The Student Room Group

Placement Failed with no warning

Hey everyone,
Last Friday (which was the very end of my second last week of placement) I got informed by my mentor that I had failed my placement. After receiving very little feedback over the previous two weeks (some casual verbal feedback, some handwritten notes off of one teacher), and even being left alone with several classes, this obviously came as a huge shock. I contacted my uni tutor right away, and thankfully she confirmed what I was already pretty certain of; they are not allowed to fail me with no warning over a week before my placement is due to end.
I don't want to give out too many details so that I can keep things confidential, but here is some more information.
I had been told to work on a certain aspect of teaching, and when my mentor saw that I wasn't up to standard, instead of telling me he was concerned and flagging this up as an issue, he kept it to himself right up to the point that he decided to fail me. He then realised later that day that he was not allowed to do this, and gave me some things to work on in a rushed informal meeting right before a lesson, with some hope that I might pass if I worked on these things quickly. I was told he would wait to fill out the final report until the final few days.
I am in a strange position now where I have been given a little bit of hope, however it seems like they are pretty set on failing me.
I feel extremely confused as to why I was trusted to be alone with classes right up to the day I was 'failed'. I think my only hope is that my uni have agreed to come out and visit me next week. I'm nervous about this as this is my last chance to pass, however I'm hopeful that I can show them I'm capable.
Has anyone else ever had anything similar happen to them? I'm beyond shocked that this has happened with so few days left, and why they didn't even want to give me a chance to improve initially.

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Original post by Jessica2121
Hey everyone,
Last Friday (which was the very end of my second last week of placement) I got informed by my mentor that I had failed my placement. After receiving very little feedback over the previous two weeks (some casual verbal feedback, some handwritten notes off of one teacher), and even being left alone with several classes, this obviously came as a huge shock. I contacted my uni tutor right away, and thankfully she confirmed what I was already pretty certain of; they are not allowed to fail me with no warning over a week before my placement is due to end.
I don't want to give out too many details so that I can keep things confidential, but here is some more information.
I had been told to work on a certain aspect of teaching, and when my mentor saw that I wasn't up to standard, instead of telling me he was concerned and flagging this up as an issue, he kept it to himself right up to the point that he decided to fail me. He then realised later that day that he was not allowed to do this, and gave me some things to work on in a rushed informal meeting right before a lesson, with some hope that I might pass if I worked on these things quickly. I was told he would wait to fill out the final report until the final few days.
I am in a strange position now where I have been given a little bit of hope, however it seems like they are pretty set on failing me.
I feel extremely confused as to why I was trusted to be alone with classes right up to the day I was 'failed'. I think my only hope is that my uni have agreed to come out and visit me next week. I'm nervous about this as this is my last chance to pass, however I'm hopeful that I can show them I'm capable.
Has anyone else ever had anything similar happen to them? I'm beyond shocked that this has happened with so few days left, and why they didn't even want to give me a chance to improve initially.


Hi there,

I am so sorry you had to experience this. May I ask how the final week of your placement went? I completed my 2nd year placement recently and our university's policy is that mentors must place students on an action plan if they are not improving as quick as they would like and from there the uni gets involved and supports you to achieving a pass. If it hasn't been achieved, then we would get placed there for another few weeks. I am shocked at the miscommunication you experienced and hope you were given the support you deserved for you situation.

Good luck to you regardless, and I hope you are doing okay.
Rachel- YSJ student rep
Original post by Jessica2121
Hey everyone,
Last Friday (which was the very end of my second last week of placement) I got informed by my mentor that I had failed my placement. After receiving very little feedback over the previous two weeks (some casual verbal feedback, some handwritten notes off of one teacher), and even being left alone with several classes, this obviously came as a huge shock. I contacted my uni tutor right away, and thankfully she confirmed what I was already pretty certain of; they are not allowed to fail me with no warning over a week before my placement is due to end.
I don't want to give out too many details so that I can keep things confidential, but here is some more information.
I had been told to work on a certain aspect of teaching, and when my mentor saw that I wasn't up to standard, instead of telling me he was concerned and flagging this up as an issue, he kept it to himself right up to the point that he decided to fail me. He then realised later that day that he was not allowed to do this, and gave me some things to work on in a rushed informal meeting right before a lesson, with some hope that I might pass if I worked on these things quickly. I was told he would wait to fill out the final report until the final few days.
I am in a strange position now where I have been given a little bit of hope, however it seems like they are pretty set on failing me.
I feel extremely confused as to why I was trusted to be alone with classes right up to the day I was 'failed'. I think my only hope is that my uni have agreed to come out and visit me next week. I'm nervous about this as this is my last chance to pass, however I'm hopeful that I can show them I'm capable.
Has anyone else ever had anything similar happen to them? I'm beyond shocked that this has happened with so few days left, and why they didn't even want to give me a chance to improve initially.


