Having friends and colleagues who are experiencing the same difficulties to confide in is one of the great advantages of the PGCE route!

I decided to do a PGCE because I did not have much direct experience of teaching and I thought that this type of course would introduce me in the best way, covering all the material needed in preparation for full-time teaching.

UEA has an excellent reputation and the local schools are of a nature that appealed to me. Furthermore, Geography at UEA is particularly well respected, and in interview I was impressed by the lecturing staff.

Training involves two school placements in different kinds of local schools. Roughly, the first placement lasts 8 weeks and the second lasts 12 weeks. Before each placement we spend time at university preparing, both in terms of curriculum studies and general professional development.

There were 19 trainees in our group, these were a large mix of age ranges, and generally a wide and diverse mix of backgrounds. Having friends and colleagues who are experiencing the same difficulties to confide in is one of the great advantages of the PGCE route.

School placements were challenging, and put you on a steep learning curve. Generally they are quite isolating experiences, however because fellow trainees are based in placement schools with you support and friendly faces are often around you. At placement I learned the realities of classroom management, how pupils learn, and a great deal about myself.

I have a job in my second placement school, which is not an uncommon experience, and is definitely a welcome vote of confidence. I would say three things to a prospective student:

  1. Get to know your fellow students well, they can be a great help to you in terms of resources and support.
  2. Start assignments early.
  3. Don't worry!

At first it seems the greatest challenge to overcome is that of discipline. It is difficult at first to realise that you are in charge and you have to behave that way and be quick to discipline pupils who step out of line.

However, later one realises that actually the greatest challenges are the subtleties of communicating difficult material to pupils. Technique time and practise to develop, which is why everybody experiences some failures at first. When you realise that a lesson has gone well, and the pupils have been really involved, learnt the material and enjoyed themselves, it is the greatest highlight of the course and also why you learn to cope with the disappointments. Overall, it is a tough year, but you will learn a lot about yourself, and find it is well worth it.