pgce

[chin85]

I'm in my first year of university and would like to go on to do a PGCE after my third year. Does anyone have some suggestions about getting experience working with children other than going to a school?

[Lillabet]

Getting a placement in a school even for a week or two would probably be helpful - not just in terms of working with kids but also in terms of seeing the reality of a teacher's work. Your university terms should allow you to do this, but I guess that you know this anyhow.

Other ideas - contact local scout / guide groups and ask about helping out / training as a leader.

Contact your local council and ask about youth groups / after school clubs etc that might need volunteers or workers. Also keep an eye out for youth worker jobs - these are often part time - in the local papers or on council internet sites.

Depending on your interests find out about groups such as local football leagues or if there are youth drama groups such as the National Youth Theatre operating in your area and look to volunteer / work with them.

Get a holiday job somewhere that involves a lot of interraction with children  - leisure centre, child friendly tourist attraction / holiday park etc.

Be aware that any sort of job which involves children is likely to involve you needing a police check. In any role where you might be alone with children this will need to be fully complete before you were able to start. So it could take a little while to get started depending on how quickly your local force is capable of processing such things. But any of the above could be of use.

[Dom Tuk]

Working in US holiday camps is also fun

[m81]

did my pgce last year & worked for a kids summer camp and volunteered at the childrens ward at my local hospital as well as schools