Good PGCE experience?

[VJayJazzle]

I was reading a thread in chat about the PGCE year and how it's the hardest and lowest part for some. I'm hoping to do a secondary PGCE in a couple of years and would live to hear any positive experiences. I didn't like to highjack the other thread so thought I'd start my own.

It's a terribly stressful year but so, so worth it. I made life-long friends and I love my job- you can't clock watch with a room full of cheeky teenagers! I would recommend getting some work experience shadowing a teacher in your chosen subject for a week or so and see how you feel!

Thankyou for your reply, ds2 has just started nursery and I'm going to see if I can volunteer at the local high school, as I think it is important to do this.

VJay, excellent idea...you will find it very hard to even get on a course without this experience. I am halfway through the PGCE at the moment...it is hard work!

Thanks for your reply cherrypez. Out of interest, how long should I volunteer for to get some good experience? What would be an ideal length of time in your, or anyone else's, opinion?

Good thread VJay, I'm also hoping to do a PGCE in a couple of years. I keep talking myself back out of it, but it is like an itch that won't go away! I'm hoping for secondary too and wondering about volunteering in the local school, although I'm procrastinating.....

I worked for a year as a Cover Supervisor in between my degree and the PGCE, and this was enough to get on the course...I had applied to do the PGCE straight after my degree but didn't get on the course because I had no experience. The job was perfect experience, and I have just secured my first teaching job for July, straight after I finish the course. Because I have that year of experience I am starting on the higher band of salary than the starting wage, which is brilliant.