Preparing for placement! (with a slight focus on SE2)
SE2 is right around the corner and, aside from panicking over Wider Curriculum and English assignments, getting files in order seems to have taken up most of my time. This would, of course, be much easier if I had sorted them after placement finished last year.
With that in mind, here’s the top things I did to get ready for SE2 that might help you get sorted…
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Files, files, files! 4 files, all sorted and organised. This year I got myself some brand new files to get the motivation to sort them all neat and ready. Last year I found that if you’ve got them set up with the contents list and each section organised then your whole time filing things away during placement will be much easier. Extra-wide file dividers are useful if you use a lot of plastic pockets like I do.
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Establishing travel arrangements. Last year I was on a mini-bus to Hull and back each day which, whilst the company was entertaining, did take a toll on me. This year I’m driving myself and another student to our school (that’s also near Hull). I’m looking forward to being able to decide when exactly when we will be arriving and leaving – last year we had to dash off for the bus a couple of times and never got the chance to get involved in after-school activities. Find out if you’re with anyone at the school and how you’re getting there. Oh, and don’t forget to submit the travel form if you’re claiming travel!
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New placement clothes! Looking smart is important too. I must admit I enjoy going out and buying new shirts and jumpers to wear on placement. Us guys are generally expected to go shirt/tie on their first day and then follow the guidelines of the school from then on (usually shirt/tie or jumper.) I’ve got myself a couple new ties, shirts and a jumper, along with some new trousers. Going on a new placement is a great excuse and it’ll take your mind off any stress looming in the back of your head!
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Research the school. I can’t stress this one enough – finding out how the school works and what topics they’ve been doing will go a long way to getting a jump-start on placement. In fact, this year my class teacher emailed me to specifically ask me to check the school’s website for her class page and long-term plan in order to prepare myself. Nothing will impress them more than rocking up on your first day and knowing what’s what without them telling you (just don’t overdo it and be a know-it-all!)
Hopefully that gives anyone who’s a bit worried about placement some hints on what they can do to prepare for it. Remember, most of all, to go in with a smile and enjoy yourself! Teaching’s what we’re all here to do, after all.
