[xJessx]

Hiya,
During my two years at sixth form I've done mentored with children who have learning difficulties, been a dinner time assistant at a school for disabled children and tutored an AS student in Spanish. I've really enjoyed it and decided I want to teach modern languages after uni

I can't decide what level to teach at. Obviously I've got ages to decide but I'd appreciate any advice from someone. Which would you rather teach at..?

Primary school - I like the atnosphere at primary schools and am good with younger children. Plus, they are introducing modern languages in primary schools soon I think. However, I wouldn't really get to teach the subject in much depth and am worried about losing my fluency in the languages.

Secondary school - I don't really like the atmosphere at secondary schools and I wouldn't really enjoy teaching kids who don't want to learn and are nasty. It seems a bit thankless although someone correct me if I'm wrong

Sixth Form/College - I like the idea of smaller classes and teaching people who actually want to learn, plus using my languages more. I don't think you really build a bond like in primary school though

So, don't keep to modern languages if you don't want. I'm just asking in general, which level would you prefer to teach at? Sorry if this has already been done - I don't really frequent the teaching section much

[xandertho]

Im in the same boat as you. I would teach English if i chose Secondary, so i wouldnt lose much of my "subject area" whereas i understand where you are coming from. I personally would prefer the Primary. Mainly due to the atmosphere and the kids. They want to learn. Secondary "young adults" are too grown up these days and dont usually want to be there = trouble!!

Follow your heart though. Instincts are always correct. Hope this helps!!

[Spotty Dog]

From your post, you sound like you're already veering towards Sixth form!!

You will get a bond with your students - You're seeing them.. 4 times a week? More? You might get a tutor group too!

[Crystaltears]

Yeah, I agree that you seem suited to Sixth form.
I think that lots of students have close relationships with their teachers at sixth form.

[Planto]

My dad decided to go into secondary education, after having spent years in middle management and IT. I never understood this decision. In primary education, you've got new, adventurous minds. In higher education, you've got decent young people truly keen to learn. In secondary school you've got scummy ****tards who are ungrateful for the mammoth effort you put in despite their constant attempts to undermine you.

[Kath2003]

Originally Posted by Planto

My dad decided to go into secondary education, after having spent years in middle management and IT. I never understood this decision. In primary education, you've got new, adventurous minds. In higher education, you've got decent young people truly keen to learn. In secondary school you've got scummy ****tards who are ungrateful for the mammoth effort you put in despite their constant attempts to undermine you.

You get "scummy ****tards who are ungrateful for the mammoth effort you put in despite their constant attempts to undermine you" in primary school and (sometimes) higher education establishments too. Try spending some time in a primary school

Personally I teach secondary and I would go for secondary if I were you - primary schools are going to be 'leasing' MFL teachers from secondary schools in coming years when the MFL primary requirement first comes in.

[xJessx]

Hi, thanks for all of your replies! They've given me more to think about. Does anyone know if the salaries vary hugely between the levels?

[Kath2003]

Originally Posted by xJessx

Hi, thanks for all of your replies! They've given me more to think about. Does anyone know if the salaries vary hugely between the levels?

You'll be on the Main Pay Scale for both primary and secondary so no difference there. Not sure about further education establishments but I'd imagine they're similar.