Marsha Said:

Can anyone advise the best way to get work experience in a primary school before applying for a PGCE?

We Answered:

Just go to the local schools or write to them - you will probably not get paid work as a Teaching Assistant unless they have a vacancy but at least you will be able to see what its all about! You only need to have knowledge and experience from a short period.
Incidentally, I would suggest that you speak to a teacher to find out about all the planning (long, medium, short term), monitoring, assessments, class and lesson preparation, marking, evaluations, inset, after school clubs etc. - all in addition to the very satisfying job of actually teaching the children! Many people don't realise what a heavy workload teachers have in addition to interacting with children. It certainly isn't 8.30 - 4.00, five days a week!

Olga Said:

I want to be a primary school teacher. How can I organise work experience in a UK primary school?

We Answered:

Go to your local town hall and ask for someone on the education committee for your area. In most areas, student teachers are in great demand. You'll be doing them a favour.

Vanessa Said:

work experience?.......primary school teachers!!!?

We Answered:

What is this in regards to? You cannot teach unless you have a valid teaching license, so I'm a bit confused by your question. If you are doing an internship for your Masters degree, you have to teach a class for a specified amount to time which is prescribed upon you.

Helen Said:

can you list the best and worst points of doing work experience in a primary school or a daycare center?

We Answered:

I would recommend a primary school.
I've just finished doing mine in a primary school with reception kids who had just started school.

If you're good with kids then you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

I would recommend a school simply because they're generally slightly more advanced than those in day care centre, and you can chat to them a bit easier and they're more likely to respond.

I loved all the little things, like watching them play with each other outside and playing frisbee with them. I also liked the fact that they wanted me to play with them, drawing pictures and getting them to write their names on pictures that they made for their parents.

It is honestly one of the best things you could choose.
As long as you're willing to get involved with them and make them feel at ease with you, you should be fine.
Also the teachers may ask you to do some littel errands, eg laminating some papers, cutting, sticking. It might be boring but it all pays off in the end.

Good luck :)

Pedro Said:

Applying to schools for primary work experience...?

We Answered:

Hi Dan!

I am from a different country, but also involved in the teaching field. I would suggest contacting the Human resources department of each school district and asking if there any opportunities in teaching assistants. In the U.S. most of the teaching assistant positions require a degree and a teaching credential. I can't speak for the UK though, but I I am very sure the HR department would be the best place to look.....maybe Craigslist under "Teaching" type in assistant. I have seen many positions pop up.

Best of luck to you!