Mastering the Classroom: A Trainee's Journey Through Placement 1
At the Rural Schools Alliance, our school-led PGCE programme is designed to immerse you in the realities of teaching right from the start. After building a strong foundation in their home school during the formative placement, our trainees then embark on Placement 1, gaining vital experience in a different school environment. We recently caught up with Paris, one of our dedicated Maths trainees, as he concluded his Placement 1 at Swanmore College, to hear about his progress, key learnings, and excitement for what's next. His insights offer a genuine glimpse into the transformative power of our programme.
Developing Confidence and Craft
Stepping into a new school for Placement 1 presents a fresh set of challenges and opportunities. For Paris, this period at Swanmore College has been pivotal in building his confidence in the classroom. While still utilising careful planning, he's found himself becoming "more organised" – a crucial skill in the fast-paced world of teaching. He attributes much of this growth to the high standards and clear expectations at Swanmore, acknowledging that while they can feel "full on," they are ultimately "for everyone's benefit."
A significant aspect of this placement has been Paris's focus on professional development beyond just lesson delivery. He's gained valuable expertise in professional etiquette, email communication, and effective collaboration with colleagues. Being treated as a valued member of staff has also been a highlight, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility. He speaks highly of his subject mentor, describing them as "brilliant - phenomenal; a great role model and really helped me plan lessons so that I can teach across ability groups." This deep, personal support is a cornerstone of the RSA experience.
Building Relationships and Managing the Classroom
One of Paris's profound realisations from this placement is the direct correlation between effort and reward in the classroom: "The more work you put into classes, the more you get out." A key part of this 'work' involves building strong relationships with pupils. He's learned that even small gestures, like remembering every student's name, make a big difference, fostering trust and a more productive learning environment.
His general classroom presence and ability to establish routines have also improved dramatically. Paris now ensures pupils understand "this is the way the class is going to run," leading to better behaviour management. He highlights how Swanmore College's clear school-wide rules simplify this, allowing him to consistently enforce expectations and reduce disruption. Furthermore, he's gained a keen understanding of the power of restorative chats, recognising their importance in achieving positive outcomes through honest conversations and mutual trust.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Greater Responsibility
As Paris concludes Placement 1 and prepares for his final placement back at his home school, his excitement is palpable. He's looking forward to taking on "more responsibilities" and applying the extensive lesson planning skills he's honed. He now feels equipped to "put in so that all pupils' needs are met," meticulously considering everything from key questions to ensuring appropriate resources, like "paper copies... on the right colour paper for them." His main aim is to continue proving his progress and diligently follow the established structure of effective teaching practices. Seeing his professional standards being ticked off as he puts them into practice provides immense satisfaction.
A Resounding Recommendation for Teaching
Despite the intensity of the training, Paris's recommendation to become a teacher is unequivocal: "Definitely!" He stresses the importance of early school experience to determine if teaching truly resonates with you. It's a career that demands passion, as it's a "long haul," and he advises asking yourself if you can "handle a full timetable?" and "Will you get satisfaction from doing this well?" Crucially, Paris also highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance by pursuing interests outside of teaching, even during training.
Paris's journey through Placement 1 at Swanmore College beautifully illustrates the transformative learning and unwavering support that define the RSA experience. It's clear that our trainees emerge not just as qualified teachers, but as confident, capable, and compassionate educators ready to make a genuine impact.
Inspired by Paris's journey? Take your own first step into the classroom!
Discover what it's truly like to teach by joining us for a Classroom Taster Day at Swanmore College. It's the perfect way to see our supportive environment in action.