Kate (BA) - Victoria University of Wellington

Kate Hurley

Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching

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Kate Hurley gets rewarded every day when, as a teacher, she sees “those little light bulbs go on.”

“I’ve always enjoyed working with children and it’s especially great to be helping them grow and learn. You see the progress and appreciate what a difference you can make.”

Kate majored in Art History, graduating from Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts in 2008. She went on to complete the one-year Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching programme and, when it finished, successfully applied for a job at a Wellington school.

“Studying at Victoria was easy. We got good support from tutors and lecturers and there was a real open door policy for teacher trainees. You could always go and talk over a problem and staff would listen and be accommodating of your circumstances.”

Kate grew up in Wellington and never considered enrolling anywhere but Victoria.

“Victoria has an excellent reputation so there was no need to leave town. I’ve been taught by high calibre staff who are well known in their field. During my teacher training we also got to hear presentations by graduates of the course who were out teaching which was inspirational and meant the content was very relevant.”

Kate describes Victoria as a beautiful university and says campus life forges close-knit bonds between students. “The university is also well connected to the city—just about everywhere in Wellington is walk-able or bus-able.”

Going to university has given Kate much more than qualifications. “It’s broadened my mind. You don’t appreciate things the same way until you have studied. It builds your critical thinking skills and makes you more confident and well rounded.”

She says being open minded and determined are qualities that will stand new students in good stead. “University is a great place to try things out and when you find what you want to do, give it your best.”