Teacher Training Personal Statement Example (Primary PGCE) 8

I am hard-working, confident and conscientious and have a keen desire to be a primary school teacher. Working every day at an after school club for primary age students has given me excellent experience in this field and confidence in my ability in it. I am organised, reliable and enthusiastic and I work well in a team. At the club I have developed my behaviour management skills; I have gained the confidence and trust of the children and we have a mutual respect.

My first formal experience of working in a primary school was during work experience, two years ago. This was a most rewarding experience for me; I quickly learnt valuable skills and the ability to be patient, self-assured and understanding when dealing with young people in a learning environment. Last year I returned to the same school to mentor a child with social and learning difficulties. This was an invaluable experience; I felt that I was able to build up Thomas's interpersonal skills and self-confidence.

Since September of this year I have worked every day as an assistant play worker at the same primary school's after school club. My role involves organising activities for a large number of younger children. Working at the club has given me the experience to deal with awkward situations, the ability to be flexible when working as part of a team and the skill of performing well under pressure.

I recognise the importance of having a good sense of humour to establish a rapport with the children and to take a positive approach in establishing good behaviour. I will be working at this school until the end of this year; for the past week I have been building on my experience with children by working full time with pupils in Years 3-6. Later in the year I will be working at a different school to widen my experience of the classroom environment.

At St Ivo School I have contributed to a wide range of student support groups. I have assisted on school field trips and in lessons; in recent years I have worked in the school's listening service helping younger students with social and academic problems to develop ability and confidence in themselves. Outside of school I was a member of the Scouting Organisation for nine years.

During the latter part of this time I volunteered in organising Beaver groups (for younger children) in evening activities, organised games and other events. I also learnt a wide number of outdoor pursuits whilst scouting such as kayaking, sailing and camping. I have similarly taken part in school productions such as, 'Oh What a Lovely War', which has given me a good deal of confidence in public speaking.

I have a real passion for English; I take a deeply analytical approach to textual study in lessons and enjoy reading for pleasure. Psychology has taught me how children think and has been of considerable benefit in developing my teaching skills. Similarly drama/ theatre studies have given me a good deal of confidence in public speaking and the ability to work in a team.

Teaching is a career that I have been working towards for many years; I have gained considerable experience in working with young people which has given me plenty of qualities and skills to draw on in a teaching course at university.