PGCE - Current Students Thread
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Original post by FadeToBlackout
So I'm quite happily getting along, 3 weeks into the final placement and although I'm behind a little bit on the paperwork I'm managing the teaching workload and catching up.
And then I see the little sentence in my checklist.
"Complete a detailed lesson evaluation form for each lesson you teach in the first week of placement, and two a week thereafter".
Oops. 21 to do- 3 written tonight...
And then I see the little sentence in my checklist.
"Complete a detailed lesson evaluation form for each lesson you teach in the first week of placement, and two a week thereafter".
Oops. 21 to do- 3 written tonight...
Hehe. I remember I did so many lesson evaluations almost 6 months too late. I liked to think of them as extremely retrospective
I am so terrible with those. I find it difficult to put my thoughts down in writing as it is. It's not that I'm not reflecting either, I do it constantly, I just find it difficult to actually sit down and WRITE 'that went well' etc.
It's the same with assessment as well. It's all in my head instead of on paper. I really need to work on that...
It's the same with assessment as well. It's all in my head instead of on paper. I really need to work on that...
Original post by jenren22
I am so terrible with those. I find it difficult to put my thoughts down in writing as it is. It's not that I'm not reflecting either, I do it constantly, I just find it difficult to actually sit down and WRITE 'that went well' etc.
It's the same with assessment as well. It's all in my head instead of on paper. I really need to work on that...
It's the same with assessment as well. It's all in my head instead of on paper. I really need to work on that...
Me too. I've got a great mentor and Head of Department who I always reflect on my lessons with in detail. Writing it all down when I get home then feels like I'm duplicating work and wasting time... grrr
Ah, paperwork and reflections. I don't write up the prescribed lesson planning form prior to the lesson- it would add around 20 minutes onto each lesson I plan. So I do them afterwards in bulk, I just keep my handwritten plans in a book and change them if I altered the lesson, then type them up. That way it looks like I stuck to my plans more! None of the teachers I work with ask for them either- other trainees on my course do have to submit them prior to lessons, unlucky.
As for reflections, mine are never that detailed, and I tend to reflect as I'm doing a lesson anyway- that didn't work too well, need to shorten that, should have got them to do it this way- which is kind of the point isn't it? I submit them to our online portal when I submit the written plans, so they're not usually that coherent as they could be from a week previously, if not longer. But the effectiveness of the reflections I did make as I was going along has usually already been seen in the next lesson.
As I'm being left alone a lot these days (well, not alone but either with a cover supervisor or the teacher in another room nearby) I don't get as much feedback as I should, so I do think I'm becoming more observant of myself!
I'm also meant to submit 2 or 3 formal lesson observation forms per week- I'm lucky if there's a teacher in the room so often. Well, that or I'm lucky if the teacher knows how to do them. The one I'm in with most is full time so has the most classes for me to take, and in turn is the busiest and doesn't really know what she's doing with the form which is helpful. Fortunately there's one other teacher who will do at least one a week for me and watches me like a hawk and gives excellent feedback- keeps me doing what I should be doing rather than whatever I want to!
As for reflections, mine are never that detailed, and I tend to reflect as I'm doing a lesson anyway- that didn't work too well, need to shorten that, should have got them to do it this way- which is kind of the point isn't it? I submit them to our online portal when I submit the written plans, so they're not usually that coherent as they could be from a week previously, if not longer. But the effectiveness of the reflections I did make as I was going along has usually already been seen in the next lesson.
As I'm being left alone a lot these days (well, not alone but either with a cover supervisor or the teacher in another room nearby) I don't get as much feedback as I should, so I do think I'm becoming more observant of myself!
I'm also meant to submit 2 or 3 formal lesson observation forms per week- I'm lucky if there's a teacher in the room so often. Well, that or I'm lucky if the teacher knows how to do them. The one I'm in with most is full time so has the most classes for me to take, and in turn is the busiest and doesn't really know what she's doing with the form which is helpful. Fortunately there's one other teacher who will do at least one a week for me and watches me like a hawk and gives excellent feedback- keeps me doing what I should be doing rather than whatever I want to!
