I'm starting my PGCE in September and have managed to 'self source' one of my placement schools.
I did a week's experience there and like it because:
- amazingly inspirational, knowledgable and friendly teacher there who would be my mentor
- nicely behaved kids, main issue was tucking in shirts and getting rid of gum
- 10 mins from my kids' school
- in an academy alliance that covers most of the well regarded schools in our city - so doing well there could mean an opportunity to work in one of those schools for NQT year?
Do I ask for this school as my first or second placement? I've been advised both ways.
The person who said have it as my first placement said that it would be an 'easy in' and if I did well would be good timing for them to consider me for roles coming up whereas second placement may be too late as they will have someone lined up for any upcoming roles already.
The person who said do it second said it would be better to learn behaviour management at a 'tougher' school in first placement and then I could concentrate on subject knowledge in the second placement at the nice school.
Which would you recommend, or does it not much matter? Thanks!