Teaching Assistant Review

I did work experience with the English Department at Littleover Community for one week. Mostly I was observing lessons, but as the week progressed I was asked to offer support with group work and take on a teaching assistant role in the classroom. I was assigned a form group to attend and support each morning, as well as several classes to observe each day ranging from year 7 to year 10. Part of my work experience included reading aloud from texts to the class and aiding teachers with demonstrations.

The work experience program helped my confidence and allowed me to get used to speaking aloud in front of groups of people and gave me chance to experience what it is like working with the secondary school age demographic.

I really enjoyed my work experience at Littleover and have since gone back to work as an exams invigilator, though I have decided not to pursue secondary education as a career. The teachers there are all fantastic and there's a great sense of teamwork and community at the school which makes for a very enjoyable experience when working there.

Having been back to work there temporarily since I do feel valued by the school and it is a place I love returning to for work in my summer breaks. My hard work there has been recognized by senior staff members and I feel like part of a bigger team whenever I'm there.

The work experience program itself was only a week long arranged by the head of English so involved no real induction or training, but my week there was very well organised, with a nicely structured timetable that included occasional free periods during which I could do my own work in the staff room as I was still studying for my A Levels at the time.

The head of English offered plenty of support, scheduling me in to several of his classes so that he could offer feedback on my performance as a teaching assistant and he was also available to answer any questions that I had throughout the week.

I don't think this question is applicable as I was only doing work experience for a week.

It was not paid work experience

I'm also not sure this question is relevant to my work experience placement

Yes

For anyone looking to go into teaching, work experience at a secondary school is invaluable, even if you decide that isn't the path you wish to take. Littleover Community School is a great school to work at with a great staff team and work ethic that will make you feel included and supported.

I was lucky enough to have my work experience arranged for me by a relative who works at the school, but it's not difficult to get in touch with the relevant heads of department if you are interested in a work experience placement. As far as I know most schools are fairly open to offering work experience to prospective teachers .