Reflection on KS3 Placement
I spent a week observing teaching and acting as a TA in a high school for a week after the Christmas holidays. One of the main things I learnt whilst on the placement was how the newly arrived year 7 pupils transition from primary school. I discovered that there were many systems in place to aid the transition. In the first week of term in September, the new pupils are in school by themselves for two days in order to adjust. They are also placed with some of their friends from primary school in tutor groups. I mainly saw techniques and skills that I have learnt throughout my time on the P.G.C.E. present in years 7 & 8, for example, collaborative learning, pair share, quiz quiz trade and group discussions. I believe high school teachers do this to ease the transition for these pupils and create an environment that is similar to a primary school classroom.
It is important that these strategies are used when year 7 pupils first arrive as later on in the school year, in years 9, 10 & 11, there is so much focus on G.C.S.Es there is little time for much else. One of the differences I noticed between primary and high schools was the focus on assessment. It seems as though high schools are very test and assessment focused. Teachers were continually commenting on subject knowledge needed for tests and exams, whereas in primary school, assessment for learning and the learning journey is more important that the summative assessment.
Overall I really enjoyed my time at the high school. It was a real pleasure working with and teaching older children. At times it was challenging, but I managed to pick up a few behaviour management strategies along the way.
It is important that these strategies are used when year 7 pupils first arrive as later on in the school year, in years 9, 10 & 11, there is so much focus on G.C.S.Es there is little time for much else. One of the differences I noticed between primary and high schools was the focus on assessment. It seems as though high schools are very test and assessment focused. Teachers were continually commenting on subject knowledge needed for tests and exams, whereas in primary school, assessment for learning and the learning journey is more important that the summative assessment.
Overall I really enjoyed my time at the high school. It was a real pleasure working with and teaching older children. At times it was challenging, but I managed to pick up a few behaviour management strategies along the way.