Just do not bother to try again. As someone who has attempted this twice and is expected to probably fail or i might quit (whatever happens). Find another useful career.

Judging by the timing of this post, i'm certain you have received your answer and you doing something 'useful' rather than dealing the disgusting behaviour of pupils show in the classroom.
Reply 3
Original post by Jessica2121
Hey everyone,
Last Friday (which was the very end of my second last week of placement) I got informed by my mentor that I had failed my placement. After receiving very little feedback over the previous two weeks (some casual verbal feedback, some handwritten notes off of one teacher), and even being left alone with several classes, this obviously came as a huge shock. I contacted my uni tutor right away, and thankfully she confirmed what I was already pretty certain of; they are not allowed to fail me with no warning over a week before my placement is due to end.
I don't want to give out too many details so that I can keep things confidential, but here is some more information.
I had been told to work on a certain aspect of teaching, and when my mentor saw that I wasn't up to standard, instead of telling me he was concerned and flagging this up as an issue, he kept it to himself right up to the point that he decided to fail me. He then realised later that day that he was not allowed to do this, and gave me some things to work on in a rushed informal meeting right before a lesson, with some hope that I might pass if I worked on these things quickly. I was told he would wait to fill out the final report until the final few days.
I am in a strange position now where I have been given a little bit of hope, however it seems like they are pretty set on failing me.
I feel extremely confused as to why I was trusted to be alone with classes right up to the day I was 'failed'. I think my only hope is that my uni have agreed to come out and visit me next week. I'm nervous about this as this is my last chance to pass, however I'm hopeful that I can show them I'm capable.
Has anyone else ever had anything similar happen to them? I'm beyond shocked that this has happened with so few days left, and why they didn't even want to give me a chance to improve initially.

In primary you shouldn’t be left alone with a class as a student. This is a safeguarding issue. Not sure about secondary.

When I’ve failed students, or refused to sign off standards, it’s been because they’ve had poor or no understanding of what is required of them. Have you been completely prepared for lessons? Is your planning up to scratch? Do you understand how to assess learning outcomes and mark work competently? Is your behaviour management effective?

It can be incredibly frustrating for a class teacher to have to hand over control of a class for whom they are accountable, to someone (whether it’s a cover teacher or student) who isn’t well prepared or putting 100% in. We can teach you to teach, but we can’t give you the motivation to do it.

Conversely, some teachers aren’t great at supervising students on placement. Their communication may be poor, they may be disorganised or not have a fair idea of what you should be expected to be able to do well at the relevant stage in your training.

Not sure what Key Stage you’re in, guessing secondary, but if you want some general advice, message me. I have twenty years experience of primary.
(edited 10 months ago)
Reply 4
Original post by Quiet Benin
Just do not bother to try again. As someone who has attempted this twice and is expected to probably fail or i might quit (whatever happens). Find another useful career.
Judging by the timing of this post, i'm certain you have received your answer and you doing something 'useful' rather than dealing the disgusting behaviour of pupils show in the classroom.

The ‘disgusting behaviour’ is pretty much a standard feature of many classrooms these days and what you see on placement is important preparation for a teaching job. Some students and teachers never see it, depending on the schools they teach in, and are completely unprepared when they do encounter it. It is an opportunity to learn important management skills, which are ultimately about keeping children safe.
They are just as essential as subject knowledge.
I’m sorry your experience was negative; it happens. Hope you find something you enjoy. : )
Original post by MissTeee
In primary you shouldn’t be left alone with a class as a student. This is a safeguarding issue. Not sure about secondary.
When I’ve failed students, or refused to sign off standards, it’s been because they’ve had poor or no understanding of what is required of them. Have you been completely prepared for lessons? Is your planning up to scratch? Do you understand how to assess learning outcomes and mark work competently? Is your behaviour management effective?
It can be incredibly frustrating for a class teacher to have to hand over control of a class for whom they are accountable, to someone (whether it’s a cover teacher or student) who isn’t well prepared or putting 100% in. We can teach you to teach, but we can’t give you the motivation to do it.
Conversely, some teachers aren’t great at supervising students on placement. Their communication may be poor, they may be disorganised or not have a fair idea of what you should be expected to be able to do well at the relevant stage in your training.
Not sure what Key Stage you’re in, guessing secondary, but if you want some general advice, message me. I have twenty years experience of primary.


Hey,
I’ve been put on a support plan for not being the main class teacher as my mentor works 3 days and deputy 2 she’s saying I should be acting like the main teacher..
Reply 6
Original post by Orangeblack1111
Hey,
I’ve been put on a support plan for not being the main class teacher as my mentor works 3 days and deputy 2 she’s saying I should be acting like the main teacher..

