“Student associates are a valuable asset to the teaching profession. They come into school full of enthusiasm and energy and provide a range of support for the staff. They can do so many tasks that ease staff workload, and which give the associates an understanding of what life as a teacher is like. It is not just delivering a lesson; it is all the preparation and the research that goes into that lesson. Associates can provide some of that for the teacher – and working together to explain the ‘whys?’ and ‘hows?’ gives the teacher an opportunity to refine the techniques they use and re-examine the way they do things.
Under the direction of a teacher, associates can help prepare displays, work on a one to one basis with a student, or work with a small group of students – valuable contributions in the classroom.
However, associates contribute more than that in a less direct way. They are currently working for a degree and are a valuable source of information for our students who are considering the next step in their education. They talk to students in the sixth form and give a real insight as to what student life is like, what will be expected of them. Students value this as it comes from people who are very near them in age, often from similar backgrounds and who are actually going through the process rather than being one or more steps from it.
This year our associates contributed to a two-day sixth form project on university applications. They talked to students, helped with filling in the forms and completing the personal statements. They also gave a presentation to explain what life as a student entails. Our students benefited from the two days, but it was enhanced by the direct input from the associates.
This is a system that gives associates a taste of what teaching involves. It allows them to see if it is appropriate for them, without the danger of undertaking a demanding post graduate certificate in education course only to find they are not happy with the prospect of teaching and leaving during the course, or not entering the profession at the end of it.
The Student Associates Scheme runs efficiently, supports our students and staff and provides a valuable experience for future members of the profession. The scheme also provides staff in South Wirral with opportunities for professional development, fulfilling the requirements of the new standards for teachers. It is a scheme that South Wirral High School is pleased to be part of and offer our continued support to.”
View more tdaNews for September 2008