Just thought I would ask opinions in this thread about taking a maternity cover job? Is it a bad idea? Harder to get respect, likely to end before induction can be completed, etc?
My subject is English but I am really getting worried that I don't have a job yet. I don't want to sell myself short and end up looking for work this time next year with the prospect of no summer pay, but I also don't want September to come around and for me to have no job to go to!
What would you suggest?
The school in question seems nice, by the way, and I might have a chance to teach my specialism to A Level. But if I try really hard maybe I could get a permanent job like that too...?
My subject is English but I am really getting worried that I don't have a job yet. I don't want to sell myself short and end up looking for work this time next year with the prospect of no summer pay, but I also don't want September to come around and for me to have no job to go to!
What would you suggest?
The school in question seems nice, by the way, and I might have a chance to teach my specialism to A Level. But if I try really hard maybe I could get a permanent job like that too...?
Nice to hear others are a little worried about the behaviour aspect too.
It's funny really because I worked in a school with really disruptive pupils but managed them quite well, now am at a nice school but it's implied I'm a pushover!
As for for a maternity cover...I'd say go for it. BUT....Could you complete your NQT on it?
Tbh I think Job's are hard to come by atm...embrace the opportunity.
It's funny really because I worked in a school with really disruptive pupils but managed them quite well, now am at a nice school but it's implied I'm a pushover!
As for for a maternity cover...I'd say go for it. BUT....Could you complete your NQT on it?
Tbh I think Job's are hard to come by atm...embrace the opportunity.
Original post by Suzanathema
Just thought I would ask opinions in this thread about taking a maternity cover job? Is it a bad idea? Harder to get respect, likely to end before induction can be completed, etc?
My subject is English but I am really getting worried that I don't have a job yet. I don't want to sell myself short and end up looking for work this time next year with the prospect of no summer pay, but I also don't want September to come around and for me to have no job to go to!
What would you suggest?
The school in question seems nice, by the way, and I might have a chance to teach my specialism to A Level. But if I try really hard maybe I could get a permanent job like that too...?
My subject is English but I am really getting worried that I don't have a job yet. I don't want to sell myself short and end up looking for work this time next year with the prospect of no summer pay, but I also don't want September to come around and for me to have no job to go to!
What would you suggest?
The school in question seems nice, by the way, and I might have a chance to teach my specialism to A Level. But if I try really hard maybe I could get a permanent job like that too...?
I haven't graduated yet (doing 4 year teaching), however I've had a lot of people who have taken maternity jobs. Its to some degree easier to get a maternity job as schools may not be as worried about taken someone on compared to a permanant job where it's harder to get rid of them. It does allow you to complete your NQT year (or part complete it depending how long the cover is). Sometimes it has led people to get jobs at the school they have worked at (have a friend who did maternity cover then got interviewed for a year 5 job and got it at the same school). I would say don't rule out applying for them. If nothing else it'll increase your knowledge, skills and confidence
God I'm really glad I didn't apply for a PGCE after reading some of this thread!
Last 4 weeks of placement until half term. This is definitely the hardest part to the course. A difficult class that make me feel like my teaching has taken 10 steps back since my enjoyable first placement.
Have never spent so long counting the days and trying to psyche myself into believing the end is almost here. It WILL fly by, right!?!?
Have never spent so long counting the days and trying to psyche myself into believing the end is almost here. It WILL fly by, right!?!?
Original post by emma_clare
Last 4 weeks of placement until half term. This is definitely the hardest part to the course. A difficult class that make me feel like my teaching has taken 10 steps back since my enjoyable first placement.
Have never spent so long counting the days and trying to psyche myself into believing the end is almost here. It WILL fly by, right!?!?
