PGCE Mentoring and School Experience 2

Question 1

What does 'target setting' in PGCE mentoring involve?

Accepted Answer

Identifying specific, actionable areas for improvement in teaching practice, linked to the Teachers' Standards

Answer

Effective target-setting in ITT identifies precise, prioritised development areas in teaching practice and sets clear, time-bound goals aligned to the Teachers' Standards.

Question 2

What is a 'professional learning community' (PLC) and how might a PGCE trainee benefit from one?

Accepted Answer

A collaborative group of educators who share practice, reflect together, and support each other professional development

Answer

A PLC is a group of practitioners who collaborate to improve their practice through shared reflection and inquiry, offering trainees collegial support, models of practice, and professional dialogue.

Question 3

What is meant by 'professional conduct' expectations in the Teachers' Standards Part Two?

Accepted Answer

Standards governing teachers personal and professional conduct, including safeguarding, honesty, tolerance and not undermining fundamental British values

Answer

Part Two of the Teachers' Standards covers professional conduct: treating pupils with dignity; observing safeguarding duties; not undermining British values; maintaining appropriate boundaries; and being honest and trustworthy.

Question 4

What is 'Teach First' and how does it differ from a traditional university-led PGCE?

Accepted Answer

Teach First is a school-based employment programme where trainees teach from day one in challenging schools while qualifying, rather than a pre-service university-based programme

Answer

Teach First is a school-based employment route where graduates teach full-time from the start in schools serving disadvantaged communities, earning a salary while qualifying.

Question 5

What is the 'Early Career Framework' (ECF) and how does it relate to PGCE training?

Accepted Answer

A statutory entitlement to structured support, mentoring and professional development for newly qualified teachers in their first two years

Answer

The ECF (2019) guarantees all Early Career Teachers (ECTs, formerly NQTs) a structured two-year induction with a dedicated mentor, reduced timetable, and access to evidence-based CPD - a continuation of PGCE professional development.

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Mentoring and School Experience 2