“It’s what I love.”
Alice Bell has always had a passion for teaching. She chose to study BA (Hons) English at Edinburgh Napier University three years ago with the view to apply for a postgraduate teaching course after graduation. In 2014, she was able to secure two placements through the Placements and Careers Office; the first for two days at George Watson’s College and the second a week long placement at St David's RC High School.
“I was in the classroom as an assistant. At Watson’s, I went round the class and helped the kids with what they were doing. They were working on a really interesting project on Botswana, which I helped with. I also helped come up with some ideas for crafts and things. At St David’s, I was a bit more hands on, we were given specific timetable slots and we spent an entire day with the students. I think it's the best work experience I've ever participated in.”
"I was terrified"
As with most of the students we’ve met, Alice says nerves were a big problem for her at the start of the placement.
“The first (pupils) at St David’s were third years, and I was really scared but I kept my composure because I’m so determined to become a teacher that I’m willing to calm myself down and get in to it.”
Alice says she settled in quickly. “Eventually it was completely natural, I was speaking to the kids really well. By the end of the week I was pretty much used to it and felt really at home there."
“The first (pupils) at St David’s were third years, and I was really scared but I kept my composure because I’m so determined to become a teacher that I’m willing to calm myself down and get in to it.”
Alice says she settled in quickly. “Eventually it was completely natural, I was speaking to the kids really well. By the end of the week I was pretty much used to it and felt really at home there."
“The thing about teaching is that it’s extremely competitive”
“You’ve got to have a lot of experience.” Alice told us, “But it doesn't put me off, it just makes me want to try even harder!”
“I’m just taking any opportunity I can get.” she says. “When this came up, I was pretty thrilled. It was only two days at Watson's, but it was really valuable and really good. Any work experience helps with your CV.”
In Alice’s case, she’s hoping the experience will land her a place on a PGDE course. “I think it’s really going to help with my application, it will make me stand out a bit more. I’ll have a lot to talk about in an interview.”
Alice also has a few hints for people about to go out on placement.
“You’ve got to be really confident. And smile, even if you’re scared! You’ve got to work really hard. The more challenging it is, the more you’ve got to throw yourself into it, because the end result will be even better. Take loads of notes! Ask loads of questions- even if you annoy them a bit! It’s an opportunity to find out about the job you want to do and see if it is right for you, so you’ve got to ask about every aspect of it”
Finally, we asked Alice what three words she thinks summed up her placements best:
“I’m just taking any opportunity I can get.” she says. “When this came up, I was pretty thrilled. It was only two days at Watson's, but it was really valuable and really good. Any work experience helps with your CV.”
In Alice’s case, she’s hoping the experience will land her a place on a PGDE course. “I think it’s really going to help with my application, it will make me stand out a bit more. I’ll have a lot to talk about in an interview.”
Alice also has a few hints for people about to go out on placement.
“You’ve got to be really confident. And smile, even if you’re scared! You’ve got to work really hard. The more challenging it is, the more you’ve got to throw yourself into it, because the end result will be even better. Take loads of notes! Ask loads of questions- even if you annoy them a bit! It’s an opportunity to find out about the job you want to do and see if it is right for you, so you’ve got to ask about every aspect of it”
Finally, we asked Alice what three words she thinks summed up her placements best:
“Rewarding. Scary. And Fun!”
