Saima Bibi is currently an Advice and Recruitment Officer at NewVIc. She is also studying a PGCE with Greenwich University to go into teaching Religious Studies and English Language to post 16 students. Saima is a former A Level student at NewVIc. She came from Cumberland School and studied A Levels in Religious Studies, Philosophy and English Language and Literature. She progressed onto study an undergraduate degree at School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) to study BA (Hons.) Study of Religion. We caught up with Saima to find out a little more on her journey since NewVIc.

WHAT MADE YOU APPLY TO NEWVIC?

NewVIc was local to me however what really made me decide to go to the college was my two sisters who went to NewVIc and recommended me to study here because of their positive experience. I also loved the diversity at NewVIc, it has an atmosphere that is welcoming and inclusive.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY FROM NEWVIC TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

Prior to NewVIc, I was very unsure as to what I wanted to study, so I explored subjects that were of interest to me. After attending the NewVIc open day and speaking to teachers from different subject areas, I was instantly drawn by the enthusiasm of the RS and Philosophy teachers and found the content that was covered in these subjects incredibly interesting. Along with A level RS and Philosophy, I chose English Language and Literature which I thought to be complementary to RS and Philosophy.

After my studies at NewVIc, and my passion for studying Religion I decided to venture onto specialising in Religion at School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and achieved a BA in Study of Religion. I had decided I wanted to get into teaching A level Religious Studies, however before going straight into teaching I wanted to gain experience in the working world and widen my skill set. After graduating, I was offered/secured a position as an Advice and Recruitment Officer at NewVIc. After almost four years working as Advice and Recruitment Officer at NewVIc, I have decided it is now time to start my teaching career. I have started my PGCE course in post 16 this year, which I am very excited about!

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE POSITION THAT YOU ARE IN?

I was keen to work in a student facing role and the position at NewVIc came up. I researched into it the role, applied for it and successfully got the opportunity to work here. It is always good to branch out and keep an open mind on the opportunities available to you.

WHAT ARE YOUR MEMORIES OF NEWVIC?

Spending time in the link which is a communal area with friends during break and lunch time. It was always a laugh and a good space to get to know other people.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR STUDENTS CONSIDERING NEWVIC AND PURSUING A CAREER LIKE YOU?

I highly recommend coming to NewVIc, it's a super friendly and supportive environment. NewVIc offers a huge range of courses at different levels, there truly is a course for everyone!

For a career in teaching, there aren't any specific courses you will need to study at college, so when choosing a course or a combination of courses, I would advise students to choose subjects that they are interested in, have a passion for and perform well in.

HOW DID YOU FIND THE TEACHING AT NEWVIC? DID IT PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR NEXT EDUCATIONAL STEP?

The teaching at NewVIc was fantastic, especially Joanne, Oliver and Scott, they really went above and beyond to help their students achieve their highest potential. I remember I used to bombard Oliver with practice essays after essays and he would never mind.

WHAT WERE YOUR NEXT STEPS AFTER LEAVING COLLEGE?

After completing my A Levels at NewVIc, I went onto SOAS University, to study a degree in Religious Studies.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU CAME TO NEWVIC?

Before attending NewVIc I lacked a lot of confidence in myself, but my experience at NewVIc contributed massively to the independent and confident woman I am today.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

To successfully complete my teaching course and to be a positive educator to young people the same way my college teachers were to me.