Anyone starting their PGCE.. oh, about now?

[Dinomania]

As above really. Might be good for moral support if you manage to find time to get on here...

...having an easy week this week as it's all inductions and registrations etc. - I think it's going to be all-systems-go from next week with no let up until about July!

So, I'm starting a Secondary Science PGCE, specialising in Physics.

Anyone else?

 

[neil3k]

having seen how hectic a primary education degree/PGCE is in general let me wish you good luck.

You won't stop until next July after this week

 

[GingerNinja1989]

<Puts hand up>

Doing Secondary ICT here. On my second day in a primary school before I'm let loose on the big 'uns next week!

Good luck to you sara, and anyone else who pokes their head in here.

 

[titaniumx3]

I feel sorry for you.

 

[Andelusion]

I started mine last week

Secondary PGCE in Music.

We've already been told where our first placements are, 4 days a week for 3 weeks, I start next week, mainly observing but looking forward to getting stuck in!

The work load looks a little daunting at first, as does the amount of resources, assignments and documents available but I suppose that's better than having nothing.

 

[GingerNinja1989]

As long as you keep on top of it all, you'll be fine

 

[Dinomania]

I hear time management is THE key to all this. We shall see!

BTW, I have no time for doomsayers. We all start the PGCE knowing it's tough, thank you.

 

[makeshiftwings]

BTW, I have no time for doomsayers. We all start the PGCE knowing it's tough, thank you.

I concur started my PGCE a week ago, doing secondary English. We have been warned countless times about how much work you have to put in, how your personal relationships will suffer etc etc...but there really is so much support available and it'll all be postive come the end.

 

[Dinomania]

Yup, tons of people to ask for help - must do that before I come home and take it all out on the poor boyfriend...

 

[vicisthebest]

Run, run while you still can!

Not really, you'll love it. Best job in the world - But say goodbye to your social life - I haven't had one for just over a year now!

Vicky - Y5 teacher, just out of NQT year

 

[Danthus]

All those holidays are worth the pain.

 

[mjt]

I'm currently teaching English in the primary section at a private school with only a CELTA and I do feel rather out of my depth at times.

I'm planning on doing a PGCE in the near future though as there's only so much a CELTA and two years' experience can do.. Good luck!

 

[kiwi]

In my NQT year for Secondary ICT. Already mentioned but time management is the key. Also:

• try not to let it get too much, it can and will seem like too much but take some time to step back; it's all worth it.
• get enough sleep
• just good enough is fine, don't kill yourself
• NQT year is much easier

 

[Andelusion]

[*]NQT year is much easier
[/LIST]

Thanks for the insights!

Care to elaborate on why the NQT year is easier?

We've been told that the amount of work you have to do will largely depend on the school you end up working at, for example some schools will have well established schemes of work and resources which point you in a specific direction, resulting in less planning (?), especially if you're not the head of department, is this along the lines of what you mean?

 

[kiwi]

Thanks for the insights!

Care to elaborate on why the NQT year is easier?

We've been told that the amount of work you have to do will largely depend on the school you end up working at, for example some schools will have well established schemes of work and resources which point you in a specific direction, resulting in less planning (?), especially if you're not the head of department, is this along the lines of what you mean?

It does vary, and I guess it isn't a blanket statement. I'm at a school which is renowned for working teachers hard. Despite this, the level of formal planning is way down, no annoying lesson plans for each lesson. The amount of freedom you get reduces the stress, no-one constantly looking over your shoulder. Also, the fact you're not being constantly judged by the teacher in the room with you lets you do your own thing.

You're right about the resources too, we as NQTs had a fair bit of planning for the department to do over summer/start of term, but once it's done, it's all there and you're teaching a full year so it's less work in the long run.

 

[square_imp]

Sara - I finished my PGCE in Physics at Bristol last year and have just started teaching. My housemate (also physics) has just started exactly the same course - Physics PGCE at Bristol. Was a really good year and by far the best advice is this:

1. Sleep
2. Satisfactory is ok

Enjoy...