Information for Trainee Teachers.
Becoming a trainee teacher can be a daunting prospect with many things to take into consideration. You have process work, you have proposals to prepare, upcoming assignments and that's only the academic side! Then you also have to get ready for the classroom and practice to become an excellent teacher.
PGCESpain requires you to complete two separate teaching blocks both consisting of 5 weeks each, minimum. You should gradually acquire 50% of a classroom teacher’s timetable in TP1 and between 60-65% in TP2.
You will have a mentor to help and guide you as you progress (if you do not already have one please let us know ASAP so we can assist you with this).
You should start your teaching practice by observing other teachers, as many as possible and seeing lots of different age groups. For example, if you are going to be a primary teacher it is good to go and observe secondary teaching too, as it will help you to see where the children will continue their learning. If you're going to be a secondary teacher, do the same, observe in primary and observe their learning experience.
Your teaching practice will inform the third assignment for the University of Nottingham. It will give you the oppportunity to research and develop your skills as a Reflective Practitioner.
Your mentor will be an experienced teacher who has gone through the same process as you. Seek advice when you need it they are there to support and guide you on your way to being a fantastic teacher.
You can start off team-teaching classes with your mentor or another classroom teacher. Gradually over the five week block you should acquire 50% of a classroom teacher’s timetable. This will help you get as much experience as possible. Your mentor will observe you informally on a regular basis and formally at least every two weeks.
A formal observation means you prepare your lesson plan before the lesson and give it to your observer; once the lesson is over the observer will give you some feedback on the lesson. You should reflect on the feedback and your practice in that lesson. It's a good idea to compile your lesson plans as you go in a teaching folder, this will help you better your employment opportunities later. It is also helpful for you to evidence where you have met the ‘Attributes and Competences’ throughout your teaching blocks.
In your second teaching practice block you should start with 55% of the classroom teachers timetable an increase to 60 or 65%. You should do other duties around the school also, including: yard duty, lunch duty and form group, to get as much authentic experience as you can within the school.
One formal and official observation at the end of your teaching practice with feedback completed by either your mentor or someone in senior management is required. This information will be relayed to PGCESpain. It is also advisable to keep this on record for the future, in your teaching file.
Reflect on your lessons
As a student you will get access to our online portal where you can access lessons and webinars.
If you are a current student or have an offer from the University of Nottingham you can register to receive your online access using the button below.
Register Online Now
TP1 (5 weeks)
Week 1: Observe other teachers.
Week 2: Team-Teach and take sections of lessons.
Week 3-5: Increase up to 50% Teaching Timetable.
TP2 (5 weeks)
Week 1: Teach 50% of TT.
Week 2: Increase to 60-65% TT.
Final week: Official observation
and feedback.
I really enjoyed the research component of the course, in particular the modules about theories of learning and educational psychology. But more than that, it was just so valuable to be placed with an experienced mentor when I did my TP. The teacher I was placed with was extremely skilled and gave me really useful tips about classroom management, differentiation, mark schemes and so much else over the course of my placement. I really feel the PGCEi made me a better teacher.
Kelly PGCESpain and University of Nottingham graduate
I developed an interest in education after I moved to Italy which deepened further as I began to understand different teaching methods in different cultures. Fascinated by the variety of approaches I witnessed and ready for a career change, I discovered the PGCESpain on the internet and enrolled immediately. At the same time as I enrolled, I was offered a Teaching Assistant position with a school which enabled me to witness in the classroom the teaching methods that I was studying. I was fortunate enough to be working for 3 extremely dedicated teachers with years of experience whilst studying the theory with Nottingham University. The assignment topics were challenging and relevant to the teaching practice. Through the teaching practice and the weekend meetings with fellow students where we discussed all aspects of the course and our own development, I gained confidence, invaluable knowledge and friends who I am still in contact with. I am now in my 5th year of being a full-time teacher in Spain and enjoying the challenges of teaching.
Ruth Department Manager and Full-time Teacher