completing my third-year research project, which allowed me to delve deeply into a specific area of Sport and Exercise Science. My project was particularly exciting because the research we conducted contributed to a larger, real-world study. Knowing that our work played a small but meaningful role in such an impactful project is something I take great pride in.
Tell us a little bit about career journey. How did you get into what you do now?
As I neared the end of my degree, I wasn’t entirely sure what my next step should be, so I decided to take a leap and apply for teacher training. Within a few months, I had secured a place on a SCITT programme starting that September. Logically, many people might expect someone with a Sport and Exercise Science degree to pursue PE teaching, but during my time at university, I discovered a real passion for tutoring maths. I found it incredibly rewarding to help students build their confidence and go from struggling with a topic to mastering it. That experience was the catalyst for my decision to become a maths teacher.
What do you enjoy most about your current job?
While I truly enjoy the maths teaching aspect of my role, I believe my favourite part is building meaningful relationships with my students. Each one is unique, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives—helping them grow into well-rounded individuals before they step into society—is incredibly rewarding. Plus, with every day bringing something new, it never feels monotonous.
How did your course and experiences at Newcastle University prepare you for your current role?
My course was crucial in preparing me for my current role, helping me develop transferable skills that I use daily. Strong communication, delivering structured presentations, and honing my organisational and time management abilities were key aspects of my learning, and these have been integral to my current role. Plus, I really enjoy showing students how mathematics is relevant to everyday life, and I often draw on examples from my research project, like the scatter graphs we created, to bring these connections to life in the classroom.
What other things did you do at University which helped you to get where you are now?
During my time at university, I learned a lot from extracurricular activities that have really influenced the way I teach. Playing netball helped me develop important skills like teamwork, discipline, and resilience—qualities I now bring to creating a positive classroom environment. As a student ambassador, I improved my public speaking and communication skills, which helped me connect with students and create an engaging learning atmosphere. Lastly, my internship as a sport scientist gave me hands-on experience, teaching me how to apply theory to real-life situations and use evidence-based methods to support students' learning and growth.
What one piece of advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started?
Get involved in everything you can—whether that means joining a sports team, participating in societies, exploring new places around campus, or keeping an open mind when it comes to meeting new people. There’s always something happening, so stay connected by following the university’s social media pages.
What support do you wish you had when you first started? And are there any resources that you would recommend to people?
When it comes to resources, Newcastle University offers a wealth of support. The library team was incredibly helpful; I had several appointments with them to assist with assignment preparation. The Careers Service was also fantastic, helping me refine my CV and prepare for interviews. I highly recommend taking advantage of these services—they were invaluable to me.
Abbie graduated in July 2024 with a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science.