PGCE - Current Students Thread

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It depends on the school. For instance, my first placement school did not have staff-run after school clubs, they were provided by outside agencies so it was not possible for me as a student to run a club (which I was quite happy about tbh).

At my final placement, my uni tutor strongly suggested that another student and I organise an after school club. Our school mentor was also very keen so we agreed to do it even though I despaired as I already felt quite overwhelmed by planning for normal lessons etc. It turned out to be manageable though as there were two of us to take the burden.

It can be a lot to take on as there is so much to do whilst on placement but it will look good when you are applying for jobs.

What did this club you helped run involve?

Reply 2281

Interrobang

Original post by Meus

KS2. Any and every subject

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Theres a whole list of places to find things on the tsr wiki - search 'useful teaching resources'

Reply 2282

kpwxx

Original post by Mr Advice

What are the opportunities of organising and running extra-curricular activities at your placement schools?

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As already stated it depends on what your school already runs.

In my first placement I helped out with a club my class teacher ran - cooking club.

In my second placement I was going to help out at maths games club or ICT club, but ICT club had finished and no-one came to maths games club any more! However, they were all lunch time clubs and pretty much it worked out for the best as I barely had time to eat during lunch there, let alone run a club as well!

The opportunities really are what you make them. I mean, I could have set up my own club at either placement (perhaps with another student) but I felt that wasn't the priority for my professional development at that stage, and also it wasn't something either of my placement schools was lacking in (so not something that the children needed extra of).

You don't have to take on some huge challenge either. For example, if the school has some board games and packs of cards and you know a few card games then it would be easy to set up a maths games club, and it wouldn't take any more time up than the time of the actual club (not loads of planning involved). Just use your strengths, choose something to do which you are good at and really enjoy and it will be much more manageable. Alternatively offer to help out or temporarily take over an existing club.

xxx

Reply 2283

myblueheaven339

Original post by Mr Advice

What are the opportunities of organising and running extra-curricular activities at your placement schools?

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I was encouraged to get involved in the science club that was already running. I just helped out the teachers in charge rather than running it myself.

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Reply 2284

*Darcie*

Original post by Meus

What did this club you helped run involve?

It was an art and crafts club for Reception children (at that point there were no clubs for Early Years children). It was a 'we're all going to make a...' type of affair with pre-prepared craft resources for the children to copy your 'here's one I made earlier' model. Pretty lame but we didn't have the time to put too much effort in!

Reply 2285

kpwxx

Original post by *Darcie*

I wouldn't say that's lame! Many children (and adults) love that kind of craft, hence why shows like art attack and smart and that bit of blue peter exist. An after school club is the perfect forum for them as it lets children who WANT that strong guidance on what to make enjoy it, rather than forcing all children to make something during school time :smile:

xxx

Reply 2286

athena13

I'm starting a Secondary Science (Physics) SCITT in September which includes a PGCE with 120 Credits towards a Masters, I also have 3 children so I wasn't expecting to have to already get involved with additional activities like after school clubs. However, my subject coach/mentor thinks I should get involved with something as it would help with my CV. She has mentioned doing a project on Bees with the AG&T group. It sounds interesting but now looks like rather than just being really, really busy I will be really, really, REALLY busy!!

Reply 2287

coffeepirate

Original post by Mr Advice

So towards the end of your second placement you'll be the class teacher more or less - that should be interesting.

Another thing I was gonna ask is how important is neat handwriting? I work with kids and regularly get told that they can't read my handwriting :tongue:

I try to improve it but it's permanent I think :biggrin:

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70% seems like the worst thing in the world at the beginning of the PGCE, by the time you're doing it however, you wonder why you weren't doing it all along! You'll be MORE than capable by then!!

Also, I had the worst board writing when I started, it just comes with (frequent!) practice. Take time out during lunchtimes and after school to practice, especially on the IWB. My handwriting is very teacher-y now haha!! You'll be fine :smile:

Reply 2288

kpwxx

Original post by athena13

Wow, that does sound like a very busy year!

My best advice for the club would be to go with a very creative approach, as in, them being creative - get them to plan and guide the whole project (what they want to find out, what can they realistically investigate, how can they do it, what do they need and so on...). Then you can just guide it by providing the starting point and asking questions to help them consider everything. That way will allow them to develop creativity, look in to what they are REALLY interested in AND hopefully will mean less prep work for you.

xxx

Reply 2289

Meus

Did anyone use a Macbook to work with the Smartboards?

Reply 2290

*Darcie*

Original post by kpwxx

xxx

True. They did really enjoy it. It is also nice to have that bit of time when you can be less 'teacher-y' and just relax with the children a bit. I learned lots about the individual personalities of my children when I could have a bit of a joke with them in a non-stressy situation such as the after school club.

Reply 2291

kpwxx

Original post by Meus

Did anyone use a Macbook to work with the Smartboards?

I and most people I know used the teacher's laptops in school and transferred files by memory stick.

xxx

Reply 2292

-FireFlies-

Hey guys, I know its the summer and people will be relaxing and stuff.. but I was just wondering does anyone have any textbooks they'd recommend buying for the PGDE/PGCE year? Just want to get organised and prepared already!

I'm doing Secondary (Chemistry) PGDE :smile:

Thanks!

Reply 2293

SHABANA

Original post by -FireFlies-

Thanks!

I finished my PGCE last year and I wouldn't really buy any books - see which ones are available at the library first. For example, Teacher's Toolkit can be quite useful but my university's library had loads of copies!

Reply 2294

myblueheaven339

Original post by -FireFlies-

Thanks!

If anything I would say that the best books to buy are the physics/chemistry/biology for you books. They're great for brushing up on subject knowledge, particularly for your non specialist subjects. General revision guides are also useful.

I didn't buy any books for assignments, I found the uni library and my local library were fine for getting hold of reference material, though you may need to reserve them.

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Reply 2295

Meus

For those who have finished their PGCE, have you found a job yet? How has the job search been?

Reply 2296

StarBabyCat

Yes I have a job. I applied to a lot and would have had 9 interviews in total, luckily I withdrew from the final 5 as I gained a position by then! I got my job in very early May. Most people I know got jobs in May/June.

Reply 2297

Meus

Original post by StarBabyCat

How much prior experience (before starting the course) did you have? Most people I know in the course have worked in schools for several months if not years. In contrast, I had only done the minimum 2 week placement as I applied late.

I'll try to volunteer at youth schemes during my placement, but I'm concerned that my lack of background experience will be a disadvantage when finding employment.

Reply 2298

StarBabyCat

I was a Cover Supervisor part time before I did the PGCE. I also have an MA. However it is more important that you do well on the course, teach and plan good lessons etc. Writing a very good letter of application is also essential to get an interview.

Reply 2299

Feartheunknown

Original post by StarBabyCat

Does having a masters help with employability, because overall, I have read, it doesn't at all? Unless it was an integrated masters course with your undergraduate degree (ie 4 consecutive years)