Volunteers in schools/gaining more experience

[backinschool]

Hi,

I am planning to apply for a secondary PGCE (biology) to hopefully start in 2017. I know how tough its going to be but I've thought it through and I'm at the point where I need to at least give it a try. I am going to wait until my youngest is in year 1 so I'm around to get her settled into reception. My dad retires that year too and he has said that he will be happy to help out with pick up or if the children are ill

That means I will have a full year when both children are in school and I have most of the week free. I was hoping I could get some more experience during that year, in either primary or secondary schools, but I'm not sure how to approach schools or when to do it. What can volunteers do that is actually useful rather than just asking to come in and shadow a teacher? I know parent volunteers listen to children read in my DDs primary one morning a week - is there anything else?

I currently work in an FE/HE college and have taught GCSE evening classes and BTEC courses for 3 years and often help out with the A-level classes (just photocopying, handing out sheets, helping with practicals etc). I will see if they can increase my hours but atm they are cutting PTVH staff and getting anyone on a full time contract to do extra hours. I have level 3 and level 4 teaching qualifications (used to be PTLLS and CTLLS) and have had several formally observed lesson so I have some experience to offer but I haven't worked with the students 1-2-1 very regularly and I don't have any TA qualifications.

Any advice would be appreciated, TIA.

[ArmchairTraveller]

I used to love having an extra adult for science and Art/DT activities in particular.
Are you CRB (extended disclosure) checked? Or whatever it's called now.

[backinschool]

Yes. I've had a drb check done for the college but I think you can now pay to have one fine yourself which you can then use in different organisations. I'll look into that. Are you a primary teacher?

[ArmchairTraveller]

For decades, now I'm on supply.
I co-ordinated science for years, emphasis on practical experiments and observations and lots of discussion. So much better with additional adults. I've shanghaied Y5 and 6 on occasion to work with younger ones.

[backinschool]

Great. I might speak to the head at my DD's school then. I only have 2 days free now but even that might be useful. I did lots of ks2 workshops and science fair activities when I worked for the university and it's a fun age group to work with. Thanks Armchair Traveller.