Feartheunknown (Offline)

Hey,

Thought I'd reply to your questions from the 'PGCE = never felt so tired or stressed!' thread through PM so that I wouldn't break the flow of conversation on the thread.


I did always want to teach, but I think I had a rather idealistic view of teaching. I was fortunate enough to go to a secondary school where results were important, but the teachers also cared about the wellbeing and progress of individual students. I imagined teaching to be about inspiring people to reach their potential and encouraging and facilitating high standards of work.

Since being on the PGCE, I have noticed that teachers don't really care about the students, or the standard of work produced. E.g. it is acceptable for Year 11 students to write in pencil, Year 7 students often write in highlighter pen because they haven't brought a proper pen with them. Headings are never underlined and students aren't encouraged to take pride in their work.

The teachers also generally seem to dislike the students, which I find strange - why would you go into a job where you encounter young people every day if you detest them? The staff room is a toxic place, with teachers constantly complaining about their workload and the students' behaviour. Students are labelled as 'weak' or a 'lost cause' and, rather than trying to encourage and inspire them, teachers write them off.

I'm hoping that I have just had PGCE placements in bad schools and that not all schools are like this.

I wouldn't worry too much about the having to teach physics and chemistry part of science - my housemate is doing a science PGCE but specialising in biology and she really only has to teach the other sciences at KS3.

I hope my negativity hasn't put you off! I'm sure there are schools in which teachers enjoy their job and want the best for the students, but the toxic atmosphere of my placement schools has got me a bit down and it can be easy to lose perspective sometimes.