PGCE - Current Students Thread

I got a copy of the form from the college for making a formal complaint; however I'm unsure how I should word it. Anyone know of any organisations which could help me?

See if one of the unions will help you. They cover trainees too and unions usually still have a bit of clout in schools and colleges.

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I contacted the NUT and they just fobbed me off by telling me to contact the student union in the college

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Were the student union any help? Do you have a named contact in the unions?

I am just about to apply for my first teaching post - but as our uni has given us no advice whatsoever yet I was wondering if any of you had an idea: - in the previous employment section do I have to put my mundane sales assistants jobs? Although I can see how certain qualities of the job will relate quite well it just seems pretty pointless! I am guessing the answer will be yes but just wondered if anybody had been given other advice.

Also if anyone has an insight into who you are supposed to put as a second referee, again, that would be most appreciated. I am guessing a previous employer as well as university tutor?

Have been reading the past few pages and I feel the pain of some of you guys.

I've gotta start my second placement in a few weeks and I feel sick just thinking about it.

The fact that we need to start all over again build these relationships all over again makes me resentful - also how we have literally no time to sit back and reflect on our actual teaching more running and rushing like headless chickens to plan and deliver lessons makes me a tad annoyed as were paying 9k for this course.

On another note my mentor said I was one of the best trainees he's had I related this back to my tutor and he said oh don't make a big deal out of that he says that to almost everyone I thought that was quite cruel and has kinda knocked my confidence.

I need to go into my second placement today to get my timetable etc I really don't wanna go :'(

Do you guys have any tips on how to deal with this sudden anxiety? Feeling of doom?

Apparently my hours have been sorted; however I am still having thoughts about dropping out. Because I started my placement so late I haven't had any observations yet which means I'm going to have to rush them without been given enough time to build up my confidence in the classroom (as I'm not a naturally confident person anyway this will mean I'm unlikely to pass them first time around). I still want to work in education but I don't think I want to be a teacher anymore nor do I think I'd make a good one. Thoughts?

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Can anyone tell me what the standard policy is on long absence at their uni? I'm going to end up missing two weeks, and I'm getting really anxious that I won't end up getting the PGCE in time for September because of this! Can that happen?



I can see where you are coming from, as the whole thing hasn't been timed right. I am not naturally confident and I don't like being thrown in so I can empathise. Can you see if there can be an arrangement to start fresh in September, with student finance and guaranteed allocation of hours?

Apparently my hours have been sorted; however I am still having thoughts about dropping out. Because I started my placement so late I haven't had any observations yet which means I'm going to have to rush them without been given enough time to build up my confidence in the classroom (as I'm not a naturally confident person anyway this will mean I'm unlikely to pass them first time around). I still want to work in education but I don't think I want to be a teacher anymore nor do I think I'd make a good one. Thoughts?

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My advice would be to stick at it for a while longer. The first few weeks/month are bound to be tough and it will be a struggle, but it's all about finding your feet at first. To this end, the observations during this time may go terribly, and that's absolutely fine (looking through my SE1 observations, it's amazing how much changed). I'd say stick at it at least until Easter, then see how you feel about it. Even if you don't want to be a teacher, the PGCE is still a good thing to have on a job application (much better than a gap). Especially if you're looking at continuing in education of some form.

I know it's been hard - your experiences sound bang out of order to be honest - but hopefully the problems should be over now. Teaching isn't easy, but after the initial awkward phase I've found I'm massively enjoyed it. Don't let your rubbish training provider ruin your ambitions before you get started.

We go on full-time teaching practice for a month after half term and I've been told I need to get at least two observations in during that time. I did do some teaching hours before Christmas covering for a teacher who was off which weren't so bad but I had a bad experience a couple of weeks ago which made me have second thoughts.

Posted from TSR Mobile

Can anyone tell me what the standard policy is on long absence at their uni? I'm going to end up missing two weeks, and I'm getting really anxious that I won't end up getting the PGCE in time for September because of this! Can that happen?



I can see where you are coming from, as the whole thing hasn't been timed right. I am not naturally confident and I don't like being thrown in so I can empathise. Can you see if there can be an arrangement to start fresh in September, with student finance and guaranteed allocation of hours?

We go on full-time teaching practice for a month after half term and I've been told I need to get at least two observations in during that time. I did do some teaching hours before Christmas covering for a teacher who was off which weren't so bad but I had a bad experience a couple of weeks ago which made me have second thoughts.

Posted from TSR Mobile

Your observations don't need to be perfect. Don't sweat them. If anything you'll be able to show how you're progressing in such a short amount of time. Stick it out and give everything a go.

You got this.

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I'm sorry to hear that. It's important to remember that we all have bad lessons/days/weeks, but we then get to go into the classroom again and iron everything out and have an upswing, You've unfortunately been denied that opportunity.

The important thing is to remember that even experienced teachers have horrible lessons where nobody learns everything, and put all your efforts into developing new lessons.You're bound to be shaky at the start, but that's fine - perhaps to ease yourself in ask to take a small-group or starter/plenary? Or just spend as much time talking to pupils in lessons as possible?

I find the best thing is to chuck yourself into it and keep the momentum going - I'm sure you'll do fine!

Thanks. I'm wondering if there's anyway I can fake confidence?

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