Have never spent so long counting the days and trying to psyche myself into believing the end is almost here. It WILL fly by, right!?!?
Glad to here you say that..though I was the only one of that opinion. I'd been told the hardest part was before Christmas, but this is definitely the hardest time for me.. it's so exhausting at the moment. Writing essays all through every break hasn't helped!
Original post by Suzanathema
Just thought I would ask opinions in this thread about taking a maternity cover job? Is it a bad idea? Harder to get respect, likely to end before induction can be completed, etc?
My subject is English but I am really getting worried that I don't have a job yet. I don't want to sell myself short and end up looking for work this time next year with the prospect of no summer pay, but I also don't want September to come around and for me to have no job to go to!
What would you suggest?
The school in question seems nice, by the way, and I might have a chance to teach my specialism to A Level. But if I try really hard maybe I could get a permanent job like that too...?
My subject is English but I am really getting worried that I don't have a job yet. I don't want to sell myself short and end up looking for work this time next year with the prospect of no summer pay, but I also don't want September to come around and for me to have no job to go to!
What would you suggest?
The school in question seems nice, by the way, and I might have a chance to teach my specialism to A Level. But if I try really hard maybe I could get a permanent job like that too...?
I don't see why it would be a bad idea. You're getting a job, experience, something to put on your CV and your putting a lot towards your NQT year. It doesn't have to be completed all in one go. Chances are, should you get this experience you may find it helps better towards finding a more permanent job. There's nothing to stop you looking for that permanent job once the cover ends. You never know, it might well be with the same school should they like you enough and their be the opportunity!
Original post by jaime1986
Glad to here you say that..though I was the only one of that opinion. I'd been told the hardest part was before Christmas, but this is definitely the hardest time for me.. it's so exhausting at the moment. Writing essays all through every break hasn't helped!
I found it a hard period. There's so much work to do both at school and for uni and whilst it seems to fly by, I did constantly feel tired. It's a good test of your mettle!
(edited 11 years ago)
Hi everyone,
just wondering if there is anyone here studying a PGCE with a condition such as fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue or similar.. and how are you finding it?
xx
just wondering if there is anyone here studying a PGCE with a condition such as fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue or similar.. and how are you finding it?
xx
Original post by jaime1986
Glad to here you say that..though I was the only one of that opinion. I'd been told the hardest part was before Christmas, but this is definitely the hardest time for me.. it's so exhausting at the moment. Writing essays all through every break hasn't helped!
I know what you mean! Essays don't help one bit.
I'm definitely struggling over the last hurdles, the light at the end of the tunnel is all that's keeping me going. Crossing off each day as it passes. Does help to know others are in the same boat
Original post by emma_clare
I know what you mean! Essays don't help one bit.
I'm definitely struggling over the last hurdles, the light at the end of the tunnel is all that's keeping me going. Crossing off each day as it passes. Does help to know others are in the same boat
I'm definitely struggling over the last hurdles, the light at the end of the tunnel is all that's keeping me going. Crossing off each day as it passes. Does help to know others are in the same boat
I've literally been ticking off the days on my calendar since before Christmas.
Original post by affinity89
I've literally been ticking off the days on my calendar since before Christmas.
I have 5 weeks at school and 3 days at uni to go, woohoo!
Original post by balloon_parade
I have 5 weeks at school and 3 days at uni to go, woohoo!
Groovy.
I've got 8 weeks tomorrow to go. Of them, four days are in university. Four weekdays are off [over half term]. The rest are in school. I'm getting there!
I think I have made a real decision now though. I am not applying for any teaching jobs. Obviously, there are high points to it all and most of the kids are great. But, the stress, the paperwork, the hours etc are just not for me - not now. So, I am going to start looking for other things - perhaps a graduate recruitment scheme or something.
Original post by affinity89
Groovy.
I've got 8 weeks tomorrow to go. Of them, four days are in university. Four weekdays are off [over half term]. The rest are in school. I'm getting there!
