Question about PGCEs?

Question

I want to become a History teacher at a secondary school and want to do my PGCE next year. Before I apply I need experience/to observe a class, how do I go about that?

Answer 1

Idk. Oh, your asking me how i would go about that , which would be me, NOT you. SO, wat i would do is get a job at mcdonalds and once you reach 20,000$$$$$ Then sign upp for that class. If you live in Utah they have one called PGCE Preperation. I guess that's a class.

BUt if your mad and mouthy you should not be a teacher!!!

Answer 2

ask a local school

the course is hard work i just finished it last friday woo hoo

good luck

Answer 3

Do you have links with a secondary school? Such as close relatives there, friends who are teachers there etc? I was told on applying for a PGCE that it can be difficult to arrange an observation if you are not known within the school. I'm still at uni, away from home, and had problems getting into a school here since there was no-one from inside the school to vouch for me (plus I hadn't realised that Scottish schools have their exams ridiculously early!!), so I had to go to my interview having not done any observation. I did get a place, but one of the conditions is that I need to still do an observation. I am going back to my old high school, which will feel weird, but they already know who I am, which makes it much easier.

Good luck!!

Answer 4

You'll find that your old high school will be more than happy to let you observe lessons across a week - as they want you to succeed they'll be happy to help!

Alternatively doing primary school observation counts too so try this route also. To get bonus points ask your local kids afterschool club/football club/ballet school if you can help out for a few hours.

To get things rolling you should apply for you police check now to show initiative and also it will help as any organisation related to children won't let you even observe without this!!

Good luck!!

Answer 5

Telephone one of your local schools. Tell them you are enrolling for the PGCE course and would like to go into their school to observe/help out.

I found my local school to be really helpful. It may also be useful for you to spend time in both secondary and primary schools just for the experience.

Answer 6

Hi , why don't try www.tda.gov.uk ? I am sure they will give you some guidance. Good luck

Answer 7

Try going back to the secondary school you attended - if it's nearby, if the head teacher or a class teacher remembers you, (preferrably the one who taught you GCSE History!) they'll be more likely to let you attend.

Good Luck!

Answer 8

Contact a local school and ask to be a visitor for a week!

That's what I did and worked :)

Good luck you'll love the job!

Answer 9

Go and work in a school for a week. Try and see some other areas, like other humanities, just for experience as as a teacher you ahve to cover classes. Also make sure you see a variety of teachers ( they differ greatly), ability children, and age groups. Call and ask to speak to the deputy head. They should be able to OK it for you. You may have to get a police check though, but for voluntary work this should be free. It might also be a good idea to ask the local primary school and sixth form if you can go and watch a couple of history lessons in them. Showing an interest in the key stages below and above the one you wish to teach will look excellent on your personal statement, and would be something good to talk about in interviews; and you need to have done something over and above the othe rapplicants that shows your commitment and interest.

Answer 10

Most high schools have a member of staff who deals with student teachers and requests like yours. Ask when you phone who this is, then you know who to contact if they are not available.

It should be relatively easy to get some observation of classes done before your course, however, timing is important. Don't try at exam time for example.

Some schools insist that you  produce proof of a recent police check.

Lastly, don't give up if you don't get any joy at the first school you try.

Good luck, it's a great profession.