Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

Covering lessons in the absence of teaching staff. Behaviour management, delivering work to class and assisting students with set work, ensuring they stay on task.
Also creating displays and general admin tasks as required.

I arrive at the school by 8.30am, and await my timetable. Lessons start at 8.45am and there are a total of five lessons plus one tutor group per school day. The volume of cover depends on the number of staff out of school, but regularly I cover 4 lessons a day. This can be in any subject and any year group, but I might, for example, have two English lessons, one Drama lesson and one Music lesson. I arrive at the classroom, settle the pupils at their desks and explain to them the work that has been left. I take an electronic register, and then monitor the students work. The main job is to keep the students on task and to manage their behaviour. During time when not teaching lessons, I continue with any display work that needs completing, often designing the display and compiling content.

The supportive network created by the rest of the staff, and the opportunity to assist in extra curricular activities.

Managing the behaviour of the pupils. The students often enter into a mindframe that because their regular teacher is absent, they do not need to do any work. I have to establish my authority within the first few minutes of walking into the classroom, and continue to assert it throughout the lesson. I can be asked to deliver work that I'm not familiar with, within a subject I have limited knowledge of, and often due to the nature of the job, things can be very 'last minute' and subject to change at any time.

I am interested in pursuing a career in teaching, and wanted hands on experience in a school environment before I applied for any training.

I am constantly required to use my communication skills, balancing time and managing responsibilites. I work as part of a group, relaying information and feedback at the end of a lesson so that things are not left forgotten or lost in translation. The performance aspect of the drama side of my degree also plays a large part in my daily routine.

Training sessions on securing positive behaviour, peer discussions on useful tactics, the opportunity to observe colleagues in their lessons.

Sales Assistant at Lush Cosmetics

Wardrobe Manager at The University of Sheffield

Learning Support Assistant at The Hayfield School

I am planning on taking a TEFL qualification and teaching English abroad.

Apply directly to schools, they often welcome volunteers and run schemes to introduce people to the profession. Once inside the school, explore the avenues available and the opportunities they offer.