Anyone been on a primary PGCE?

Oxy how long did you teach for just out of interest? And at how many schools? Do you think this was due to the perticular school? Cheers.
 
I volunteered for a year at a nice one in the countryside which was nice (I went part-time at my old job so spend one day a week at the school and would take a weeks leave the go up the school for the whole week), although you get different problems such as parents riffling through the teachers desk to find out if there kid is top of the class, etc etc.

In my area of the country the majority of the schools are bad.

So I had volunteered for a year and abit, and did 6 months of the PGCE, specialising in childrens entertainer years 1-4. I was even told by the teacher not to attempt to teach them to right during my assessment as they would be uncontrollable :eek: I tried it once and one little boy went insane half way through the lesson, strangled a girl, kicked the TA, throw chairs around, I had to raise the alarm for the behaviour manager to come and restrain him why I evacuated the class room with all the other children.

At this point I realised what a massive mistake I had made, triple the hours, 33% less pay and the hell of the classroom.

Have you volunteered at a few schools? By your questions it seems like you haven't, I would go ring up your local school and see if you can spend a few days there before you start PGCE... I guess it's too late now.

EDIT: you don't get a choice of placement and you won't get a choice in your first teaching job. Be prepared for an organised Zoo setting, then if you get a good one for your training then jackpot! Just realise 95% of the schools are crap wholes, if you can get a thick skin and accept that bad behaviour will be rewarded with toys and swimming trips then teaching is for you!
 
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Sorry guys, been pretty busy this weekend.

Have you volunteered at a few schools? By your questions it seems like you haven't, I would go ring up your local school and see if you can spend a few days there before you start PGCE... I guess it's too late now.

Yeah, I've volunteered, of course. Having been on the course yourself you of all people should know that you won't even get considered without the relevant experience.

Maybe I was just at decent school where I volunteered, but I had a really good time. Bit tiring since I had a job at the same time, but still enjoyed it as much as I could've done. Teachers were all nice, the kids were great (most of them), and got on well with the Head and Deputy.

It's possible I was just lucky and will have a terrible time of it on the PGCE and drop out, have a breakdown etc :p. But hopefully I don't ;)
 
The experience is very dependent on the school. I was very lucky with both of my placements and ended up in two very good schools. I have heard some horror stories from some other students though.
 
The experience is very dependent on the school. I was very lucky with both of my placements and ended up in two very good schools. I have heard some horror stories from some other students though.

Yeah, I could definitely imagine this being the case. I think if I get a good first school just to get me over my current nagging doubts, I'll be fine, but if I get an awful first school, I...I just don't know:(
 
I always got the impression that PGCE was akin to throwing an untrained, unexperienced human being to a pack of wolfs. If you came out the other end you'll be alright, sadly the majority don't. For me it was one of the most soul destroying part of my post grad experience. All I am saying is don't expect much help, and be prepared to pretty much teacher train yourself.

This was my experience 15 years ago, im sure now they have a much better system /cynicism off

Also to add you need to have the personality for it - no matter how good you are or how hard you work if you don't have it, forget it. I realise now I was totally unsuited to it. And isn't it a bit late to be asking these questions when you're about to go on the course?

Oh and my experience was secondary school.
 
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And isn't it a bit late to be asking these questions when you're about to go on the course?

I wasn't ever asking if I should go on the course, I was only asking for advice for when I do on the course from people who may have done it themselves, or know people who are on it/have done it.
 
The experience is very dependent on the school. I was very lucky with both of my placements and ended up in two very good schools. I have heard some horror stories from some other students though.

This. I had an awful second school for placement which is the make-or-break placement. All I will say to the OP is be organised. REALLY organised. Your time management has to be nailed on 24/7. You can't afford to slip at all. Don't be surprised if you're up til 1 or 2am working every single day.
 
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