The End/ Tips

The PGCE is finished!!

Our last couple of days back in uni were odd. It was strange yet lovely to see people from the course, and great to compare stories. We wrote letters to ourselves at the beginning of the course which were returned to us on the last day. It was nice to re-read what I'd said to myself, but the university was its usual disorganised self and so the final day didn't really feel special.


Then we had the end of course party. It was a lovely night.

Despite the title of this post though, it really isn't the end. It's just the beginning.

Since finishing, I've been into my new school to sign paperwork and to find out what I'll be teaching next year. I'm getting quite a bit of freedom over the texts I choose. This was my first big shock, and when the weight of responsibility hit me properly.

I'm really excited about starting as an NQT, but I know that this summer is going to require a lot of reading up on and around texts I'll be teaching, and getting to grips with yet another new way of doing things: different planning styles etc.

Until then, I've been reflecting on my year.
More tips:

1. File as you go, especially in terms of providing evidence for the standards

2. Take a day off- I tried to take Saturday away from the PGCE. I did some baking or shopping or meeting people. It wasn't always possible, but I felt much better on the weeks when I did.

3. Ask for help. Ask other people on the course. Ask teachers. Ask friends who aren't doing the course. Ask the internet- Twitter's been excellent for me this year. No matter what's going on though, there are always people who'll help.

4. Be adaptable.

5. GTPs are amazing. So the GTP is being scrapped, but for me the GTP students at my placement schools have been amazing. They're in the same position as PGCE trainees, but have the experience of having spent most of their time in the school.

6. Do the essays as soon as you can. The PGCE does not offer the freedom of an undergrad degree where you can pull an all-nighter for the assignments, because they'll be due when you're in school.

7. See your friends who aren't on the course. Use the holidays or weekends to visit friends/have them over. I've needed the connection with the outside world.

8. Remember you're a trainee. You are not expected to know or do everything.






That's about all for now, although I may add to this later. Feel free to add your own tips in the comments.
I'm also looking for NQT year tips.