Work experience took place on the 8th - 12th of November 2010. I went to Scoil Mochua, which is my old primary school in Celbridge. I went here on Monday until Thursday because the school had a day off on the Friday. On the Friday, I went to Kids at Play playschool in Maynooth.
On the first morning of the week, I got up early to make sure I was organised and ready to go. I was quite nervous but seeing as I had attended the school for eight years, I knew some of the teachers and staff so it wasn't too intimidating. I went to see the vice principal as she was going to be my supervisor for the week. She told me that teachers throughout the school had been booking me in for their classes to do activities such as art and filing work. Most mornings I did office work such as photocopying and filing tests. This was the least enjoyable part of the experience but it was worth doing as
you see all the work the teachers must do behind the scenes :L Everyday I was in different classrooms ranging from junior infants, to sixth class. This was a great experience as I got to see the variations of teaching that applies to each class group. I realised while being in all the different classes that I enjoyed working with the junior end of the school more than the senior end. The juniors were less intimidating and easier to work with.
I have always wanted to be a teacher when I leave school, but after this week I know it's definately the career path that I want to take :)
On the last day of work experience, the Friday, I went to the Kids at Play playschool in Maynooth. This was a very interesting experience as you are working with children who are only learning how to interact with eachother. This was such a difference from being in the primary school as these children are only 3 and 4 in age. It was an enjoyable experience but I know that I don't want to be a playschool teacher, it's a challenging job to say the least :L
It is worth doing transition year just for work experience alone. It is such a great opportunity and really lets you see what you would like to do in the future :)
Ciara Xxx
