School Experience

[RimmersLustMonster]

I have a five-day school experience placement (primary) next week prior to starting my PGCE in September. I don't want to be in the way so would be grateful for any tips from primary teachers/heads/TAs as to what they would expect/appreciate from a visitor in that situation :)

Be clear about what you want to get out of the placement and discuss this with them before you start

I did this and the school was fantastic about me spending time with different year groups, observing phonics support sessions etc

Friends didn't and spent a lot of time sorting libraries, sticking things in books and cutting out things for wall displays

I would observe the main teaching input then sit with a group supporting the activity and worked with a broad range of ability groups in maths and English as well as mixed ability for science

When you are talking to the children you need to keep them on task -some children will want to talk to you about anything other than what they are supposed to be doing

Also make sure you know the schools behaviour system -all adults in the class should be supporting it

Angels, sorry, didn't mean it to come across as a list of things you will and won't do

More along the lines of 'I'd really appreciate it if I could observe some observe some phonics sessions' type thing

I'm doing later years but wanted to spend some time in early years too

I also did some cutting out etc but it wasn't the bulk of what I did

Thank you both, that's really useful!

Fortunately I know my Head so I have already been able to be very open with her about the subjects/age groups my PGCE provider would like me to observe and she is timetabling me accordingly. However, I'm very conscious that the other staff don't know me at all and I would hate to appear pushy, or to be unhelpful. Lots of good ideas here I hadn't thought about so consciously. Especially timings and learning the behaviour policy ahead of time!

Was thinking of leaving a box of chocs/flowers in the staff room at the end of the week too...

Top tips
Expect people to be very busy and show your appreciation for their time (go OTT in this)
Help children to get the answer/ideas for themselves- ask more questions than giving out answers.
Watch how the teacher/TA deal with disruption and quietly emulate if a child is being a bit silly but don't overstep your authority. E.g I don't think Mrs Smith would be very impressed with that Charlie, would she? Right, well I don't won't to see you doing that again.
Stay after school until the teacher leaves if possible. At least 50% of the job happens outside school.
Get on and help with practical things e.g sweeping sand, sorting books out, relocating jumpers with their owners.

Good luck!

I agree!

Get stuck in. Ask what you can do to help or sharpen pencils, tidy book trolleys etc.

Go out on some playground duties. Hear readers.

Definitely say thank you for their time and don't rush off as soon as the children do. Could you help with any after school clubs? Ask what you can do to help before you go, whether it be photocopying, laminating, mounting work for display, filing, washing paint pots...

You might be allowed to attend briefings or staff meetings.

I hope that you enjoy your week and find it valuable.

Stay after school until the teacher leaves if possible. At least 50% of the job happens outside school.

Unless you are actively doing something useful-I have to say that this would really piss me off! Sitting there watching me mark, tidy up and assess (which is about 60% of the job, would be boring for you and irritating for me.

This is all such brilliant stuff- thanks so much! Lots of food for thought...

Fair point about annoying the teacher by getting under their feet, does depend on the teacher. However I have found going through assessment/marking and how/why we do that, looking at planning for the following day etc has been useful for students/work experience people I've had in. So play it by ear.