Going on school experience is a key part of teacher training and involves working closely with learners in a range of educational contexts. As such, there are specific aspects of teaching practice that you will need to consider while on placement.
Safeguarding
Part of your work with children involves an awareness of the safeguarding responsibilities of a teacher. When you are in school, it is likely that you will become aware of challenging circumstances of pupils in your class(es). You may also be someone a pupil discloses to; in this case it is essential that you follow the safeguarding policy in your placement school.
If you feel distressed by a safeguarding concern or situation at school, seek support from your mentor and PCM at the school in the first instance. Your link tutor and personal tutor are also available to support you while you are on placement.
Workload
You will follow a training plan while in school, which outlines the requirements of your training. As with a career in teaching, placements bring with them a considerable workload in the form of planning, teaching, marking, observing colleagues, and contributing to wider school life. It is therefore key to maintain an organised approach to your placement by planning your PPA time carefully to complete tasks. You should seek support from your mentor about strategies to balance your various responsibilities and ensure that you have at least one day a week where you are not completing placement related work.
Receiving feedback
Part of training to be a teacher involves engaging in a cycle of professional development. Receiving constructive feedback can be challenging at times and it is important to focus on the strengths of your developing practice as well as your areas for growth. Speak to your mentor and link tutor about this if you feel you need additional support with this.
Professional behaviours
As a St Mary's trainee, you are expected to demonstrate a high standard of professionalism at all times. Adjusting to new working environments is an important part of this as you will need to embody the ethos and values of the school you are working in. This involves maintaining good working relationships with the staff at the school and contributing to wider school life.
When your wellbeing is impacted, it can become challenging to demonstrate these professional behaviours. Seek support from your mentor, link tutor, and personal tutor to help you move forwards if you feel this would help you in this area of your practice.