"what could you bring to the 'Whole School Environment'"? PGCE application

[YouMightKnowMe]

Thinking about standard PGCE questios and writing personal statement.

What on earth does the above statement mean?

TBH with teh workload I am expecting I will be happy to go into teh classroom and come out the other side. I am just not sure what they expect the answer to be...am I supposed to offer to run an after school club or something?

I have seen this question in lots of places so it is something I really ned to think about. What sort of things should I be looking for?

i'd start by thinking why you want to be a teacher & why you would be an asset to any school!!

Oh yeah I have done all that.

I have answered all of the other "classic" questions strengths, weaknesses, how to handle behaviour etc.

I just can't see what else I would bring to a school outside the core teaching of my subject.

Well thats not quite true...I just can't see what "extra-curricular" type activities I could provide. I am a scientist and will be teaching science (hopefully). I could always start a baking club, or a birthday cake rota for the staff room but I am not sure whether that is what they are asking!!!

yes this is about your willingness to give more than the hours in the classroom - run a lunchtime choir/gardening club/eco friends club/needlework/science club etc etc

its what makes YOU stand out from everyone else

but isnt it about bringing your own skills, personality & enthusiasm to the role....possibly even educating pupils!

I have in the past done after school cookery club and healthy kids club - learning about health diet/exercise etc

is this primary?
are there any sports you play?
have you ever acted?
any hobbies you have that you could share in any way?

Think about cross curricular stuff too, you may have to teach pshe, citizenship type stuff, also you will have to be a form tutor so pastoral stuff. It is a while since i taught in a secondary school so there is probably more 'current' stuff you may have to consider which is not extra curricular but you will be expected to do if you see what i mean.

Of course it is Whizz and I can answer to all of that....but this is about what makes me (hopefully) better than someone that does that....

This is secondary.

I could (obviously) do a science club...but surely any science teacher could do that (whether they have the desire to do so is obviously another question).

sorry I see now you are a secondary school scientist (as was I)

would you consider starting a D of E group, or a group that encourages able bodied teens to befriend disabled people, or visit old peoples homes etc? chess club?

we had all sorts!

I have good IT skills so cold this be about maintain departmental websites? Databases etc. Or is that dull?

I put a bit of both - like enjoying learning new crafts and things like that (to show i was willing to learn new things)

Are you applying for a primary teaching course or secondary - cos primary you usually can't just do science - you need to do it all....

But maybe it's about other things - your willingness to help out with after school clubs, or help with fetes - and just willingness to pitch in and be part of a team - So maybe add a bit about stuff you might have organised in your last job - etc,. to show you're a team player.

Science magazine? I saw a really good one in one of teh schools I visited. Makes the kids think about current science

use your IT skills to

develop the school website (some are great, some are crap)

set up a school newspaper/magazine - get kids to be reporters etc - include reports on school events, news, puzzles, local issues

or to get the school into emailing letters etc home to parents - reducing the paper wasted/lost on the way home

Do you have any unusual hobbies that might help you set up a club? Emphasise willingness to get involved in exisiting initiatives like a science club too.

Maybe industry links that could help you set up work-placement schemes or co-ordinate careers advice?

I'd interpret whole school stuff more as willingness to be involved in pastoral care etc though. Showing an awareness that teaching doesn't begin and end at the lab door is just as important as harping on about your subject.

Don't forget the whole pastoral side, being a form teacher. Look at Every child matters for idea.

There is more to being a teacher than teaching your subject specialism. (Working in cross curriula teams, have you helped on school tips etc.)

They are taking the p*ss because they want you to work for free.