Starting the PGCE course can be both exciting and overwhelming. Looking back, there are several things I wish I had known at the beginning that would have made the journey smoother. Here are some valuable tips and insights to help you navigate the course effectively.

Before the Course

1. Focus on Weak Areas

Feeling confident in your subject knowledge is the first step to becoming an incredible teacher. It may have been a while since you last flicked through a textbook or had to write a timed essay, so it’s crucial to get yourself as familiar with the content as possible. This preparation will save you from many late nights spent preparing for the next day. Focus on topics you may have forgotten, or those that have been added to the syllabus since you studied.

2. Discover Educational AI Platforms

Teaching requires a lot of paperwork and administrative tasks, from creating resources to marking students’ work. Exploring a range of educational AI tools designed by teachers is a great way to reduce your admin time and focus on what you really love: teaching! There are plenty of different AIs you can utilize, such as Google Gemini to generate ideas for lesson plans, Quizizz for assessing student work, and Diffit for creating adaptive resources.

3. Audit Your Social Media

It’s important to maintain boundaries between your personal and professional life, so consider setting your personal accounts to private. Trust me, students will go straight online to google you, so anything you don’t want them to know should not be accessible online. Take some time to audit your social media accounts to ensure your online presence is professional and reflects well on you.

Top Tips for Success

Be Organised

Organisation is key to staying on top of your coursework. Keep your materials, notes, and deadlines in order, and plan your time effectively. Tools like Notion and Google Calendar can help you manage these aspects efficiently. Establishing a system early on can save you a lot of time and stress. The sooner you have a system in place, the easier the course will be.

Be a Sponge

Beyond your university days, and CPD sessions, make an effort to engage with as many people as possible. This includes, not only colleagues in your own department but also teachers from different subjects. Take the opportunity to observe as many teachers as possible. By observing various teaching styles and classroom dynamics, you can glean insights and ideas that will enrich your own approach to teaching.

Build a Support System

Throughout your course, you’ll have the support of an incredible tutor, subject mentors, and professional mentors who possess a wealth of knowledge to assist you in various situations. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or advice from them, and engage in discussions about the progress you’re making.

Equally important is building connections with your peers on the course. No one understands the challenges and triumphs of teacher training quite like those going through it with you. Forge friendships with your fellow trainee teachers—they’ll be there for a stress-relieving chat or to help you out with a last-minute worksheet. The camaraderie and support from your cohort can make a significant difference in navigating the highs and lows of your journey into teaching.

Time Block

Remember to practice time blocking. While it’s easy to get absorbed in meeting the needs of students, maintaining your well-being is essential for being effective in the classroom. Schedule protected time in your week to engage in activities that recharge you, whether it’s sports, creative pursuits, or spending quality time with friends and family. By prioritising self-care and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, you ensure you’re at your best to support and inspire your students.

Enjoy the Course

Lastly, remember to enjoy the course. Make the most of opportunities like trips to other schools/colleges, guest speaker sessions, and university trips. (We business students went to London to take a tour of the House of Commons!). These experiences can enrich your learning and provide a break from routine studies.

Embarking on the PGCE is a significant step, but with these tips in mind, you can navigate it with confidence and success. Happy teaching!

Written by Lamis, current PGCE student at The University of Manchester

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