Is having any experience with children compulsary to becoming a teacher?

Question

I've had a weeks worth of experience with children in the year i would like to teach last november. It was the best exeprience of my life.

My brother is in the same year also.

Could i get any work experience with children in schools now maybe in out of school clubs as my Alevels arent linked with children?

Answer 1

It's not essential but competition for entry into teaching is fierce at some universities so the more you can add to your personal profile the better. If you can show you have an ongoing interest in children and can interact with them, you will have something to show you are really serious about teaching. To work in out of school clubs or children's groups you will need to go through disclosure process and that can take a bit of time.  Can I suggest that basing your future career on one week's experience might not persuade the assessors that you are really committed to teaching. Get some other experience and show you have staying power - children are demanding and teaching is not an easy life. Don't mean to be rude but I'd also tidy up your grammar and spelling if you want to teach!!!

Answer 2

It's not vital, but if you want to get some more experience, why don't you volunteer to help with your local brownies or girls brigade or a similar group where you don't need any specific qualifications.