Getting teaching work experience
Work experience is essential if you are applying for teaching, you will need to talk about it on your application. Usually you will need 1-2 weeks classroom experience (check individual training providers for their requirements) ideally in your chosen age range or specialist area.
Experience of tutoring, mentoring, TEFL, working in youth centres, after-school or holiday clubs and involvement in extra curricular activities such as drama or sport with the 5-18 age groups also shows interest in working with young people, and will help you determine which age group you want to work with.
Admissions tutors are looking for you to demonstrate not just that you have classroom experience but to see the insights you have gained about the rewards and demands of teaching, and your reflections on your suitability for this profession. It’s important to express your opinion on the different teaching and learning styles you have observed and the skills you possess. These include strong communication skills, time management, creativity and subject knowledge.
It is likely for any experience with young people you will need a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. It is possible the school may ask you to pay for this.
School and classroom experience
Many students choose to find their own opportunities and will contact schools near them or in a convenient location.
A few things to consider before you apply:
- There are lots of schools in Manchester, the ones nearest the University may get a lot of applications, so it might help to consider consider schools further away that you can access by public transport or perhaps your old school at home might look kindly on you?
- Use your contacts, does anyone in your family or friends group work in a school?
- Think about what time of year you are free, when schools will be open and what might be important in the curriculum at certain times of year.
- Consider what benefits you can offer the school. Why should they give you the opportunity, can you help with something specific e.g. languages, sports, science etc.
Search for schools:
- School Experience Information on arranging your own experience and internships
- Search and register for school experience near you Postcode search and filtering options by age group and subject.
- Independent Schools Council Search for Independent Schools
School based experience programmes:
- UMSU Provide opportunities in education
- University of Manchester Volunteer Hub Education related volunteering opportunities.
- Reachout! Volunteers for mentoring in schools and youth centres.
- Teach First Paid opportunities for students who are still at university.
- The Tutor Trust Paid tutoring opportunities in local schools.
- Citywise Volunteer mentoring opportunities in local schools.
Tutoring and other experience
- Search CareerConnect For part-time paid work in schools including tutoring opportunities and summer schemes. (Tip: filter for education opportunities)
- Leadership of Learning Education module through University College
- PGCE Taster Days and School Insight Days Information about events taking place in Manchester.
- Train to Teach Information sessions Check the Get into Teaching website for details of events taking place across the country.
