From Uni to the Classroom – Opogo Community

This comprehensive course is designed to equip university students with the essential skills and knowledge required to succeed in various classroom roles, including PGCE student, teaching assistant, cover supervisor, and exam invigilator. Through a series of focused lessons, participants will gain practical insights and hands-on experience to confidently support and enhance the learning environment.

Course Modules:

Safer Working Practice:
- Understand the principles of maintaining a safe and supportive classroom environment.
- Learn best practices for safeguarding and protecting both students and staff.
Effective Lesson Planning:
- Master the art of creating engaging and effective lesson plans.
- Explore strategies for differentiating instruction to meet diverse student needs.
Introduction to Educational Health Care Plans (EHCPs):
- Gain an understanding of EHCPs and their role in supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- Learn how to collaborate with other professionals to implement and review EHCPs.
De-escalation Techniques:
- Develop skills to manage and de-escalate challenging behaviors in the classroom.
- Explore proactive strategies to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Understanding the SEND Code of Practice:
- Familiarize yourself with the SEND Code of Practice and its implications for classroom practice.
- Learn how to support students with SEND effectively and inclusively.

Additional Recommendations: To further enhance your preparedness, we strongly encourage you to complete the “Keeping Children Safe in Education” course. Additionally, consider enrolling in specialized courses related to specific SEND areas, such as Autism, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and ADHD. In addition, if you are undertaking exam invigilation roles then you must take this course as well. These courses will provide you with deeper insights and strategies to support students with these conditions effectively.

By the end of this course, you will be well-prepared to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on students’ learning experiences.