PGCE Upskilling: Do You Have What It Takes to Teach Students Aged 14+?

16/09/2021

PGCE Upskilling: Do You Have What It Takes to Teach Students Aged 14+?

Using your PGCE to teach teenagers and young adults is hugely rewarding. Not only do you get to help the next generation reach their potential, but every day will be exciting and different when learning to teach in secondary school. Young people begin to really develop their skills and personalities in secondary school and beyond, and you’ll be a part of this pivotal stage in their education. But not everyone has what it takes to effectively manage students aged 14+.

Here are just some of the traits that will be useful if you’re considering PGCE secondary training: 

Excellent communication skills

Soft skills are absolutely essential for learning to teach in secondary school, and you’ll need to focus on skills such as relationship building, teamwork, and even developing a good sense of humour. Good teaching practice is built on the working relationships between teacher and pupil, so you’ll have to create a positive dialogue in classes as well as in one-to-one sessions.

Adaptability and a flexible approach

Being flexible is something that every teacher will benefit from. This may be especially the case in secondary schools where you won’t see the same classes every day. Unlike primary school, where you become a custodian of one group of children, you will need to stay reactive and adapt to different personalities and classroom dynamics when learning to teach in secondary school.

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