PGCE Preparation

Hello again busy bees!

As previously mentioned, I am in the awkward stage of finish my Undergraduate degree and have yet to start my PGCE. As somebody who has to be OVERLY prepared for just about anything (although I understand you can never be too ready for Teacher Training), I am always looking for ways to extended my knowledge so I hopefully don't feel too out of dept when September rolls around! Here are a few things I have done already:

• Read a few topical books and the ones I recommend are: PGCE Survival Guide incorporating #pgcetips by Tim Handley, How to be an Outstanding Trainee Teacher: The Complete Guide by Mike Gershon (FREE on Kindle Unlimited) and How to Be an Outstanding Primary School Teacher (Outstanding Teaching) by David Dunn. - I shall write a separate PGCE book review post to explain these in more detail, but all have been very helpful and are highly rated in my books!

• Extended my experience - SO you've been offered a place on your preferred route into Teacher Training. All those days on work expirence were worth it, no need to do anymore...right? However, there is a huge gap between the applying/interview stage and actually beginning the course or starting placement. I work in a nursery and love it, I continue my learning everyday, run sessions, complete paperwork and observations which have contributed to me feeling a little more prepared! I have also previously worked for a sports summer camp and I could not recommend that field of work for students looking to go into teaching (they also offer work expirence placements if you do not have a coaching qualification).
• Passed the Initial Teacher Training Professional skills tests - My GOODNESS what a palaver where they!? Many sleepless nights and raging levels of anxiety which very, very nearly resulted in deferring my place...all to end in my passing first time. My advice...don't worry at all, it will be fine. Practice the online tests, join the Facebook support group (QTS Skills Test Support) and see if your new University offer tutoring days! 

• Sorted out my bedroom - Got rid of bags and bags of old clothes and clutter. Organised my wardrobe into start clothes and more causal clothes for University. Change it around to create more space. Bought and assembled another storage unit that will hold paper, printer, laminator, files, books and everything else. Again, I am a bit of a control freak when it comes to organisation, so I would LOVE to to a room tour aimed at trainee teachers!

•  I phone the University (several times) to put my mind at ease. I asked questions like start date, reading list, preparation, enrolment and details of the course. All were answered quickly and thoroughly. So, if you have and worries, voice them! The University are there to help! 

• Got my health in good order! - Over the past few weeks I have been to the doctors for blood tests, ECG and for a general health check, I have been to the Opticians and replaced my glasses and I have been to the dentist. I also plan to have the flu-jab. Just little things that will make my life a lot easier if I'm (hopefully) not ill in the next few months!

• Signed up to TES and the Guardian! - Both fabulous ways to keep up to date with what is happening in the world of education! 

I have obviously done many more little things and will update in due course. However, I would LOVE to hear any other tips from students in my position or teachers who have been though the same!

Speak soon,

Emily x