Full of practical help and guidance, this is a must have for primary trainees on school experience, whether they are in a school-based or university-based teacher training programme. It begins by helping trainees to plan their own journey through training and beyond. Taking control of their own training in this way supports student teachers to approach the course with confidence, and secure their first teaching job. The book provides guidance on: • adapting to working in school • observing, planning and evaluating in school • teaching on placement • assessing, monitoring and reporting on children’s progress • self-evaluation and how to pre-empt and resolve issues • securing the first teaching job and succeeding in the NQT year For student teachers, the experience of school-based training is exciting but also challenging - this book supports them throughout and prepares them for the journey ahead. Student feedback on this book: “Having been on a variety of teaching placements myself, I know just how daunting and overwhelming experiences in school can be at times – even with a supportive mentor by your side! Hence, I felt that this book can smooth out and rectify those worries one may face during a school placement, and offers the reader a realistic insight into school experiences. In my opinion, the most useful chapter by far is the ‘Moving On’ chapter near the end of the book. This explains how to conclude a school placement, what to expect from an interview, and even how to set out a CV for a teaching position. This was not something I expected to find in this book however it was very much welcomed and is, in fact, a very important, valuable part of the book. This is the type of book you can buy on your very first day of teacher training and use well into your days as a newly qualified teacher.“ - Jasmin, Primary Teacher Trainee (University of Northampton)

Starting in school

Starting in school

Learning outcomes

In this chapter we aim to help you gather information in a setting that is new to you. Even if you have considerable experience in schools you may benefit from taking a close look at the culture and organisation.

By the end of this chapter you should:

  • know the purpose of the first few days you spend in school;
  • know what to find out about your school;
  • know what information to collect about your class;
  • be able to observe in the first days in your class.

Early days in school

At or before the start of the main body of a block of school based training, or at the start of that placement, you will spend a few days in the school to get used ...

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