'Every Child Matters' Primary PGCE

[kflute]

After taking the decision to apply for a Primary PGCE (I peri right now), I have got an interview date!!!!

This is where you lot come in and help me prepare!!!

We are interviewed in groups of 6, and the first thing we have to do is give a 1 minute presentation................yep that's not a typo!!! This has to be on 'how does 'Every Child Matters' affect the classroom teacher'

So I've read all the stuff about the governments 'every child matters', but now I need to know about what implications this has on the classroom teacher.

Can anyone help???

[princessmoose]

It's not very long so what you say needs to be good! Have you got any initial ideas?

[kflute]

Well, I know that it's all about seeing each child as an individual, rather 'a year three child does this, and a year 4 child does that'. It's about working out what makes them tick, what makes them want to learn, making them feel warm safe and comfortable and ready to work.

But what implications does this have on the classroom teacher? More paperwork I'm sure, but I'm supposed to be ebing positive!!!! I'm guessing that it lets the teacher get to know each child individually, their character etc. That's got to be the main thing surely. I spoke to a teacher who talked a lot about target setting, and individual targets for each pupil, so that they know exactly what they are aiming for. Oh, and it's about making the pupil aware that it's their responsibility as well as the classroom teachers that they achieve these.

Any more thoughts anyone??

[Steve Hopwood]

I suggest you find out what is currently meant by "Every Child Matters".

Out of curiosity, I just Googled 'Every Child Matters'; there are a number of reports with just this title highlighted just on the first page of results alone.

I think you need to know whether you are being asked to discuss the latest government initiative or display passion for your chosen profession. Ask some primary teachers; if they cannot help, how about asking the uni asking you to prepare the presentation?

Good luck.

[kflute]

I've done quite a lot fo reading about this, and know lots now. However, I'm fully aware that it'd be very easy to talk about how it benefits the child etc, but the discussion question is what are the implications of all of this on the classroom teacher.

I've spoken to some teachers, who have all had the same attitude.........'oh, that load of rubbosh.........another government initiative that gives us more paperwork..............' So they've not really been that helpful!!!!

[Steve Hopwood]

kflute said:

I've done quite a lot fo reading about this, and know lots now. However, I'm fully aware that it'd be very easy to talk about how it benefits the child etc, but the discussion question is what are the implications of all of this on the classroom teacher.

I've spoken to some teachers, who have all had the same attitude.........'oh, that load of rubbosh.........another government initiative that gives us more paperwork..............' So they've not really been that helpful!!!!

'Every Child Matters' sound like one of those impressive-sounding initiatives invented by a bureaucrat who would not recognise a real-life child if the little monster bit him on the bum. The extra paperwork will be that required to demonstrate that 'Every Child Matters' is being implemented by the teacher.

The big thing for my honorary daughter Kathy at the start of her teaching career has been differentiation. The lesson might have all children addressing the same body of information; differentiation has to be built into the lesson plan so that each child tackles the tasks in ways suited to them as individuals. My guess is that the uni are looking for your understanding of this.

I am speculating and could easily be miles wide of the mark. I will phone Kathy this weekend and ask for the salient points that need to go into a 1 minute presentation.

Watch this space.

[petite joueuse]

I'm not sure if this comes under the umbrella of Every Child Matters, but this is what we have to do at school currently....

If an inspector walks into the classroom, I need to be able to identify instantly any kids on the School Action/Plus register, any kids on the GAT (gifted, able and talented) register, any kids with specific medical issues (e.g. nut allergies). Also, I need to be able to find a pupil's CAT score and end of Key Stage target grades (obviously I haven't memorised these for the 200+ kids that I teach - but I do keep them in a file for handy reference).

One major impact has been on our marking. Even if we set the same homework for 30 kids, we have to give personalised, individualised feedback - including next-step comments and "can do" statements. As you can imagine, this could take forever, so in our school each pupil for each subject should have one detailed marked homework per half-term.

Do ask me if you need further info. I'm afraid that ECM (as with so many govt initiatives) feels like just another ticky-box thing that someone, somewhere has to check we are doing. I've been teaching for 16 years and I've lost count of how many initiatives I've had thrust upon me............

On a brighter note, I had 60+ pupils singing their hearts out to me today! Exhausting, but wonderful!

[kflute]

Thanks everyone. One of my pupils mum's is a headteacher, and she's emailed me a lod of stuff that's very helpful. I'm going to try and tackle it a bit now. It does all seem to be about teaching the same thing to 30 odd kids, whilst catering for every individual pupil..............so making lots of paperwork and extra lesson planning for the teacher!!! I won't say that bit though!!!!

If anyone else comes up with more sugestions, then feel free to tell me!!!!