Finding out our Schools!

Presentation: Learning as a PGCE Student
The day began by highlighting our tutors in different positions:

• Curriculum Tutor: Gabriel
• General Tutor: Roger Firth
• School Mentor: ?
• Professional Tutor: Chris Deakin
• College Tutor: ?

We were advised to "get reading" so after setting up an account and password to log on to the computer, I was finally able to search for

Getting the buggers to behave [B1]

find the coding and meander around the library until I found it. As I'm expecting a lot of reading this year, all of the references will be put on the document below.
Course References

Trevor made a very interesting comment about feedback on pupils' work:

Pupils never intentionally make a mistake; most children are trying to get it right

So when looking at their mistakes, try and think about why they've got that misconception and think about how you can correct it next lesson. Additionally, when helping a particular student, position yourself so you can still see the majority of the class.

Things to think about in observations:

• classroom organisation
• spend some time in reception
• opening and ending routines
• transitions between phases
• behaviour management
• see the same class / student in different subjects
• targetted observation is more useful than general
• continue observations throughout the programme

When teaching, think about what you are aiming to achieve in that lesson.

The presentation culminated with a rather depressing quote:

Just when you think you see a light at the end of the tunnel, it's just some bugger with a torch bringing you more work.

Fabulous. 



Meeting with General Tutor
Yesterday we found out which school we are in:

Today we met with our general tutor in school groups, where I have found 9 other students placed at my school including one in mathematics. Note - this tutor assess our PDP Assignment (Personal Development Programme).

We'll be given a travel subsidy of £37 for the journey, a nice bonus! Contributions to petrol from other interns is found here.

Presentation: Schooling and Public Policy

Although rather difficult to hear the lecturer over the air conditioning, some key points were made:

• 1944: Secondary School education became available for all
• Governments have a big impact on the education system
• Teacher standards have now been reduced and made more concise, so there is now more room for interpretation
• Introduction of academies means they are now reportable to the Minister of Education rather than their Local Authority

This final note was interesting:

You can have equality or equality of opportunity but not both. Equality means holding back brighter children.