Let's Talk About...The PGCE Pressure

Let's Talk About...The PGCE Pressure

Written by @misscnewton

Reflecting during a pandemic, on my PGCE experience is pretty surreal. A PGCE requires determination, positivity and drive. You really do need to be motivated; teaching is so much more than a job and a PGCE teaches you just that. Be prepared to do your own research, create your own resources and ask the questions you want answering. All that being said, it has been the best experience; I had an amazing experience with incredible practitioners, “charismatic” children and amazing fellow trainees. If you are willing to give your all to the course and create a healthy work life balance, you will get the best out of your training year.



Before my PGCE I graduated and then spent two years working in adult mental health. Don’t be scared if you haven’t worked or volunteered in a school before, you will meet trainees from all paths of life. I won’t lie, my three closest friends on my course all worked as TA’s prior to the course and it can leave you feeling on the back foot. Honestly, do not fear. Nobody, no matter their experience, is an expert in their PGCE year (and most likely many years after that) you are all learning, and you all bring unique strengths to the classroom. One key piece of advice is not to compare yourselves to others, most likely you will not see your peers teaching and they won’t see you. Also keep in mind some people may only share their highlights, you will all have highs and lows; outstanding lessons and lessons that were, well, not fab. All of that is ok. Take in the highs and lows, use the highs to inform your practice further and take the lows as an opportunity to reflect and progress.



Lesson observations and feedback can be hard to get used to. It can seem daunting, and believe me I am the last person who wants to speak in public or be watched doing anything. However, trust me when I say you really do forget anyone is watching your lessons because you are so focused on the twenty to thirty children staring back at you. Remember, you are training and you will not get everything right (nobody is expecting you to!!). Go into your feedback sessions with an open mind. Good mentors will always balance the positives with the areas for improvements. One tip I would give is to always offer your own thoughts first both on what went well and what could’ve been better. Doing this means you are showing how reflective you can be of your own practice, and you can then compare your thoughts with your mentor. Feedback sessions, in my experience, were always relaxed and done in a chatty but purposeful manner where I could speak openly and feel completely comfortable. If you don’t feel comfortable or respected then talk to your course lead.



Relationships are key in this entire experience, and for your teaching career in general. The best piece of advice is to be on good terms with not only your mentor, but your TA too. The TA in my first placement school was an angel; she was always there to support me. Your TA can also be a really good person to go to if you don’t want to feel as though you’re constantly asking your mentor/class teacher questions. TA’s are an incredible source of knowledge so use them! (Deploying support staff is also a teaching standard you will have to evidence, so make the most of it).



Speaking of teaching standards, do try and get to know these. Your course will more than likely provide you with a print out of the standards but if not you can easily get them online. Knowing your teaching standards makes it easier to set and achieve targets, and identify gaps in evidence. To make sure you're fulfilling them get involved in everything. The more you’re involved in, the more evidence you have –it really is that simple. In my first placement I helped with plays, attended all staff meetings and helped out at discos. During my second placement I attended a school trip for a different year group to the one I was working in just because it would be a good experience. Don’t be afraid to ask to observe other classes or join in different activities!


Overall, stay calm and stay positive. I get super nervous for change and new experiences with new people, but my PGCE was the best thing I have ever done. Be organised, put everything in a diary/planner, ask every single question (no matter how obvious or silly it may seem), create a work life balance and don’t reinvent the wheel –use what’s out there online and in books!

But most of all soak up every little experience and let your passion shine through to the children.

The children are who we all do this for, never lose sight of that purpose.