10 Days Directed Pre-course School Placement Experience Guidance & Forms School of Education Secondary Initial Teacher Training Courses with Qualified Teacher Status

In preparation for discussions in Initial Professional Development (IPD) seminars, the following activities will focus your observations on key aspects of learning and teaching within both Primary and Secondary phases of education. During your pre-course school placements you will need to keep a daily log or diary to record your observations and findings. We hope that you enjoy the school placements and when you begin your course you will have evidence to present and discuss at the first IPD session.

Primary

Secondary

Aim to observe pupils in both Key Stage 1 and 2 and record observation notes in response to the following:

Aim to observe pupils in both Key Stage 3 and 4 and record observation notes in response to the following:

a) The layout and organisation. b) The range of resources available, including library and ICT facilities. c) The organisation of the pupils in the class. Note when the organisation is changed for different activities. d) The organisation of the pupils outside the classroom. Note features of organisation when pupils are engaged in activities in the Hall or other areas within the school. e) The variety of ways in which teachers stimulate pupils interest in the beginning of lessons. f) The class teacher’s approach to behaviour management. List any rewards systems used within the classes observed. g) The relationships between the pupils and teachers, teachers and parents.

a) The layout of the school and resources available to pupils. b) The organisation of pupils in the class. Note differences according to subject demands and teaching styles. If possible, track a student for a day. c) The teachers’ management of behaviour. How are pupils rewarded for positive behaviour? List any reward systems used within the school. d) The range of questions used by teachers to engage pupils and structure lessons. e) The range of extra curricular activities organised during lunch time and after school periods. f) The relationships between the pupils and teachers. g) The links with the wider community

To investigate:

To investigate:

Arrangements for transition from Primary to Secondary School; the transfer of end of Key Stage 2 assessment information.

Induction arrangements for Year 7 pupils; setting of pupils based on end of Key Stage 2 assessment information.

Routines The teacher must organise and structure teaching to ensure best use is made of teaching time and that learning is moving forward. What kinds of routines are in operation in your classroom? Please complete the table:

Time

Activity

e.g. 8.30 – 9.00

Setting up the classroom

Learning Learning takes place inside and outside the school. Teachers need to plan activities which engage learners in purposeful learning. Identify the activities you have observed where different aspects of learning have taken place. 

Complete the table below



Give a brief description of one of the activities that you have observed/engaged in

What kinds of routines are in operation in your classroom? Please complete the table:

Learning through Experience (class visit, observing artefacts etc.)

Comparing, sorting and classifying (science, and numeracy activities, library catalogues etc.) Through investigation (using CD ROM, internet sites, text books to pursue a line of enquiry) Communication (oral, written and visual forms of communication) Reflection and evaluation (to encourage learners to form opinions, draw conclusions etc.) Play activities (communication, social, physical skills) Creative activities (communication of ideas through art, music, dance, and drama) Exploring, designing, planning, making and evaluating (design technology) Health related activities (dance, games, gymnastics, swimming, athletic activities and outdoor and adventurous activities Personal and Social Education (moral and spiritual development, beliefs and practices of the major world faiths) Identify where essential skills have been developed in different activities (numeracy, literacy, ICT, investigative skills)

Type of activity observed

Display Display is an important aspect of the learning environment and should be seen as a teaching and learning resource. The following table identifies some of the key functions of display. Complete the table identifying the types of display you have seen in the school.

Some of the purposes of display To make the environment attractive

To communicate ideas

To communicate information

To stimulate interest

To show appreciation of children’s work

To reflect the ethos of the school

Brief description of examples seen

Lesson Planning

Date: ____________________________

Class/Year: __________________________

Duration of lesson: _________________

Topic: _______________________________

Learning Objectives Did the teacher explain what the lesson would entail?

Assessment How did the teacher find out what had been learnt during the lesson?

Resources What resources were used? (e.g. apparatus, computers, textbooks)

Classroom organisation How was the seating arranged?

Teaching Points: Describe in bullet points the content of the lesson.

The Role of the Teacher At the end of your two week pre-university experience reflect on your experiences and consider what you believe to be the various roles of the teacher. Complete the boxes below.

The Role of the Teacher

School of Education School Experience Form for Prospective Teachers Candidate’s name................................................................................................................ Course.................................................................................................................................. I wish to confirm that I have attended a Primary/Secondary School (as appropriate): Name of School................................................................................................................... Between the dates..................................................and....................................................... Headteacher’s name........................................................................................................... School telephone number................................................................................................... Signed.................................................... (Student)

School stamp

Signed.................................................... (Headteacher)

It would be appreciated if the school could include below, details of the experience gained. ........................................................................................................................................................ ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................................ ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... (please continue overleaf)

Experience gained (cont’d). ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................................... .........................................................................................................................................................