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AIBU?

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Original poster

Should I ask to be added to the WhatsApp group?

33 replies

thisdayandthenext · 22/02/2022 12:45

I am on my PGCE placement at the moment, all the staff at the school on a WhatsApp group where information is shared amongst staff. I was speaking to a friend and she advised me to ask politely if I can join the group but I feel uncomfortable doing this as I’m not a member of staff at the school and I just don’t think it’s something that I should expect to be added to.

Am I right in what I am thinking?

OP posts:
OinkyO · 22/02/2022 12:46

Just ask and say something like is it ok if you're added while you're there. So it makes clear you'll leave when you leave.

StripyOnesie · 22/02/2022 12:46

Oh I wouldn't ask.

AryaStarkWolf · 22/02/2022 12:47

I'd probably agree with you and think no, if you're only there on a placement and not a member of staff as such, are you missing loads of information you need? If you are then bring that up and maybe they will add you but I don't think I'd ask

StopFeckingFaffing · 22/02/2022 12:48

How long is your placement?

Assuming it is a half term or longer then I don't think it is unreasonable to suggest that you are temporarily added to the WhatsApp group for the duration of your placement

LondonQueen · 22/02/2022 12:49

I would ask about it, depends what is shared in the group. We have a PGCE student at our school and he is in the WhatsApp group and other various ones eg google spaces.

edwinbear · 22/02/2022 12:50

Yes, I'd ask politely, making it clear you're happy to leave it once you leave. I really can't see the harm at all if everyone knows it's temporary.

LetsGoDoDoDo · 22/02/2022 12:52

Yes, of course you should be added you are a part of their team! If I were you, I'd politely mention it to my supervisor and ask if you could be added temporarily for the duration of your placement. Simply say that you are aware that important information is shared via WhatsApp and you don't want to miss out. Keep it short and sweet... it doesn't really warrant a discussion as it's common sense! It's probably just an oversight that you haven't beed added yet. Good luck with your placement :)

Cantchooseaname · 22/02/2022 12:53

I really wouldn’t, just make sure your mentor knows to pass on relevant info- no need for you to join.

Viviennemary · 22/02/2022 12:53

I don't think you should ask. It's a bit forward. Let them offer.

ohhooh · 22/02/2022 12:55

Hasn't this been posted recently?

I think if you're not staff, then no I wouldn't ask. Can your mentor just share appropriate things with you on a need to know basis?

TrufflesAndToast · 22/02/2022 12:56

Perhaps instead of asking to join you could frame it as ‘should I be part of the group while I’m on placement here’? So framing it as ‘is it helpful for me to be on it’ rather than ‘add me please’.

user1471530109 · 22/02/2022 12:57

This is odd. What kind of information is shared on WhatsApp? Are you sure it's not just the staff who have set it up to chat work related stuff as friends/colleagues? I can't imagine a WhatsApp group set up by SLT? All important information for staff should be sent via email. Do you have a temporary school email?

DysmalRadius · 22/02/2022 13:16

Could you ask your mentor if it would be easier for you to be added to the group rather than them having to pass on any relevant information? That way they can decide whether it would be a good idea or not and you aren't asking directly.

Idontevenknow · 22/02/2022 13:17

No don't ask. Not appropriate and if they felt you needed to be on it they would have said / added you.

Sportslady44 · 22/02/2022 13:34

most whats app groups are crap. People sending memes and videos all the time. You might not be missing out on anything.

Cakeandcardio · 22/02/2022 14:08

Work stuff might be mentioned on the chat in an informal basis but I highly doubt it's the main form of communication- that should be email. Is it secondary or primary?
Furthermore, you might need to know relevant information for your class / classes but have no need to be informed of whole school / wider issues. You are a student on a short term placement. Focus on your lessons. Your mentor can pass anything else on on a need to know basis.

SNUG2022 · 22/02/2022 14:16

Our group in a school was very, very strict, so I'm really not sure. The second anyone left they were deleted, and no memes etc allowed. It was mainly a quick way to report absence to each other or people running late.

hollyivysaurus · 22/02/2022 14:44

I teach secondary and we never add trainees to our group, not sure why but it’s not the done thing. I think we are probably more professional with trainees, not that we’re unprofessional hugely with each other, but it’s a different dynamic with trainees, welcome though they are!

Teach234 · 22/02/2022 14:45

No don't ask. Your class teacher/ mentor will share everything you need to know and it can be emailed to you at your university email. That's how I communicate with the students I mentor. You don't need to be in a staff what's app group

Scout98765 · 22/02/2022 14:45

No I wouldn’t ask.

peachescariad · 22/02/2022 14:50

No. We have a science teachers WhatsApp group and have 2 trainees every year and we never invite them. Only permanent staff are invited to join.
Don't embarrass yourself by asking

LondonQueen · 22/02/2022 16:31

@user1471530109

This is odd. What kind of information is shared on WhatsApp? Are you sure it's not just the staff who have set it up to chat work related stuff as friends/colleagues? I can't imagine a WhatsApp group set up by SLT? All important information for staff should be sent via email. Do you have a temporary school email?
Both schools I've worked in have had SLT created whatsapp groups.
wouldHAVEshouldHAVEcouldHAVE · 22/02/2022 16:38

Our school staff have one but anything important is emailed to us.
The Whatsapp group is mainly informal and some of the newer support staff use it as their own personal chat group, post memes and respond to everything the Headteacher posts.
Most teachers and the staff who have worked there longer don’t tend to reply, just use it an information swapper.
I wouldn’t say you aren’t missing out tbh.

wouldHAVEshouldHAVEcouldHAVE · 22/02/2022 16:38

*would say

WhereistheSunset · 22/02/2022 16:39

@TrufflesAndToast

Perhaps instead of asking to join you could frame it as ‘should I be part of the group while I’m on placement here’? So framing it as ‘is it helpful for me to be on it’ rather than ‘add me please’.
This is definitely the way to frame it