Placement Year

Surviving Your Placement

A school placement is your opportunity to put your learning into practice, build confidence in the classroom, and learn from experienced teachers around you.

This practical checklist covers some of the things worth thinking about before and during your placement, from preparing for your first day to observing classes and teaching your own lessons.

Before You Start

Research your school
Plan your route and know your travel time
Introduce yourself to the deparment/faculty
Arrive in plenty of time to set up your classes
Know where you’ll be teaching
Ask about a space you can use when not teaching

Teaching Your Classes

Ensure your observations and ASN support inform your seating plans
Talk to staff about your pupils, they know things a class list won’t tell you
Always have a starter task ready to go when your class arrives
Learn one fact about each pupil – they’ll appreciate you taking the time to get to know them
Reflect on each lesson. What went well and what could be better? Remember that no lesson is ever perfect.

Class Observations

Take lots of notes when observing your classes
Look at teaching and behaviour strategies used by the class teacher
Look out for class dynamics – who gets on well with who, who is likely to get distracted. This will inform your seating plans
Who needs extra support? Ask about ASN needs before you start teaching

During the School Day

Find the staff room and use it – try and get to know staff outside of your department.
Take your break AND lunch. It’s important to take time to switch off during the day.
If you’re not sure about anything, ask your mentor or a member of staff.