We thought it might be useful to share answers to the following questions about P3 that have been asked by previous students.
- Are the end of phase expectations for Phase 3 the same as the Teachers’ Standards?
Yes, CARD 3 breaks the Teachers’ Standards down into smaller steps. This is now a summative assessment to ascertain that you are meeting the Teachers’ Standards and are therefore ready to be recommended for QTS.
- Why is the Mid-Phase 3 report so important?
This is the point at which your TM and VT identify if you are on-track to meet the Teachers’ Standards. This report will highlight any areas of concern that you will need to work on, in particular, so that you can evidence this by the end of the placement and be recommended to receive QTS. No student should have a nasty surprise at the end of the Phase 3 placement.
- If I am going into Y2 or Y6 for final placement, how do I manage the fact that the class will be very focused on SATs tests for at least a week of my placement?
Talk to your mentor initially about how you can support during this week and what it would be useful for you to observe. It may be a good time for you to go and observe in other year groups, while your class are busy with their tests. You will still have plenty of opportunities to teach, but your teaching may well be more focused on the foundation subjects, rather than English and maths, in the run up to SATs. Don’t worry too much about your teaching percentages and instead embrace the fact that you are able to experience another aspect of school life. You will probably find that you have an important role in supporting both the pupils and the staff, during what can be a stressful period.
- We have two preliminary days – can we begin to work on directed tasks during these days, as the teaching percentage rises quickly?
By now you have a good idea of what you need to prioritise during your preliminary days – familiarising yourself with the school, its ethos and policies; getting to know your mentor and the children in your class; identifying and starting to build relationships . You also need to carry out at least five observations of your TM during this period. Also, aim to plan your directed tasks during this preliminary period, so they can be completed early in the placement.
- What will happen if I have to miss placement days due to having an interview?
Taking time off to attend an interview would be an authorised absence. Please ensure that you inform the PGCE office, your PT and TM if you are going to be absent to attend an interview. However, should there be any concerns about your progress, at or up to the mid-phase review, there would need to be a conversation with your PT and VT to discuss whether missing days to attend interviews is actually having a negative impact on your progress towards meeting the Teacher’s Standards at the end of the Phase 3 placement. Clearly, it is important to prioritise passing the placement over securing your first teaching post, as without the first, you cannot move into the latter.