My first week

Wednesday
We went over the Teaching Standards again and looked through our handbooks regarding a variety of form templates, from lesson observation forms to planning forms for maths and English. Our lecturer guided us through the basics but we were informed that we would learn more about planning at a later date when it becomes more relevant. We talked about the professional responsibilities of a teacher and all the things that teachers are required to do. In the afternoon we looked at the pen portraits which will be used to assess our progress throughout the course and we also looked at our individual training plans. Before we were allowed to leave we were given our MA Education assignment information – tomorrow we have our first Masters lecture… scary!

Thursday
In the morning, we had our first music session with a teacher and music coordinator. She was a really nice lady and got everyone involved in singing along with her. It was amazing how reluctant people were at first but by the end of the session we were harmonising using our ‘best singing voices’. Some of the tips and techniques from the session will definitely come in handy.

In the afternoon the unions came which meant… free stuff! I now have 3 spare tote bags, spare stationary, wall planners (which I needed) and a stress ball in the shape of a brain. I’ll write a post on unions soon.

After lunch we started our first Masters lecture, which was very information heavy but at least I know what I’m supposed to do for my assignment now, phew! I will also explain this in another post.

Friday
We met our professional tutor who will be guiding us throughout the duration of the year. The people who I will be in school with for the next few weeks came together to find out what we will be doing when we go into school next week. Basically we need to do observations and research which should be really interesting.

I didn’t feel very well today; I had a sore throat last night, one of those that make you feel like you’re constantly swallowing sandpaper! Hopefully if it’s a cold, I will recover and be immune before I go into school!

We talked about how to survive on the course. It was reassuring to know that help and support is always available and it’s okay to make mistakes because we are still learning.

So that’s the first week complete! It’s been really interesting, long and paperwork heavy but I am looking forward to going into school next week as a trainee teacher. I’ve got a few bits to do over the weekend regarding research and reading. I may just go for a run/long walk round the local lake, depending on the throat situation. I will keep you updated soon with how everything is going.

Rachel

First day nerves!

Well today felt like the first day of school; I was a bag of nerves as I ate my breakfast this morning, anticipating the day ahead – I had finally made it, this was the day I had waited so long for – my first day as a trainee teacher.

To be fair, it was a good day; it was very information heavy, needless to say. The morning lecture lasted from 9 – 12.30, by which time I was starving because there was so much to take in and remember that my brain was on overload and I was in serious need of some energy. Our lecturer took us through a PowerPoint about ‘Teaching and Learning’ and we went through all the legal responsibilities and signed our contacts for the course. After a much needed lunch break we did a few activities which I understood to be icebreakers because we had to split into partners to do a few activities. We learnt about our ePortfolio and the teaching standards. Then we were free to go (and have a lie down, haha).

I found the day really valuable and I met some really nice people. Everyone I’ve spoke to so far seems genuine and friendly, all eager to start the next journey in their/our lives.

Admittedly I was a little bored as we finished early so I went and had a walk around the area. The weather was ideal and it seemed a shame to waste it. Quite suddenly I became homesick, I’m not sure what triggered it, but I started thinking about things like my dad’s cooking, conversations with my mum, taking my dog for a walk, holding hands with my fiancé… I felt alone I suppose. I’m still adjusting to my new life and my feelings are still raw. I’m hoping that by half term in a few weeks I’ll feel much more at home here and less dependant on my memories of home.

It’s been an interesting and long day! I’ll write another post once this induction week has finished 🙂 Now it’s time to relax before another busy day tomorrow.

Rachel

It all begins tomorrow!

I apologise for the lack of posts in the last few weeks, the reasons of which I will explain in this post. It’s finally time to get out the pens, diary and sticky notes as tomorrow is the day I start my PGCE! It’s basically an introduction day, registration, documentation, etc… I’m interested to see the other trainees and the lecturers; I can imagine it’s going to be a real assortment of people with different backgrounds and stories to tell. I’m looking forward to getting to know people – evidently we are all in the same boat so I think there will be quite a few restless nights tonight.

Although I’m excited to start my course, I have made the difficult decision to leave behind my fiancé and our dog to come to a university over 200 miles away. I knew it would eventually happen, because I have known about my place on the course since January but now I’m here it’s been quite tough. The first night without my fiancé I cried and cried, resulting in buying eye drops for my very bloodshot eyes! I hated saying goodbye but I know it’s not forever and FaceTime really does help, especially when I get to see my dog! 🙂

I’m currently living in a house with 7 other people – I’m the only student, they are all professionals and this is what I prefer. My PGCE year isn’t about partying or being a stereotypical student; I’m going to need all the peace and quiet I can get! The people here drift in and out so I’ve had time to relax and rejuvenate myself before I start tomorrow. They seem nice enough so I can’t complain 🙂 and it’s made the transition down here easier.

Well, I’ll try and write another post at the end of this week to keep you updated! Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Rachel