As I embarked on this journey at the beginning of the Michaelmas Term, I saw myself as a Secondary School Teacher – but thought taking the Teaching Ancient History module would be valuable experience within the learning and teaching environment of a school.
After an interesting car journey of getting lost in the Valleys, I arrived at the Primary School with four fellow students, as prepared as we’d ever been to begin teaching a class of thirty-five Year 3/4s. Once we’d figured out how to work the buzzer, the Clerk invited us into the Holy Grail of the School - the Staff Room! It was such a surreal experience making a cuppa’ with the teacher, but we were the teachers.
Afterwards, it was pretty daunting walking into the classroom, as thirty-five children cheered with the excitement and anticipation of having five new teachers. The classroom was conveniently split into five groups and we assigned ourselves a table each, so when we were not leading the lesson we could build a rapport with each pupil and help them with the tasks. I had seven children in my group, all with unique personalities and mannerisms, which never tired. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each one of them and hopefully, it made a small difference to each of their futures. However, from day one it is fair to say that one pupil particularly was my favourite.
Unfortunately, it was clear during the first lesson that he struggled to integrate into the group and did not wish to actively participate in the lesson. I then made it my mission to see him engaged with the other pupils, the teaching, as well as looking forward to the lessons. Thankfully, to cut a long story short, he worked really hard and continued to improve week-on-week. Hence, it was a privilege to see his face as he lept out of his seat to collect his Certificate at the finale of the Roman Banquet.
It is now my firm intention to apply for a Primary PGCE in Wales. Therefore, if this module has taught me anything, it is to expect the unexpected; to appreciate the uniqueness of each child, while endeavouring to develop his or her potential within a relatively short space of time was an exceptional opportunity.
By Stephanie Leech, 14 January 2015
After an interesting car journey of getting lost in the Valleys, I arrived at the Primary School with four fellow students, as prepared as we’d ever been to begin teaching a class of thirty-five Year 3/4s. Once we’d figured out how to work the buzzer, the Clerk invited us into the Holy Grail of the School - the Staff Room! It was such a surreal experience making a cuppa’ with the teacher, but we were the teachers.
Afterwards, it was pretty daunting walking into the classroom, as thirty-five children cheered with the excitement and anticipation of having five new teachers. The classroom was conveniently split into five groups and we assigned ourselves a table each, so when we were not leading the lesson we could build a rapport with each pupil and help them with the tasks. I had seven children in my group, all with unique personalities and mannerisms, which never tired. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each one of them and hopefully, it made a small difference to each of their futures. However, from day one it is fair to say that one pupil particularly was my favourite.
Unfortunately, it was clear during the first lesson that he struggled to integrate into the group and did not wish to actively participate in the lesson. I then made it my mission to see him engaged with the other pupils, the teaching, as well as looking forward to the lessons. Thankfully, to cut a long story short, he worked really hard and continued to improve week-on-week. Hence, it was a privilege to see his face as he lept out of his seat to collect his Certificate at the finale of the Roman Banquet.
It is now my firm intention to apply for a Primary PGCE in Wales. Therefore, if this module has taught me anything, it is to expect the unexpected; to appreciate the uniqueness of each child, while endeavouring to develop his or her potential within a relatively short space of time was an exceptional opportunity.
By Stephanie Leech, 14 January 2015