I applying for PGCE (UK) and I am reading Teach Like a Champion, as it's written by an American is there anything I should bear in mind?

[funkytwig]

It has been recommended several times to me and I am looking through it in preparation for my PGCE interviews, which include some mini-lessons. But was wondering what I should bear in mind as it's written by an American, and I am in the UK.

I dought I will have time to read it cover to cover before the interview (Actually no chance) so are there any bits I should concentrate on?

*doubt

Have you done any observing lessons in school? Do you have any experience working with young people?

I haven’t read that book but when I was applying they wanted to know you have reasonable expectations and were used to working/volunteering with young people. Make sure you read up on current issues within education.

When is your interview?

I don't think reading one book is the best prep for PGCE interviews. You've hopefully done some observation in school- so you have real life experience to talk about? A lot of the questions will focus on things like your subject knowledge, skills and experience. They don't expect you to know how to teach already. They may well ask you about current issues in education in England/Wales, too.

They're looking for someone with resilience (PGCE is mental), with decent subject knowledge, a good knowledge of how the UK school system works, with qualities like empathy, confidence and organisation which will help them become a good teachers.

If your time is limited, I'd suggest reading some articles on schools week over reading a book.

Be aware that things like curriculum are seen as very important in England at the moment, and also that Rosenshine is currently very popular.

In terms of your mini teach, they are not looking for the finished product- just someone who has the skills to stand and present confidently!

That said, there's so few people applying for PGCEs right now, you'd probably have to do something pretty drastic not to be offered a place!

That said, there's so few people applying for PGCEs right now, you'd probably have to do something pretty drastic not to be offered a place!

Not necessarily true. It very much depends on area and subject or phase. For example, primary PGCEs are still pretty oversubscribed where I live.

Thanks, everybody. I've done two experience days. I realize just reading one book will not give me everything but it's fascinating. Turns out he actually has examples from the UK so he is considering the UK.

I've also looked through OCR and AQA GCSE revision notes (CGP) and found a A Level om (MY REVISION NOTES) to get my head round what this includes.

One of the reasons ime looking at it is I have a couple of mini-lessons to teach. Will post another question regarding this.

Doug Lemov is popular with a lot of UK school SLT so I wouldn't worry too much on that front. I actually found Teach Like a Champion quite useful in parts for teaching Economics. In my experience teaching interviews often ask you what you would do in various child protection scenarios, so have a think about that.