Did she clarify what she meant by ‘the main teacher’? Do you have a clear outline of the class teacher’s responsibilities and which ones you’re supposed to be covering on placement? This is really important for meeting the standards. They can’t just randomly impose stuff on you or make some subjective judgement. It needs to be clearly defined and you need to demonstrate that you’re meeting the expectations effectively, backed up with evidence of how you’re meeting them.
Original post by MissTeee
Did she clarify what she meant by ‘the main teacher’? Do you have a clear outline of the class teacher’s responsibilities and which ones you’re supposed to be covering on placement? This is really important for meeting the standards. They can’t just randomly impose stuff on you or make some subjective judgement. It needs to be clearly defined and you need to demonstrate that you’re meeting the expectations effectively, backed up with evidence of how you’re meeting them.
Hi, I have met all my targets but my mentor wants me to “develop further” on them which I think is unfair at this stage as I was meant finish my course now I have to stay on at my placement for an additional two months. I feel like my mentor just wants me there so she can have a free TA and someone teaching her class while she goes out and does her “English lead thing” which has been a pattern since being on placement the three days she works she never teachers which would be fine by me if she passed me. I feel like she’s picking on anything to keep me there for her own selfish reasons, I think mentors need to be regulated. I really miss my first mentor he was fantastic!!!
Original post by Jessica2121
Hey everyone,
Last Friday (which was the very end of my second last week of placement) I got informed by my mentor that I had failed my placement. After receiving very little feedback over the previous two weeks (some casual verbal feedback, some handwritten notes off of one teacher), and even being left alone with several classes, this obviously came as a huge shock. I contacted my uni tutor right away, and thankfully she confirmed what I was already pretty certain of; they are not allowed to fail me with no warning over a week before my placement is due to end.
I don't want to give out too many details so that I can keep things confidential, but here is some more information.
I had been told to work on a certain aspect of teaching, and when my mentor saw that I wasn't up to standard, instead of telling me he was concerned and flagging this up as an issue, he kept it to himself right up to the point that he decided to fail me. He then realised later that day that he was not allowed to do this, and gave me some things to work on in a rushed informal meeting right before a lesson, with some hope that I might pass if I worked on these things quickly. I was told he would wait to fill out the final report until the final few days.
I am in a strange position now where I have been given a little bit of hope, however it seems like they are pretty set on failing me.
I feel extremely confused as to why I was trusted to be alone with classes right up to the day I was 'failed'. I think my only hope is that my uni have agreed to come out and visit me next week. I'm nervous about this as this is my last chance to pass, however I'm hopeful that I can show them I'm capable.
Has anyone else ever had anything similar happen to them? I'm beyond shocked that this has happened with so few days left, and why they didn't even want to give me a chance to improve initially.

I’m having the same thing happening right now…. And it’s rather annoying as I know it’s because my mentor hates her own class (she’s said thing I don’t want to repeat in staff room, she apparently hates it the days I’m at university which is one day a week and she apparently cries when she’s home because it’s a tough class) however she expects me to fantastic the class are a difficult bunch with loads of SEN… I’m just shocked how she’s gone to the head to keep me on placement longer for experience lmao I was a teaching assistant before I did the course lol
Reply 9
Original post by Orangeblack1111
Hi, I have met all my targets but my mentor wants me to “develop further” on them which I think is unfair at this stage as I was meant finish my course now I have to stay on at my placement for an additional two months. I feel like my mentor just wants me there so she can have a free TA and someone teaching her class while she goes out and does her “English lead thing” which has been a pattern since being on placement the three days she works she never teachers which would be fine by me if she passed me. I feel like she’s picking on anything to keep me there for her own selfish reasons, I think mentors need to be regulated. I really miss my first mentor he was fantastic!!!

She’d have to be a pretty ****-poor teacher to be happy with a student covering her class for an extended period because, she’s accountable for the results. I died inside every time I had a cover teacher or student taking my class, knowing that a) they didn’t care as much as me and b) weren’t accountable for anything. I could spend hours planning and they would often just deliver rubbish.
If I were in your shoes, I would have my uni tutor in and ask for lots of extra observations. I would ask them to go through my planning, coursework and competencies with a fine-tooth comb.
I would also report the overheard staff room stuff to them. Universities have to have a good working relationship with schools, to maintain placement opportunities, but they also need to not treat students poorly, especially when so many people Google students’ experiences of courses before applying.
I hope you have emailed your teaching union to keep them updated about all this. It’s essential that you’re a member of one for exactly stuff like this.
Original post by MissTeee
She’d have to be a pretty ****-poor teacher to be happy with a student covering her class for an extended period because, she’s accountable for the results. I died inside every time I had a cover teacher or student taking my class, knowing that a) they didn’t care as much as me and b) weren’t accountable for anything. I could spend hours planning and they would often just deliver rubbish.
If I were in your shoes, I would have my uni tutor in and ask for lots of extra observations. I would ask them to go through my planning, coursework and competencies with a fine-tooth comb.
I would also report the overheard staff room stuff to them. Universities have to have a good working relationship with schools, to maintain placement opportunities, but they also need to not treat students poorly, especially when so many people Google students’ experiences of courses before applying.
I hope you have emailed your teaching union to keep them updated about all this. It’s essential that you’re a member of one for exactly stuff like this.