I think I have made a real decision now though. I am not applying for any teaching jobs. Obviously, there are high points to it all and most of the kids are great. But, the stress, the paperwork, the hours etc are just not for me - not now. So, I am going to start looking for other things - perhaps a graduate recruitment scheme or something.
I've got 8 weeks tomorrow to go. Of them, four days are in university. Four weekdays are off [over half term]. The rest are in school. I'm getting there!
I think I have made a real decision now though. I am not applying for any teaching jobs. Obviously, there are high points to it all and most of the kids are great. But, the stress, the paperwork, the hours etc are just not for me - not now. So, I am going to start looking for other things - perhaps a graduate recruitment scheme or something.
At least you've made your decision and can now focus on applying for what you do want to do!
---
I passed my first masters level module, what a relief! (academic writing is definitely not my strong point!) 1 more mark to get back, fingers crossed!
Was researching PGCEs and came across this thread and have read the whole thing (took me a fair while, started yesterday evening!).
The thread has both terrified and intrigued me!
I'm currently in my first year of studying Marketing. It was a last minute choice, i applied to do Psychology but kind of panicked when i got bad grades, so switched to Marketing last minute as i was good at business. So yeah, anyway, never really liked marketing!
Ever since i was little (cliche but true) i wanted to be a teacher, i mean i chopped and changed, but it was the first thing i wanted to be and something i've always gone back to. I was a mentor in school, i was a monitor to a year 8 class, i did work experience in a special needs school for two weeks, i spent an hour a week in the local primary school for a year, and i'm off doing Camp America this summer. I'm wondering, do you think i can still get a place on a PGCE course with this experience, despite the fact i'm doing marketing? Cos i want to do Primary and i know my degree has absolutely no relevance. But i got all As and Bs in my GCSES, science, maths and english included, and i got ABB in A-Levels, a B in English Literature.
So, in a very longwinded round about way, do you think i could get a place with this background?
Also, are you teaching from day 1 with a PGCE? It seems that way but how do you know what you're doing! Or do you just observe for a few weeks then slowly work your way in?
Thanks!
The thread has both terrified and intrigued me!
I'm currently in my first year of studying Marketing. It was a last minute choice, i applied to do Psychology but kind of panicked when i got bad grades, so switched to Marketing last minute as i was good at business. So yeah, anyway, never really liked marketing!
Ever since i was little (cliche but true) i wanted to be a teacher, i mean i chopped and changed, but it was the first thing i wanted to be and something i've always gone back to. I was a mentor in school, i was a monitor to a year 8 class, i did work experience in a special needs school for two weeks, i spent an hour a week in the local primary school for a year, and i'm off doing Camp America this summer. I'm wondering, do you think i can still get a place on a PGCE course with this experience, despite the fact i'm doing marketing? Cos i want to do Primary and i know my degree has absolutely no relevance. But i got all As and Bs in my GCSES, science, maths and english included, and i got ABB in A-Levels, a B in English Literature.
So, in a very longwinded round about way, do you think i could get a place with this background?
Also, are you teaching from day 1 with a PGCE? It seems that way but how do you know what you're doing! Or do you just observe for a few weeks then slowly work your way in?
Thanks!
Original post by Allie_101
So, in a very longwinded round about way, do you think i could get a place with this background?
Thanks!
So, in a very longwinded round about way, do you think i could get a place with this background?
Thanks!
I'd say it's definitely worth a try! I studied management at uni and I've got a place on Primary PGCE. The more school experience you get the better though!!
Oh did you really? That's encouraging then. I ended up making such a hasty decision with marketing, so i'm really gonna think my next step through (hence the two year early planning for PGCE!).
Yeah i'll try and rack up as much experience as possible, maybe volunteer in a school or tutor or something.
Yeah i'll try and rack up as much experience as possible, maybe volunteer in a school or tutor or something.
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