I'm going to email the union I spoke to my uni tutor and she didn't do much tbh when I spoke to her she seemed like she was on my side but when she speaks to school it's seems like she's on there's the school want me to stay on for extra 6 weeks, saying it will be good experience for me and they don't mind however its more for a free Ta/teacher
This sounds like my mentor she's made my life a living hell if it was a job I would have quit and applied for a different school however I've paid for this course re located etc so in still there and sges extended my placement so she can let me teach while she's in the staffroom doing her science lead stuff
My mentor hasn't sent me any of the English texts they are reading or told me what they are….. But expects my lessons to be sent in 3 days before
Reply 13
Original post by Orangeblack1111
I'm going to email the union I spoke to my uni tutor and she didn't do much tbh when I spoke to her she seemed like she was on my side but when she speaks to school it's seems like she's on there's the school want me to stay on for extra 6 weeks, saying it will be good experience for me and they don't mind however its more for a free Ta/teacher

Good move.
It’s a ****-take. Not sure how any extra teaching practice, unless it’s going to be closely supervised, is going to benefit YOU. The advantage to the teacher is clear. The impact upon the children warrants careful consideration. Either you’re good enough to teach them, or you’re not and, the school should take remedial action. They can’t have it both ways.
Whatever you do, stay calm and professional at all times. Make copious, dated notes. Ask for a uni or union rep to be present if you have meetings.
Reply 14
Original post by Orangeblack1111
I'm going to email the union I spoke to my uni tutor and she didn't do much tbh when I spoke to her she seemed like she was on my side but when she speaks to school it's seems like she's on there's the school want me to stay on for extra 6 weeks, saying it will be good experience for me and they don't mind however its more for a free Ta/teacher

With the greatest respect, have you anything better to do or were you just planning to kick back and laze? Do you have a job next year and are you planning to stay in teaching? If yes, then you have a brilliant opportunity to continue to master the art of teaching. Yes, you could look at it as if you are doing all the hard work, but the other way you could see it is as another way to develop and improve yourself no? The question you have to ponder, is would I wish my kids to be taught by you with that sort of attitude?
Original post by hotpud
With the greatest respect, have you anything better to do or were you just planning to kick back and laze? Do you have a job next year and are you planning to stay in teaching? If yes, then you have a brilliant opportunity to continue to master the art of teaching. Yes, you could look at it as if you are doing all the hard work, but the other way you could see it is as another way to develop and improve yourself no? The question you have to ponder, is would I wish my kids to be taught by you with that sort of attitude?


I actually have a job lined up and was meant to start next week but have told them I can't start till September now!
Original post by hotpud
With the greatest respect, have you anything better to do or were you just planning to kick back and laze? Do you have a job next year and are you planning to stay in teaching? If yes, then you have a brilliant opportunity to continue to master the art of teaching. Yes, you could look at it as if you are doing all the hard work, but the other way you could see it is as another way to develop and improve yourself no? The question you have to ponder, is would I wish my kids to be taught by you with that sort of attitude?


I don't mind the hard work but don't appreciate how my mentor tries to tear me down on things she doesn't do herself. It obvious that she doesn't like me!
Original post by MissTeee
Good move.
It’s a ****-take. Not sure how any extra teaching practice, unless it’s going to be closely supervised, is going to benefit YOU. The advantage to the teacher is clear. The impact upon the children warrants careful consideration. Either you’re good enough to teach them, or you’re not and, the school should take remedial action. They can’t have it both ways.
Whatever you do, stay calm and professional at all times. Make copious, dated notes. Ask for a uni or union rep to be present if you have meetings.


Thank you for your reply!!!
Reply 18
Original post by hotpud
With the greatest respect, have you anything better to do or were you just planning to kick back and laze? Do you have a job next year and are you planning to stay in teaching? If yes, then you have a brilliant opportunity to continue to master the art of teaching. Yes, you could look at it as if you are doing all the hard work, but the other way you could see it is as another way to develop and improve yourself no? The question you have to ponder, is would I wish my kids to be taught by you with that sort of attitude?
Just wondering how this is a “brilliant
opportunity’. If there’s no clear plan for improvement, with objective success criteria, it’s just more of the same, with no forward motion.
Original post by MissTeee
Just wondering how this is a “brilliant
opportunity’. If there’s no clear plan for improvement, with objective success criteria, it’s just more of the same, with no forward motion.


Exactly!!!

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